By Melanie Cane

Is there room in downtown Rye for another groomer/pet boutique? Debra Love, owner/operator of Woof Gang Bakery, a 3,000-square-foot store at 62 Purchase Street, thinks so.

This is the first New York location for Woof Gang, a rapidly expanding franchise of 100 stores across the country. Love chose Rye because “it has a lot of foot traffic and health-conscious pet lovers. All the pet food and treats we carry are high-quality and human-grade.”

Store manager Melissa Grouse is a veterinary technician and animal nutritionist who can help select the best diet for your pet.

Woof Gang specialty is dog grooming. Schedule an appointment or just walk in, says head groomer Alexis Medina. They offer a variety of packages from mini to luxury and cage-free grooming for friendly dogs, who can stay in the front of the store or relax in a large back room while waiting to be groomed or picked up.

The shop had a soft opening last month, but they welcome the community to their grand opening May 19 from 9-6. The first 20 people to arrive with their dog will receive a year’s worth of free dog treats. Every guest can enjoy refreshments from The Rye Country Store and Starbucks, as well as free dog treats and samples.

One of the special guests is Geoffrey Tischman of Tischman Pet Photography, who has done so much to support pet rescue through his talented eye. There will be activities for kids, including cookie/biscuit decorating.

Love, who has two rescue dogs of her own and has been volunteering for rescue groups for a decade, has also invited representatives from SNORT, NY Pet Rescue, and Wagging Tails Rescue, along with a few of their adoptable dogs, to the opening.

Thinking ahead, Love plans to offer activities for pets and their families on a regular basis — ice cream socials, Yappy Hour, an afterhours social for dogs and their owners, and doggie birthday parties.

Caption

Melissa Grouse, manager; Debra Love, owner; and Alexis Medina, head groomer, inside the newly opened Woof Gang Bakery.

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