Getting students excited about manufacturing
‘Reclaiming’ Grand Avenue through retail
November 11, 2024
EAGLE RIVER – Eagle River might be a tourist town for humans, but thanks to a family owned pet boutique and spa, their furry friends are woofing about it as well.
Co-owner Ryli Dishno said Eagle River Pet Company – located at 113 East Wall St. – offers a natural, holistic approach to pet care, and carries several pet products.
Filling a need
Though Dishno went to school for dental hygiene, she said she found quickly that it wasn’t a trade she could do for the rest of her life.
So, she said she and her husband, Josh, came up with the idea of a pet boutique and spa.
Dishno said she loved having pets throughout her life, and the store represents something she always wanted to do, but didn’t know if it was a realistic venture.
However, when the couple got their puppy, River – who is also the store mascot – Dishno said they were ordering many of their supplies online.
It was then, she said, that she realized the area didn’t have a dedicated pet supply store.
Though she knew when opening Eagle River Pet Company that there was a need, Dishno said her expectations continue to be blown out of the water.
Since she didn’t have a business background, Dishno said much of what she’s learned so far has been learned on the job.
“Everybody thought we were crazy,” she said. “We both quit our jobs, and we just went for it, and here we are. I wouldn’t change it.”
Growing into a retail store
Dishno said their initial vision for the store was to focus more on grooming and have a small portion of retail.
However, now she said they’re at the point where they can’t fit any more product in the store, and its grooming schedule is consistently filled.
Though the original plan was to focus on trendy pet items – which she said were “all the rage” – Dishno said over time, the business has transitioned to more of an overall pet supply store complete with food, treats, toys and specialty supplies for dogs, cats, fish and birds.
“We’ve actually expanded our store once to make more room, and now we have three groomers,” she said. “We even have a groomer that rents a spot from us, too.”
Looking at how the business has grown in the two and a half years since it opened, Dishno said she can’t help but smile when she looks at the full store.
With a consistently full grooming schedule – with many clients booking into next year – she said that is the next item on her to-do list she plans to tackle.
Quality matters
With the shop’s natural, holistic approach to animal care, Dishno said they work exclusively with Wisconsin-based companies like Fromm, American Natural Premium and Stella & Chewy’s for their dog food, as well as for the store’s variety of healthy toys, foods and treats for your cat, fish and birds as well.
Dishno said they also stock frozen and freeze-dried raw foods.
“When it comes to dogs, there’s a lot out there that have allergies that show in certain ways that people don’t realize are allergies,” she said. “A lot of it comes from dog food and the fillers and things that they put in dog food.”
The brands, she said, are natural, organic, single-ingredient type foods and treats – and while sometimes more expensive, Dishno said she believes it’s the quality of products that set Eagle River Pet Company apart and keeps customers coming back.
“We really just try to bring the best products that we can while keeping the price as low as we can,” she said. “We know times are tough, and we know you want to keep your pets healthy and happy, too.”
In addition to the store’s high-quality products, Dishno said their family focused customer service and the long-lasting friendships they’ve built have contributed to Eagle River Pet Company’s success.
“Sometimes a customer will come in to buy something, but then they sit here and talk for a half hour,” she said. “I feel like the personal connection helps us stand out, certainly more than a big box store.”
Dishno said new customers are often impressed with the store’s variety – especially the unique items like lamb parts, freeze-dried quail, duck heads and even chicken feet.
Community support
Dishno said she praises her community both far and near for the support they give being a consistent customer base.
She said it’s rewarding to have repeat customers coming back to the store time and time again for their essentials and special occasion items.
The support, she said, goes both ways as well, with Eagle River Pet Company regularly contributing to Totally Pawsome – a pet food pantry – and the other rescues in town who all work together to do their best for the pets in the area.
In addition to its regular donations, Dishno said a donation bin is available at the store for customers who choose to donate.
For more on Eagle River Pet Company, visit eagleriverpetcompany.com or find the store on Facebook.
