October 18, 2007 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or Winner of Two |
Make a clean break; wash your best friend at new phillydogspot
This is what movies used to be made of: girl meets boy, girl and boy start a business, girl and boy become engaged, and wedding plans to be made. This is what the last six years have been like for two Dartmouth College English majors who now call Chestnut Hill their home. Kelsey Rush and her fiancé, James Turner, not only live in Chestnut Hill, but also have opened one of the hottest businesses on the Hill — phillydogspot — a “dog-centric” business that offers do-it-yourself dog washing, organic treats, toys and drop-off dog care service. “We basically do everything here but cut the dog’s hair,” says Rush, washing Carter (aka The Puppins), a Boston Terrier, in her raised wash tub. “We have professional dog grooming equipment for your use. You can use the tub, which is raised high enough so you don’t have to bend down and strain your back, and you have your choice of many professional-grade dog shampoos and conditioners. Once you’re done, you can use our towels and doggy dryer to dry off your dog, and that’s it. You leave the mess with us.” As Carter is pampered by Rush with warm water and shampoo, the scent of apple fills the air. James Turner sits in a stool near the bath and calms one of the couple’s own dogs, Bellini, a baby-powder white Coton de Tulear, a small dog that resembles a Maltese. “This breed isn’t recognized in the United States yet,” says Turner. “A breed has to have a significant presence in the United States before gaining AKC registration.” Recognized or not, Bellini is a well-mannered, quiet dog who adds a bit of canine cred to the place, gently cradled in a cushy dog-bed chewing on an organic, chewy treat. Rush continues, “People love clean dogs. Our pets aren’t treated the way our grandparents treated their pets — kept in the backyard. People now share their pillows with their dogs, and our place makes it easier to keep your pet clean.” Rush, who is originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, also has also studied pre-med at Bryn Mawr College. But when she started her medical school applications, she realized she “wasn’t interested in moving on so quickly.” Instead, she was ready to indulge her canine obsession. The couple moved to Chestnut Hill in 2005 so that James could attend law school at Temple University. “We were walking our dogs, Bellini and Fenway (another Coton de Tulear),” says Rush, “and we saw the sign to rent [this] place. We had been thinking about starting a business like this, and when we saw the sign, we decided to do it.” phillydogspot, located at 8640a Germantown Ave. (just around the corner from the Edward Jones Investment firm), could also be described as a full-service dog spa. In addition to the professional dog-washing tub, they have everything you need to clean your dog: ear cleaner, a waterproof apron (“the most necessary part,” says Rush), shampoos, conditioners and help with nail trimming. “And it’s quick,” notes Turner. “A medium-sized dog is out of here in 30 minutes.” Both Turner and Rush spend much of their time researching the products both use and sell in their store. “We only carry products that we have fallen in love with ourselves.” In addition to the dog wash, phillydogspot carries all-natural, human-grade treats and chews and other dog-centric products. “Business has been great,” says Turner. “We’ve completely fallen in love with Chestnut Hill, and we’ve had a steady flow of customers since we opened this past May. It’s surprising how quickly people become addicted to the dog wash.” “When people want to wash their own dogs I let them have the run of the place,” adds Rush. “I’m here if you need me, but people really enjoy washing their dogs themselves. I’m so glad we opened the place.” For more information about phillydogspot, call Kelsey Rush and James Turner at 215-268-7944, email them at phillydogspot@gmail.com, or visit their Web site at www.phillydogspot.com.
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