Edmonds shopping center has a host of shops for pet lovers, with businesses thriving despite a down economy

EDMONDS — So many pet-oriented businesses make their home at Firdale Village that the shopping center might be more accurately dubbed Fur-dale Village.

At one end of the center is City Kitty, a grooming salon exclusively for cats, at the other is The Dining Dog, a full-service cafe and bakery for the barking set. In between is a pet-centric acupuncture practitioner, a trainer, a dog groomer and Splash Dog, a warm-water therapy center. A doggie day care center is expected to open in April.

Each business is capturing its specific niche, despite the slumping economy, owners say.

“The economy has not affected me at all,” said Adrienne Kawamura, owner of City Kitty. “Last year was a banner year. I make a good living and I am very grateful. I simply try to out-do my work each time with each cat.”

Kawamura opened the business in 2000 with a plastic chair and a $12 blow-dryer. She also brought years of cat showing experience. “Everyone thought I was crazy starting this business,” she said.

A cat grooming business was a natural outgrowth of her showing days. “Judges always commented on my grooming,” she said.

Now grooming pets stretches her creativity in an effort to find the feline comfort zone. “Cats don't accept change well. It stresses them,” she said. To reduce the stress, the services at City Kitty include aroma therapy, meditation music and dryers that have reduced noise and heat functions. A service — bath, nail trimming, ear and teeth care — averages $50. Kawamura services about 50 cats per week.

On the other side of the center is The Dining Dog, owned by Dorothy Moore. The former restaurant worker, donning a classic white shirt and black skirt, now waits on dogs in her cafe and bakery where canines are king.

Her business began with crafting specialty cakes for pups as a sideline. Receiving more orders than her home kitchen could handle, she sought a location where she could flesh out her vision — chandeliers, tables and chairs, white table “cloths” and “gold” serving platters — for people to enjoy time with their pets.

“When I first started, my feelings got hurt,” said Moore, who opened the business in 2005. “Dog restaurants are not for everybody. Some people still think I'm nuts, but if you are a dog lover you love it.”

The Dining Dog has caught the eye of television's Fine Living Network. Moore said the concept will be featured in April, despite the fact that the only “people food” available is through delivery from area restaurants.

Moore produces the canine-specific menu items, renting commercial bakery space from Kitty Hugs in Shoreline and purchasing some specialty desserts from Marysville-based Paws Gourmet. Items include mocktail beverages and appetizers ($3), entrees ($6-$8), desserts ($1-$6) and specialty cakes ($3-$12). Items are available for take-out.

The most interesting seatings Moore remembers was 50 basset hounds and a four-course holiday meal of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding served to residents of Lynnwood-based PAWS.

Partnering with Leigh Anne Hardey's Splash Dog and a Firdale Village-based masseur (for humans), Moore occasionally offers spa days. Dogs and their humans can enjoy a 10-minute side-by-side massage.

All of these pet-centric businesses have landed in Firdale Village due to mutual attraction, said Shiao-Yen Wu, owner of the shopping center. “Myself, I'm an animal lover. I'm just crazy about them.”