The story of Shaggy Dog Market can be traced back to its mascot, a goldendoodle named Zuzu. “About four years ago, about the time that I got Zuzu, I got really interested in canine nutrition,” owner Craig Barron said. “I had always tried to feed my dogs good food but when I got Zuzu I was like, ‘I want to step it up.’” Barron left Austin for Buda not long after and decided to branch out from a career in real estate. Shaggy Dog Market opened in May 2017 and quickly became a success. “I can’t say enough about the local support from people in Buda,” Barron said. “They are so good about loving local business.” Barron set out to be different from the big chain pet stores that dominate the area. “What sets us apart from a Petco or PetSmart is that we give very personalized service,” he said. “We will talk as long as someone needs to about what their dog’s needs are.” The store’s inventory is carefully curated. Shaggy Dog sells dry food as well as freeze-dried and raw-frozen food, all from “great companies with high integrity,” Barron said. The store also offers leashes, collars, toys, treats and chews. Shaggy Dog’s two self-serve dog washing stations are also popular, Barron said. Each has its own room, making it possible to bring in more than one dog to bathe, or dogs that do not get along with other dogs. Shaggy Dog staff will even help customers get those dogs to the back of the store without having to encounter other animals. The store has done so well that Barron is opening a second Shaggy Dog Market at 22510 I-35, near downtown Kyle. Other than one additional dog washing station, the new store will be just about the same as the original, building on its success. Barron said he looks forward to better serving a wider number of people. “We love being part of the community,” he said. Shaggy Dog Market 3420B FM 967, Buda 512-312-4339 www.shaggydogmarket.com Hours: Mon.-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.