NOT ONLY IS pet ownership in the U.S. on the rise, but there’s strong data out there (yes, people keep track of this stuff) showing that owners increasingly prefer pet-friendly destinations when they travel and shop. According to a survey by Better Cities for Pets, 79% of customers value pets being welcome in businesses and nigh on half (49%) are more likely to visit a business that’s pet-friendly than one that’s not. While optical retail has one very large foot in the medical world and having a furry friend around isn’t going to work for every business, when we asked how many of you had a four-legged customer greeter on duty, the response was huge. (Another thing we learned — you guys sure are dog people! Though, there were a few fish mentions…) We hope you enjoy this roundup of shop pets and the tales of joy and companionship they bring to their ECP humans.
A Child’s Eyes
Mechanicsburg, PA
A Child’s Eyes hit the social media jackpot with Truffles, an adorable office cat who tries on eyewear for kids and became a viral video sensation in late 2019 (for more on Truffles: invisionmag. com/062106). The practice is currently breaking in a second furry friend and eyewear model for their pediatric patients — meet Gumdrop!
Huxley Optical
Minnetonka, MN
Owners Ryan Polehonka and TJ Chanthasene have bestowed the official title of Huxley Brand Mascot on their pit bull/corgi mix, Randy. He features prominently in their socials modeling eyewear and is a fixture at events such as Rosedale Mall’s “Dog Days,” rescue animal fundraisers and Pride events.
Eyestyles Optical and Boutique
Oakdale, MN
Sophie is a rescue Blackmouth Cur who loves kids and zips around just fine on three legs, according to Eyestyles owner Nikki Griffin. “Her favorite spot is the sun in front of the door, so we have a sign showing if she’s in or not. She people-watches from her post and will try to beat patients to the sofa. Kids love her and the patients spoil her rotten. OK, maybe I do too.”
Optical Oasis
Jupiter, FL
Meet Roxie, whose presence at Optical Oasis takes the total number of staff (including owner Julie Uram) to two. “It’s so funny to me how customers come in and walk by me to see her. She has been at the shop since she was a baby and loves it,” says Uram. “I have no employees and it is so comforting knowing you’re not alone. She is the best thing I ever did for my being.”
Specs By Kyla
Atascadero, CA
Kyla Skinner’s husband bought her Poppy, a corgi puppy, as an anniversary present two days before she opened Specs by Kyla. “I thought he was crazy, but turns out he was super smart as a puppy is the perfect icebreaker and it helped relieve the awkward feeling I had opening my own business,” she says.
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Swell Vision Center
Leland, NC
One of the most important members of the team at Swell is Horatio (full name Horatio Fizkin Scibal), a “very well-behaved, found in a trash can, beautiful rescue dog who is the official greeter,” according to owner Dr. Craig Scibal. Horatio features prominently in marketing material, and behind the front desk there’s even a painted portrait of him at the phoropter getting his eyes checked. Customers love him; one even gifted Scibal a set of hand-painted wineglasses bearing Horatio’s face. Horatio had a serious health scare in late 2022 but pulled through and is still calling the shots as the practice “CEO” on three legs.
Niche Eyewear Boutique
Vancouver, BC, Canada
When he’s not volunteering as an emotional therapy dog, customers come in to say “Hi” to Niche Eyewear’s store mascot Biscuit, who frequently graces the boutique’s social media posts, and even gets to make his own top eyewear picks. “Biscuit is paw-sitive that you will find exactly what you are looking for,” Niche assures customers.
A Proper View
Winston Salem, NC
Official office greeter Watson has had his duties scaled back at A Proper View of late. “A card-carrying member of the anxiety society,” according to optician Kelsey Bredice, one day the poor dog had a run-in with “a very scary FedEx driver who dropped a box and ever since then he can be wary of people. So, patients don’t get to see him anymore, but we still do! Our sweet boy Watson!”
Capital Eye
Austin, TX
Here’s one pooch who knows all about the importance of eyecare. Say hi to Uno! “As you can see (pun intended), eye protection is highly important for the only eye he has!” says Gayle Bergthold, lead optician at Capital Eye. “Look at that smile in his sunnies!”
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