Outside of pet stores, the family dog is rarely a welcome shopper — but Littleton’s Aspen Grove shopping center has taken a different approach.
The shopping center, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, has been dog- friendly since it opened 10 years ago, promoting events around customers’ dogs.
About 45 stores display dog-friendly decals showing leashed dogs are welcome.
Marketing director Kim Cronin said the one-of-a-kind events have included a mass doggy wedding called Bow Wow Wedding Vows, with canines dressed as brides and grooms.
Another was the Paws and Claws Runway Rescue, a fashion show with dogs showcasing retailers’ fashions to benefit the new Humane Society of the South Platte Valley.
When Cronin came to the mall in 2008, she developed an annual Children’s Art Contest for storefront decals advertising the dog-friendly policy.
“Due to the fact that we are dog-friendly,” Cronin said, “I do believe we attract a customer who is open to that policy. For the most part, our policy is well-received by the community because it reflects and supports our mission of being convenient and friendly.”
Susan Pendergast and her boxer, Barbie, were shopping at Aspen Grove last week.
“I really go out of my way to give my business to the stores who welcome dogs,” she said.
Customers are encouraged to bring their costumed dogs on Halloween to Trick-or- Treat Street.
Allison Leyn, co-owner of the Cali and Mo store, likes the concept, as does her partner, Vicki Raichart.
“That never bothered me — to have dogs in our store,” she said. “I just think it’s a nice way to get people in.”
Most retailers have water in bowls outside their shops, allow leashed dogs inside and even provide doggy treats.
There are Mutt Mitt Dispensers outside so customers can pick up after their dogs.
“Mabel, my bulldog, was pretty much raised at Aspen Grove,” Cronin said.
Daniel Smith: 303-954-2671 or dsmith@denverpost.com
