The K9 Shop, a local phenomenon in the raw dog food movement, is further expanding its footprint on Long Island.
Work is already underway for an East Northport location at 370 Larkfield Road.
This will be The K9 Shop’s fourth location, second franchise operation, and the very first one on the North Shore.
The new shop is expected to open later this winter.
“Ive been a customer quite a while now,” said Michael Charity, 68, of St. James, a newly minted K9 Shop franchisee. “I love the product. Dogs do very, very well on raw food. I’ve had dogs on kibble that were always sick and at the vet, ear infections, skin problems.
“I switched over to raw, and all of those problems have gone away.”
Mutual trust
Robert Tucker of Bay Shore, who started The K9 Shop with his wife, Anya, grew their business as a passion project, from a garage to their first brick-and-mortar location in Massapequa in 2018.
They soon opened another store in Bohemia to better serve Suffolk County, and later partnered on their first franchise operation in Lynbrook. Click here to read their full story.
Along the way, Charity became a regular.
Like many regulars, he also became a friend.
So upon looking for something to do upon retirement, Charity inquired about opening his own K9 Shop closer to his home on the North Shore.
“I wanted to do something I was passionate about,” he said.
East Northport was the ideal location.
And for Tucker, Charity was the ideal owner.
“I liked the fact he was already a customer, he already understands raw, what species-appropriate food is all about, and he wants to spread the word,” Tucker said. “He is a true ambassador for the whole raw movement.”
It was also good for both to know the Lynbrook shop has been so successful.
“They’re exceeding their numbers,” Tucker said of Lynbrook, “bringing in new clients every day while helping to spread the word, dealing with misconceptions and educating people.
“We believe that everything is healed from the inside out, and it starts with what they eat.”
All about raw
“It’s all about feeding them what they’re meant to eat,” said Anya Tucker. “Dogs were meant to be ripping and tearing. This is human-grade food, the only difference is it has bone and organs in it, which is where they get most of their vitamins and minerals.”
To that end, offerings at The K9 Shop include not only balanced meals, but bones, fish, farm eggs, whole prey and DIY raw chunks — with food also coming in from local farms. That includes duck necks, turkey necks, rabbit parts, and chicken feet, to name a few.
“This is as Mother Nature intended it,” Anya said. “People can see the results in their dogs’ health, coat, behavior. They see the dogs’ changes … yeast problems, ear problems, hot spots, gone. Their teeth are cleaner…
This is opposed to kibble, an actual trend that has lasted over a century.
Why kibble? Because it’s just too easy. Open the bag and pour.
“It was created as a convenience, just like McDonald’s was created for us,” Robert said. “People wanted something quick that they could dump in the bowl and get going. The difference is, we’re well aware McDonald’s isn’t good for us.” (And we would never eat it every day.)
A top priority for all K9 Shop employees is education, not only about the dangers and dark secrets of kibble and canned, cooked food — but the real benefits of raw, natural food and supplements.
What’s next?
Currently, Charity is getting his own education. He immediately began his extensive training upon inking the franchise deal.
But the education truly never stops, as new research is always emerging.
“If the dog owner is educated, they can make the right decision,” Charity said. “And maybe it’s not right for everybody, but at least they’re educated and can make the best decision possible.”
But he’s excited for the challenge — and to keep learning.
“Also, I wanted a place where I can bring my dog to work everyday,” he said with a smile.
Check back at greaterhuntington.com for updates.
Top: Robert Tucker and Michael Charity, along with Charity’s 4-year-old Newfiedoodle, Andrew, at The K9 Shop in Bohemia. (Michael White)
