Some of you may have noticed a new face behind the counter at Petagogy. As owners of an independent store, we try to be as hands on as possible. And when it came time to hire our first employee, we wanted to make sure it was someone who could take care of our customers as well as we try to. Please welcome Allison Stetz, the newest face at Petagogy! Besides Allison’s obvious love for all animals (which many of your furkids have probably experienced firsthand when she is working), her knowledge of pets and healthy pet products made her an obvious choice. We asked Allison (or “Alli,” as she’s known), a few questions so our customers could get to know her a little better.
Q. Tell us a bit about your background.
A. I’m from a small town outside of Buffalo, NY. I came to Pittsburgh in 2007 to attend the Art Institute for photography. I love Pittsburgh because, coming from an extremely small town, the city life is a fresh change.
Q. What are your favorite things to do in the ‘burgh?
A. Since I run a dog rescue and have three dogs of my own, a good portion of my activities are dog-related. I love taking my pups to Frick Park! They love walking the trails and meeting new dog friends and I love seeing them exhausted after a full day of fun. OBVIOUSLY we love coming to Petagogy for doggie soft serve!
Q. What kind of animals (two- and four-legged) do you call family?
A. I have three boy bullies: Biggie, an American Bulldog/Pit Bull mix; Yogi, an American Bulldog/Lab mix; and Mikey a Pit Bull/Husky mix. The bullies have kitty brothers Mountain Lion and Mini Kitty. I also have an Asian Box Tortoise named Body Drop who is 26 years old! Plus, I grew up with a Bichon and a Chi mix!
Q. Tell us about Biggies Bullies.
A. Biggies Bullies started when I rescued my first Pit Bull/American Bulldog mix Biggie from being a bait puppy in 2008. After rescuing him and realizing how many more innocent bullies were out there that needed help, I couldn’t stop trying. I had always brought in strays as a child and helped whenever I saw a dog in a need, but that little puppy Biggie changed everything for me. Soon after I rescued Biggie, I was fostering dogs and working at Animal Friends. I still wanted to do more so I officially started my own non-profit rescue, Biggies Bullies. Our rescued bullies live in foster homes until adopted, as we understand that each dog is special and requires individual care. We also have an extensive adoption process so we can make sure the adopter is the right fit for our special bullies. Biggies Bullies’ mission is to give wonderful dogs a second chance, help change the public opinion of the American Pit Bull Terrier and educate society on the importance of spaying and neutering dogs.
Q. What else have you done with animals in the past?
A. When I was fourteen years old I started my first job as a pet sitter. I have always volunteered at the local SPCA and I’ve worked for a variety of local doggie daycares, shelters and groomers. I’ve also worked alongside one of the best police dog trainers in Western New York.
Q. What is your philosophy on feeding your pets and what food do you feed your own pets now?
A. All three of my bullies have some sort of allergy or intolerance. It took almost two years to finally get Biggie on a food that didn’t make him break out in hives. My dogs are my children and I wouldn’t feed my kids fast food every day, so why feed my dogs garbage food?! Biggie and Yogi currently eat Great Life Buffalo, Mikey eats Lotus Chicken and the two cats are eating Healthy Cat.
Q. What advice would you give to a person who thinks “healthy food is too expensive”?
A. I thought feeding my pets expensive food was crazy at first; I thought it was all marketing and I wouldn’t actually see a difference. I quickly learned that I was beyond wrong; not only was Biggie’s skin and coat better, but his energy, his teeth, and everything else had improved when I found the right food for him. If I could show people a comparison in my vet bills of how drastically they dropped after getting him on a healthy diet I would. Healthy, good quality food is always worth it in the long run, even if it costs a bit more up front.