For Sara Ellis, a dog is the inspiration for a new chapter in her life, with the opening of DawgDom at 441 A Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

After the passing of a special dog, Jackson, Ellis realized she needed to make a change in her life, and used Jackson as her muse. He is even the logo of the store and can be seen on the front door, peering out onto Broadway.

“He was such a kindred spirit.  He is the reason for this store,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to work with animals, and this is my outlet.”

DawgDom opened its doors about one month ago, after three months of scraping, sanding and painting by Ellis and her boyfriend Gave Ganim, who was her sidekick throughout the process of preparing and opening the store.

“The first week we were open for business was less stressful than putting the place together,” she said. “The walls were full of holes and the floor had scattered and torn carpet which was about 30 years old.” 

The retail store sells anything imaginable for a k-9 friend such as leashes and harnesses, collars, beds, shampoo, toys and hiking gear to name a few. 

“Its overwhelming how much stuff there is in this market,” Ellis said.  “The whole industry is so big.” 

She said she hopes to find her supplies at small, local companies who are hoping to expand their business and avoid the mass market, and offer dog supplies that may be hard to find in bigger pet supply stores. After Jackson began to age and develop problems with his limbs, Ellis could only find a harness to support him online, which is difficult to properly fit a dog with a harness, she said.  Today, she offers support harnesses right in her store. 

People who are walking their dogs along Broadway are encouraged to bring their furry friends into the store to check things out. Maverick, a 3-year-old yellow lab, spends a few days a week in the store as the mascot, Ellis said.  Her other dog, 9-year-old Sadie, a Shepherd mix, prefers to stay at home.

Aside from selling dog goodies, Ellis said she hopes to start a network in the dog community that will help homeless dogs find a loving family and raise awareness about cruelty to animals and health issues that pet owners should be aware of. She also wishes to get involved with H.O.P.E. a shelterless, not for profit group of volunteers who work to rescue abandoned, homeless or neglected animals from euthanasia. Her idea is to have a monthly shop dog that is available for adoption by interested customers. 

“I’m hoping that over time the networking board will create awareness and communication about what is going on in the community,” she said. 

A grand opening will take place on May 10, with local vendor giveaways and a good time for area dogs.  Current store hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.