Other well-known 'shop pets'

You won’t find them in most chain stores or big-box retailers, but many Colorado Springs businesses keep pets around.

They are greeters and ambassadors. They are co-workers who help employees and owners pass the time. Some may even be guard dogs to chase shoplifters, though all the ones we encountered seemed far too sweet.

In many cases, these “shop pets” are as big a draw as the shops themselves, a reason people come in, something to occupy the kids while adults browse.

“We have people who come in just to see the dog. We have people who bring their dogs in just to see the dog,” said Jeanne Groat, owner of CJ Kard on North Tejon Street, who brings her mixed poodle Jinx in each day.

Perhaps because of their nature, or because business owners don’t want to leave their pets home all day, dogs seem to be a more common choice, though you can find plenty of other animals, furry, feathered or otherwise, in shops around town.

Here are some of the more well-known:

• The Bookman, 3163 W. Colorado Ave.

Two cats, Mr. Gray and Mr. Blue, live here and lazily roam among the aisles in the used-book store.

“Some people come and say, ‘Oh we came to see the kitties.’ And we never have problems with bugs or mice,” said employee Ashleigh Frodge.

• CJ Kard, 214 N. Tejon St.

Jinx greets customers and loves kids, who love him back.

“He loves people. He goes up to everyone to say hi and he’s gentle. The kids love him, too. Mom will shop and the kids love the dog,” said Groat.

• Coaltrain Wine and Spirits, 330 W. Uintah St.

Many employees bring their dogs into this liquor store, known for its selection of finer wines and beers.

“We were thinking of doing a 12-month calendar of the dogs of Coaltrain,” joked owner Jim Little. “Customers love coming in and seeing the dogs.”

• Eye Caliber Sunglasses Ltd., 224 N. Tejon St.

This downtown store hosts a veritable menagerie of animals — turtles, a parrot named Sam and owner Dru Drury’s German shepherd, Sam. Drury brings them in because he’s a nature lover.

• Gloss, the Promenade Shops at Briargate

Gloss, a poodle belonging to the owner, hangs out in the denim store on weekdays.

“She’s at our front door all the time. She’s kind of like our greeter,” said employee Jenn Thee.

• In Care of You, 415 E. Pikes Peak Ave.

Breast cancer survivor Bobbi Van Ripper runs this store, which sells apparel for women going through cancer treatments. Her Maltese, Mya, is a customer favorite.

“She cheers up some very unhappy people. She’s just sort of the bright little face that comes out to greet them,” she said.

Did we overlook your favorite? Tell us about it by commenting below.