Zorro'€™s for pet water safety

It’s a bright sunny summer day and the family is out boating. In an unexpected move, another boat loses control, heading straight for you. You veer to give way to the other boat, but in the process a family member falls overboard. You stop the boat to rescue Fido. No need to fear for his safety — he’s wearing his life vest.

Fido could easily have drowned in the ensuing excitement and waves, but instead, you grab the handle on the back of the vest, give a tug and he’s safely on board again.

The doggy life vest is one of the unique items for pets available at Zorro’s on 434 North Columbia Street in Covington, a new specialty shop for dogs. Trina Pullig, a dog lover herself with three canines she calls children, opened the shop about a month ago.

Stocking the life vests, waterproof collars and a variety of T-shirts such as “Been there, chewed that,” Pullig also has an array of gifts for dog lovers, including handmade dog bone jewelry by local metalsmith and jewelry artist Becky Burt.

Pullig also carries other artwork including portraits of your pet by her husband, Ted; ceramic wall hangings by artist Alice Gidley from Austin, Texas; and metal flowers by Sarah Whatley.

Costuming dogs for Halloween and Mardi Gras has become big in the doggie fashion world, and Pullig is preparing with LSU tiger costumes, fleur-de-lis shirts for Saints fans, and other costumes. They will be available in all sizes.

She also has hypoallergenic dog treats with ingredients listed so pet owners can see whether their pet will be allergic to anything in them. She also carries the water hydrant cookie jars to store them.

Pullig started the store because she saw a need for interesting, unique pet items for her own dogs available locally. Her dogs visit the shop regularly and vaccinated leashed dogs are welcome to shop for themselves in the store.

The store is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call Zorro’s at 249-6056.