Popular Reading Business Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Kaitlyn Fusco suspected her family’s business had a chance to succeed when she and three others opened The Dirty Doodle on Main Street. But one year later, the support of customers with two legs and four still amazes the Reading resident.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” said Fusco, one of the shop’s owners. “We were so warmly welcomed by the community. We picked Reading intentionally because we love the community. We love the people and know it’s a very dog focused and dog friendly place. Even with that, we didn’t expect this amazing of a reception.”

The Dirty Doodle, a dog boutique and self-wash facility, is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Sunday with an event from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. that will help raise money for Sweet Paws Rescue, an organization the business has helped support since opening.

All proceeds from a Wash-a-Thon will go to the animal rescue group. In addition, there will be sale prices, a raffle basket, and other special happenings at the anniversary celebration.

Ray Charles, a blind golden retriever with a massive following that includes nearly 100,000 fans on Facebook, is also scheduled to make an appearance.

Fusco said what makes her business stand out from other pet shops is the care that goes into each product. The Dirty Doodle focuses on holistic food, toys and accessories, and Fusco said they do not sell anything they wouldn’t give to their own animals.

“We are very genuine dog people and willing to go the extra mile,” said Fusco. “We only sell things we would give our own dogs. Even the beds we make, we didn’t start selling them until our vet came in, pulled it apart, and ended up ordering one for her own dog. We stand behind every item and every service. We’re 100 percent committed to this.”