Since opening Godfrey’s Welcome to Dogdom in July 2004, Barb Emmett’s mission has remained unchanged: to provide a warm, welcoming community offering honest health and lifestyle guidance so canines can thrive in their forever homes. “We’re always striving for ways to enhance dogs’ lives, but the people that make up Godfrey’s—both our staff and our customers—are its soul. Here, they meet other dog owners and have meaningful conversations about their pets,” Emmett says.

Godfrey’s is located in an 1867 stone bank-style house on four acres of land that includes dog play areas. Upon entering, customers are welcomed by Keeper, Emmett’s 1-year-old golden retriever. A carefully curated selection of food, treats, supplements, toys, dog accessories and gifts are creatively arranged throughout the house; food and treats are displayed in the kitchen, grooming supplies are in the spa or bathroom, and dog bedding is in the bedroom.

Emmett’s goal isn’t to just sell bags of dog food, but rather counsel dog parents about nutrition so they can make the best choices. As a canine wellness advocate, she’s researched the pooches' nutritional needs and frequently consults the work of renowned integrative veterinarians Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Judy Morgan, Dr. Peter Dobias and others.

“We sit down with clients to see what they’re doing, how they can make a change and what they can improve,” Emmett explains. “There’s lots of misinformation out there, but we are the filter to help pet parents feel empowered and be their dog’s best health and wellness advocate.”

Emmett has strict standards for stocking raw, freeze dried raw and dry kibble dog food and treats. She considers where it’s made, how the manufacturer sources ingredients, manufacturer recalls and whether the company is transparent and accessible. She will not stock brands owned by conglomerates that put profit over a pet’s health. Customers can also have items special ordered, but even those must meet Emmett’s standards. “I will not stock anything in here that I don’t believe in,” she affirms.

When stocking toys and accessories, Emmett looks for American-made items whenever possible and those without toxins. She carries many lines of U.S.-made toys including Hero and West Paw. Grooming supplies such as shampoos, flea and tick treatments, dental care items and eye and ear cleaning supplies are carefully selected, based on safe, natural ingredients. Brands include kin+kind and Pura Naturals Pet.

Emmett is always looking for new ways to serve dogs. She recently partnered with integrative veterinarian Dr. Sarah Urban, owner of Enabled Integrative Veterinary Services, to offer appointments on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Godfrey’s in the retail building downstairs. Services by appointment include acupuncture, chiropractic, cold laser, specialty blood work, ozone therapy, allergy testing and nutritional counseling. Emmett notes that Urban’s nutritional philosophy aligns with her own.

Megan Esherick, of The Clever Hound Training, runs group dog training classes during the week, along with dog sports classes, basic manners classes and private one-on-one sessions. On Sundays at Godfrey’s, Kelly Armour, a certified trainer and counselor and owner of The Virtuous Dog, offers specialty training and counseling services by appointment for dogs with behavior issues.

Godfrey’s is also home to two outdoor private dog park areas, each enclosed by a five-foot high, double security-gated fence that include water, plastic pools and toys for the dogs to use. Customers are required to submit current health records, join via a membership fee and rent a play area by the hour for private play sessions. “People and their dogs can enjoy nirvana for an hour on a beautiful piece of the countryside,” Emmett says. In addition, customers can make appointments for harness fittings and private nutrition counseling services. Thera-Clean Microbubble baths are available by appointment.

“We are dog people that care,” Emmett emphasizes. “Our customers are also our friends. We love our dogs like family and recognize that responsible dog parents want to do their best for their pets. We strive hard to answer your health, wellness and lifestyle questions and offer solutions, not just products. We want to be your partner in your dog’s life so that they stay happy in their forever home with you.”