CAZENOVIA — On Dec. 2, Tammy Tanner opened Liberty’s Dog House in the former Cazenovia Chamber Office at 59 Albany St.
Focused on small-batch, USA-made products, the new boutique offers specialty items and treats for pets, as well as home goods, jewelry and apparel for their owners.
The shop, which is named after Tanner’s Labradoodle, Liberty, welcomes dogs inside to sample an array of healthy and creative treats.
“I figured if I can go to [food and beverage] tastings, why can’t my dog?” said Tanner.
Among the snack offerings are Calvin’s Craft sustainable dog treats, which are made from brewers’ spent grain and packaged in beer cans, and Bowser Beer, an alcohol-free beer made with human-grade USDA meat, Vitamin B from malt barley for shiny coats, and added glucosamine for joint health.
Other unique products include dog bomber jackets, “chewy Vuitton” toys, and pet deodorizing candles with wax that doubles as a protective paw balm.
In addition to a wide range of retail items, the newly configured space features a Liberty the Labradoodle-inspired mural on one wall and a set of wings — positioned for dog photo-ops — on another.
Both paintings were completed by local artist Jacqueline Colello, of Colello Creations, who is responsible for artwork throughout the area, including the three-story mural on the exterior of Francesca’s Cucina in Syracuse’s Little Italy.
Tanner, who grew up on a dairy farm in Massena, NY, previously worked in the Center for Policy Research at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs.
She moved to Cazenovia from Clay, NY, last spring.
Her son, Jake, just opened Unplugged Gaming in Manlius, and her daughter, Miranda, recently moved to Denver after graduating from SUNY ESF.
Shortly after arriving in town, Tanner was introduced to Travis Barr, co-owner of H. Grey Supply Co. (53 Albany St.), Cazenovia’s modern general store and outfitter.
She soon started working with Barr, offering assistance with everything from the inaugural Cazenovia Pride Fest and other events to decorating his store’s windows.
After learning that the space adjacent to H. Grey Supply Co. had opened up, Tanner decided to open a store of her own.
“I had a vision [for a combination pet and home goods store],” she said. “I just wanted to bring in unique products and, for the most part, all-natural products that are good for dogs and fun too.”
She added that she aims to provide the community with offerings that are distinct from the bulk products available at Petco or PetSmart or on Amazon.
According to Tanner, Liberty’s Dog House is open every day through the holiday season. Her current hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, stop by the store or follow Liberty’s Dog House on Instagram.
