This isn’t your average pet store

You make a pit stop at the corner bakery to grab a donut or a quick scone while out for your… You make a pit stop at the corner bakery to grab a donut or a quick scone while out for your morning walk. Your faithful terrier sits obediently outside while you purchase your pastry. Afterward, you both continue your walk, you feeling gratified, your pet nipping at any stray crumbs that fall into his reach. Now there’s no need to leave your dog sitting outside – a store in Shadyside offers the opportunity for your four-legged companion to join you.

WAG, a boutique and “barkery,” or bakery for dogs, serves up treats specially made for man’s best friend. The store even offers a small area in the back where dog owners can drink coffee and sit while their pets enjoys the treats, 75 percent of which are homemade. And WAG even caters to events including your dog’s birthday or any other special occasion.

Inside the store, the walls are lined with items that would make any canine’s mouth water and tail wag. WAG sells pet beds, toys, designer collars and even items you wouldn’t find in most conventional pet stores, such as jewelry and nail polish. For those dog lovers who want to buy something for themselves, WAG offers board games, pillows, magnets and other items to show off how much you cherish your pet.

If you are concerned about your pet’s spiritual well-being, along with its diet, WAG is the first store in Pittsburgh to offer Kosher Pet Foods, the only patented dog and cat treats that are certified to be kosher for your pet’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, which WAG also caters.

The unique boutique is the idea of Leigh Ann Leshock, a native Pittsburgher and graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School of Public Policy and Management. The concept came to her, though, almost a continent away from her hometown.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” Leshock said. “I was living in California and said, ‘why not go for it.'”

Returning to Pittsburgh, she opened the store at 815 South Aiken Ave. in Shadyside.

“It’s a big dog neighborhood,” said Leshock. Moments, a Labrador and companion walked past the store.

If there is a question of quality or whether your pet will like the items sold at WAG, you might want to consult Francis, Leshock’s quality-control expert. Francis declined comment but showed off the lovely violet nail polish he was modeling on each paw while barking at a display of necklaces, presumably to show his approval.

WAG is a warm, welcoming place for you and your dog to grab a bite or just browse, looking for that special gift for the cute poodle down the street. If you are a cat person concerned that your pet won’t be able to keep up with the fashionable pooch next door, not to worry – WAG offers many items for felines too.

WAG is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-4 p.m. For more info, call (412) 802-8300, or check out their new website at www.wagbarkery.com. Bone Appetit!