Why We LOVE Stella & Chewy's

It’s been 14 years since we first opened and I still remember how novel it was to carry frozen raw food for pets at the time. Frankly speaking, we were definitely considered pioneers in this respect. Clients would enter our store for the first time and stare with bewilderment into our freezers that flaunted The BARF Diet. “Is this for dogs that throw up?”…was the number one question we were asked. Boy, have we come a long way since then!

We started with The BARF Diet, Steve’s Real Food, Companion Natural and Nature’s Variety. There weren’t many other options to choose from. But before you knew it, there was a new kid on the block that wanted a little Wet Nose freezer space…Stella & Chewy’s. I still remember the first time I met Marie Moody, founder of Stella & Chewy’s and her husband, Doug Siegal. We were at an open house hosted by our top distributor and they had this little folding table featuring their products. Sleeping underneath the table was their 3 year old son, Charlie. They were the true definition of a family owned business and were incredibly passionate about their products and their mission to be the best raw food company in the country. Marie was relentless. “Why are we not in your store?” she asked. Her pushiness was amusing even though I dismissed her perseverance at the time.

We were happy with our current brands and really weren’t interested in adding another raw food line, but when Nature’s Variety started increasing their prices and losing sight of the little retailers that grew their business, we felt it was time to consider a change. Needless to say, Marie and Stella & Chewy’s were thrilled!

It’s been many years since we made that pivoting decision and started to develop the amazing relationship with Stella & Chewy’s that stands today. They have never lost sight of who they are…they have never walked away from their supporters…and most importantly, they have never compromised their quality or principles.

For these reasons, we are SO PROUD to have Stella & Chewy’s as a PREMIER SPONSOR of this year’s Lilly’s Day. We asked…they answered without hesitation. Loyalty at it’s finest.

Written by ~ Sheila Spitza