Earth Animal gets a new home on Post Road – Westport News

A large crowd came out to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the re-opening of Earth Animal on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Westport, Conn.

A large crowd came out to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the re-opening of Earth Animal on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Westport, Conn.

Photo: Jarret Liotta / Jarret Liotta

A large crowd came out to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the re-opening of Earth Animal on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Westport, Conn.

A large crowd came out to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the re-opening of Earth Animal on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Westport, Conn.

Earth Animal gets a new home on Post Road

WESTPORT Less a business than a familial institution for local pet lovers, Earth Animal celebrated the opening of its new store on Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds of people many with dogs in tow paid a visit to the new location at 925 Post Road East that formerly housed Starbucks. The store had previously been a half-mile west near Dunkin Donuts.

Festivities, including food, live music, lectures and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials, drew a multitude of longtime customers who eagerly shared their deep affection for a 40-year-old family-run business they say has had a profound impact on their lives.

Theyre not just selling products, said Susan Altschuler, of Weston. Theyre on the next level.

She shared how, after learning her dog had cancer, she discovered the store and its focus on chemical-free food and products. In the process, they taught her lessons about animal health care and preventative medicine, which she now exercises with her current dog.

I found out after the fact about all the things that we should have been doing, she said.

Earth Animal grew out of the experience of Dr. Bob Goldstein, a veterinarian, and his wife Susan, a nutritionist.

They were seeing a lot of cancer patients, explained Stephanie Bolo, vice president of marketing and sustainability, in his practice in Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

They started realizing it was the use of pesticides and chemicals on pets, she said, including flea and tick medicines. They, in turn, opened the first iteration of the product business Lick Your Chops which was attached their veterinary hospital.

Weve been residing as a business in Westport for 35 years, said Susan Goldstein, noting this new store was 25 years in vision.

Its a go-to for pet parents and families who are seeking a kinder, better way for dealing with health and wellness issues, she said, and we just feel so honored to be here with such good friends.

Five years ago we started Earth Animal Ventures, said COO Chris Moore, noting their products are now available in 6,500 retail stores throughout North America. And weve just started our international expansion.

This is my parents dream come true, said Merritt Goldstein, who has overseen the retail store for close to two decades. Its been a beautiful experience. The loyalty for the last 40 years has been very special.

The new store includes a memorial brick walkway at the entrance dedicated to Merritts former co-manager John Mancinelli, who worked with her for 18 years and died two years ago.

This outpouring is incredible, said state Sen. Tony Hwang, who aided in the ribbon cutting. Your love and affection for this town is demonstrated in everything you do in your store.

Weve been coming here for a long, long time, said Jan Colabella, of Westport.

Everything is organic and safe, she said. They give us good advice. ...Weve had four dogs since weve been coming here and theyve helped us through everything.

This is a long-standing local business thats loved by, and supported by, Westporters, said Selectman Jennifer Tooker, who took part in the ceremony, and theyre so grateful for their contribution to the community.

Its about love, Merritt said. Its about trust and its about friendship. Thats what Earth Animal is and were very, very blessed.

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Earth Animal gets a new home on Post Road - Westport News