By Nathan Duke
Astoria's four-legged friends have a new place to go to be pampered following the recent opening of The Jumping Bulldog on 23rd Avenue, where neighborhood cat and dog owners can find an assortment of treats, toys, clothing, beds and trinkets for their beloved pets.
The store, at 28-10 23rd Ave. in Astoria, is owned by German-born Tanja Firrigno and named after her 20-month-old French bulldog Oscar, who often greets guests and fellow pets as they walk through the store's front door.
Firrigno said she decided to create the store, which opened in July, because she would often be forced to drive 21 blocks during the winter to get pet supplies for Oscar.
“The shop was born out of passion and necessity alike,” Firrigno said. “I've gotten to know so many dog owners in the area and realized that we are all in the same boat. This store is the only one of its kind in the immediate vicinity. I've lived in the neighborhood for 16 years and there is definitely a lack of shops to fulfill the needs of pet lovers.”
The Jumping Bulldog offers a variety of gifts for cats and dogs, including organic catnip, organic toys, carriers, clothing, bowls, top-of-the-line pet food, beds and accessories, such as rhinestone collars and charms, Firrigno said.
“It's a real boutique,” she said. “I think we bring a lot more to the community than just another store. I live in the neighborhood and will customize to customers' needs. If we do not have something, we can get it for you.”
Firrigno said she hopes the store will eventually become a full-service pet store that would also be able to accommodate snakes, hamsters, rabbits, birds and other pets.
She said the store will also feature programs and events aimed at pets, not their owners, in the near future, as well as add new products, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and greeting cards.
She said she also intends to add full-service pet grooming at the store by the end of the year.
Firrigno said she already has a regular customer base, many of whom bring their pets with them when they visit the shop.
“We've had so much more success as a brand new business than I'd ever hoped for,” she said. “We've been greeted so warmly and made so welcome here.”
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
