HENRY LOVES BETTY :: 16 FIRST STREET :: 518-350-7387
You’d be surprised to know that Paula Matt, owner of Henry Loves Betty, didn’t have pets as a child. The first thing you notice when you enter her space, a dog daycare, shop and dog walking service; 9 pups are never far away from Paula. She studied Veterinary Sciences in college and is a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Paula worked as an emergency veterinary technician for many years, first in New York City, then in the Capital Region. She wanted a change in career after her experiences in emergency care- she wanted to take care of animals but not be in heartbreak during tough times. With just walking her own dogs, Paula got to know other local dog owners easily and formed a tight community. She wanted to have a space where animals are happy and healthy, while receiving good care.
Henry Loves Betty opened in 2014 on lower River Street, initially as a boutique with handmade collars, bowties, toys and treats, eventually adding on a dog daycare and walking services. HLB is in it’s 5th year of business, with 2 years as a daycare in its space.
Paula is adamant in creating a relaxed and fun environment for the daycare of medium-sized dogs. There are no kennels and group size is limited. Dogs get a first day free trial, to see if he or she is comfortable and able to get along with other dogs. The shop and its enclosed backyard is right in the downtown area, near residents and offices and she is careful to approve calm and quieter dogs. The daycare holds 10 dogs per day. Paula does offer limited boarding services, with 3 dogs currently at her home.
Henry Loves Betty moved in their current location on 1st Street in 2017. The building used to be a bank, with the original gates and the vault in the basement. On Saturdays, the space is open for shoppers and their dogs to browse items such as toys, treats, colorful handmade accessories and even doggie ice cream. Her custom-designed bathtub/ dog wash station is every pet owner’s dream. Customers can use the tub and the doggie blowdryer as well. The tub and hose comes in handy when returning muddy paws to their owners after a day in the shop’s backyard or after long walks. Henry Loves Betty has steadily and organically grown. This year they opened a second location in Albany, a daycare for small dogs. There are also big plans for the future. Paula and her boyfriend recently bought 101 acres in Johnstown, naming it Adirondack Dog Club. Renovations are underway for a high quality country-side boarding home. It looks like Paula will definitely be surrounded by pups in many areas of her life, and she couldn’t be happier.
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