By peter A. Sutters Jr.
Shopping for the perfect pup, though, can be an arduous task. Trekking all across the city from pet shops and shelters to combing the classifieds can put a damper on what should be an exciting hunt for the perfect pooch.Why waste your time looking when you can swing by Canine Designs Ltd., at 251-61 Jericho Turnpike in Bellerose, and have the friendly staff find exactly what you're looking for?”I think there is a puppy for every lifestyle,” said co-owner Brian, a one-name-only kind of guy who shies away from the “owner” label, seeing his company as a family. “It doesn't matter what your economic background is. We have a puppy for everyone.”Brian was working as an account executive in Manhattan when he found himself worrying more about his beloved dogs at home than crunching the numbers in the office and was taking time off to attend dog shows on the weekend.”I decided to basically turn my hobby into my livelihood,” said Brian, who also breeds dogs of his own.After working for some time at a pet shop in Flushing, Brian decided to branch out on his own after the death of one of the owners, to whom he credits much of his success. He has been in business in Bellerose since last fall. A bulletin board in the store is filled with pictures of his customers and their new puppies.His quaint store is now stocked with cribs, not cages, full of puppies that he easily rattles off the names of including, Louis, Chucklehead, High Ho Silver and George.”Every one of the dogs I have in the store I would have in my home,” said Brian.He said his store specializes in toy dogs and t-cups because the clientele in New York seek a smaller apartment-size dog. The breeds he carries include Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, among others.Brian said that once someone buys a puppy from him they're welcome to come in or call and ask questions about their new best friend.”Once you get a puppy from us, you're part of the family,” said Brian. “People call all the time and I treat them like they're part of the family.” He spoke of one customer who was a first-time dog owner and called him in the middle of the night because her pup was having bad dreams.”The question is not stupid if you don't know the answer,” said Brian, who will take any call at any time from his customers.His store is also equipped to handle everything involved with a new dog once it's at home with the owner, from grooming and food to bedding and more toys than one dog can chew through… maybe.Reach reporter Peter A. Sutters Jr. by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext. 173.
