Fido & Stitch Grand Rapids

08/01/2026

August Newsletter 🐾☀️

Employee Spotlight: Meet Makayla!

If you've met Makayla, you know she has a special way of making every pup feel comfortable, confident, and looking their very best! As one of our talented Grooming Managers at Fido & Stitch, Makayla is passionate about creating a positive grooming experience for every dog that walks through our doors.

Makayla began her grooming career in 2019 and quickly discovered a love for the animal care industry. That passion led her to expand her skills into dog training, giving her a unique understanding of canine behavior and how to help dogs feel safe and relaxed during regular grooming.

She especially enjoys grooming Chow Chows, Irish Wolfhounds, and Chinese Cresteds, and is known for her gentle handling, attention to breed standards, and creative grooming skills. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is helping anxious or reactive dogs overcome their fears and learn that grooming can be a calm, positive experience.

When she's away from the salon, Makayla loves spending time with her son and three dogs. You'll often find them exploring local parks, hiking, cooking together, or getting creative with painting.

Fun facts about Makayla:

Favorite Dog Breed: Irish Wolfhound

Favorite Part of Grooming: Building lasting relationships with both clients and their dogs, and watching nervous pups gain confidence as they realize grooming doesn't have to be stressful or scary.

Favorite Dog Treat: Raw femur bones for her own pups!

Hidden Talent: Creative grooming! With a background in art, Makayla loves transforming dogs into colorful works of art—from ombré ears and tails to fun, imaginative designs like foxes and pandas. It's the perfect blend of creativity and her love for dogs.

We're so grateful to have Makayla's compassion, creativity, and expertise on the Fido & Stitch team. Be sure to say hello next time you stop by the salon! 🐶💙

Product Highlight: Fluff & Tuff ✨🏀

Looking for a plush toy that can keep up with your pup? Fluff & Tuff toys are designed with durability in mind, making them a favorite for dogs who love to play.

Fluff & Tuff is a family owned and operated business based in Michigan!

Each toy features premium plush fabric, reinforced seams, and a thick mesh liner for added strength, all while staying soft enough for cuddling after playtime. While no dog toy is indestructible, Fluff & Tuff toys are built to last longer than your average plush, making them a great choice for games of fetch, gentle tug, or snuggling. Another perk to their toys is that they are machine washable!

Stop by Fido & Stitch to check out our selection and find your dog's new favorite toy! 🐾

Dog-Friendly Activities: August 2026

PAWS in the Park – August 6th:

- Join the second annual PAWS in the Park dog-friendly 5K or 1-mile run, walk, or roll hosted by PAWS With A Cause. The event takes place at Millennium Park and participants are encouraged to bring their dogs along. It's a fun way to support assistance dog programs while getting outside with your pup.

Dog Friendly Farmers Markets

- East Grand Rapids Farmers Market: Leashed dogs are welcome as you stroll through local produce, baked goods, coffee vendors, and artisan booths. This market runs Thursday's from 8:30am - 1:00pm through August 27, 2026 and is a perfect low key outing for social pups.

- Rockford Farmers Market: Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you browse the market. This market runs Saturday's from 8:00am - 1:00pm through October 31st, 2026 and is a great outing for social pups.

Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Dog Training Classes

The City of Grand Rapids is offering several affordable dog training opportunities throughout August in partnership with A Pleasant Dog. August classes include:

Tricks 101 – 8/1
Leash Training – 8/14
Reactive Dogs Are Good Dogs, Too (human workshop) – 8/29

Registration is required, and classes are held at parks throughout the city.

Dog Joke Corner:

What kind of dog loves taking baths?
- A Shampoo-dle!

Why did the dog sit in the shade?
- Because he didn't want to be a hot dog!

What do you call a dog that can tell time?
- A watchdog!

Click here for an update from Fido & Stitch !

07/31/2026

Ever wondered how the high velocity dryers work at grooming salons? 🤔🐾 Check out why below!

- Removes loose undercoat: The powerful air blows out dead hair, making it especially beneficial for double-coated breeds during shedding season.

- Dries the coat quickly: Faster drying means less time your pup has to stay on the grooming table and it helps prevent moisture from being trapped in your pups coat.

- Fluffs and straightens the coat: The airflow separates each hair, allowing groomers to achieve a smoother, more even haircut and blow dry.

- Helps prevent mats and tangles: Drying the coat thoroughly while brushing helps reduce tangles and matting, especially in long-haired and curly breeds.

- Allows for a better skin assessment: As the coat parts, groomers can more easily spot bumps, hot spots, fleas, ticks, or skin irritation.

- Reduces shedding at home: By removing extra fur during the grooming appointment, you’ll notice less hair on your furniture and clothes after each groom!

What to know: A high-velocity dryer uses high speed air — not high heat. Most professional dryers rely on powerful airflow rather than excessive temperatures, making them safer for dogs! 🐶

07/29/2026

Dog Friendly Beaches in West MI 🏖🐾

Looking for a new pup-friendly activity to do with your fur friend(s) this summer? Check out some of the top-rated dog friendly beaches in West Michigan below!

Our Top 3 Picks if you're based in the Grand Rapids Area:

1. Kirk Park - West Olive, MI (about 35 - 40 minutes away)

- Busy beach with lots of fur friends

- One of the most popular dog beaches in West Michigan

- Features a designated dog beach with beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline

- Some sections allow off leash dogs, but always check current posted signs and seasonal rules before visiting

2. Kruse Park Dog Beach - Muskegon, MI (about 45 - 50 minutes away)

- Large, dedicated dog beach with soft sand and plenty of room to run

- Easy walking access from the parking lot

- A favorite among local dog owners because it's usually less crowded than many other dog-friendly beaches

3. Saugatuck Dunes State Park - Saugatuck, MI (about 45 - 50 minutes away)

- Dogs are welcome along the Lake Michigan shoreline (on leash)

- Expect a 10–20 minute hike through the dunes before reaching the beach

- Perfect if you and your dog enjoy hiking before swimming

- Beautiful scenery and lots of spots for you and your pup to explore

In our opinion, these beaches consistently offer the best combination of scenery, dog-friendly access, and lots of room for pups to enjoy the water and sand!

More Dog-Friendly Beach Options:

Duck Lake State Park - Whitehall, MI

- Dogs are allowed along both the Lake Michigan shoreline and Duck Lake when leashed

Mears State Park - Pentwater, MI

- Designated pet-friendly beach on the south end of the park

Buttersville Park - Ludington, MI

- Large, quieter beach that's popular with dog owners.

Grand Haven Dog Beach - Grand Haven, MI

- Dogs are allowed only in designated areas or during specific hours, so check current signage before heading out on the beach

Before You Go:

- Bring lots of fresh water and a collapsible bowl

- Pick up after your dog

- Check beach flag conditions for water conditions

- Check the outdoor temperature and watch for signs of heat stroke while at the beach

- Bring a Leash! Most Michigan state parks require dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet except where off-leash areas are specifically designated

Click here for an update from Fido & Stitch !

07/29/2026

Cookie restock ready for all our fur friends! Stop by this week to grab your pup a funny (or cute) 😉 little treat! 🦴🍪

07/23/2026

We’re so thrilled and honored to have been named a Finalist for Best Pet Store in the 11th Annual Best of the West R***E West Michigan ✨🐾

To every customer who voted for us, shops with us, and continues to support our small business year after year, we wanted to say thank you - we wouldn’t be here without you!

Here’s to more wagging tails, happy pups, and having the best customers around 🩵🐶🛍️

07/18/2026

Tips for a Safe Summer!

Wildfire Smoke and Pet Safety

You may have noticed the hazy skies these past few days. Wildfire smoke from Canada has made its way into Michigan, and just like it affects our health, it can also impact our pet's health and safety.

Here are a few simple ways to help keep your fur friends safe:

- Limit outdoor time. Keep potty breaks short and avoid strenuous exercise, especially during periods of poor air quality.

- Watch for signs of smoke irritation. Coughing, wheezing, excessive panting, watery eyes, nasal discharge, fatigue, or difficulty breathing can all be signs that your pet is being affected by the smoke.

- Keep indoor air clean. Close windows and doors, run your air conditioning with a high rated MERV filter if possible, and use an air purifier to help reduce smoke particles inside your home.

- Stay hydrated. Make sure fresh, cool water is always available to help keep your pet comfortable.

- Protect pets with existing health conditions. Senior pets, puppies, kittens, flat faced breeds, and pets with heart or lung conditions are especially sensitive to poor air quality.

- If your pet is having trouble breathing or seems unusually lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away.

At Fido & Stitch, your pet's health and comfort are always our top priority. If you're bringing your pup in for a grooming appointment during smoky conditions, we'll help get them inside as quickly as possible so they can stay comfortable and safe in our salon! 💙

Reminder: Hot Weather Safety Tips!

- Plan your daily walks in the early morning or after sunset. Midday pavement can become hot enough to burn paw pads. Quick potty breaks and avoiding pavement is key! If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws!

- Keep fresh water available for your pup. Whether you're at home or on the go, make sure your dog has access to cool and clean water at all times.

- Never leave your dog alone in the car, even with the windows cracked. Hot temperatures can become life-threatening in just minutes.

- Watch for signs of overheating. Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or bright red gums can all be signs of heat exhaustion. Move your pet to a cool area and contact your vet office immediately if symptoms persist.

- Enjoy enrichment indoors! Puzzle toys, frozen treats, lick mats, and training games are great ways to burn energy without risking the summer heat.

As always, we love to see your fur friends at the store! Feel free to stop in to burn some of their energy and pick up some enrichment toys or treats to help your pets beat the heat! ☀️🐾

Click here for an update from Fido & Stitch !

07/11/2026

Product Highlight: Polet’s Smoked Bones ✨

🦴 Did you know raw bones can do more than just keep your pup busy? They're packed with benefits when given safely! 🐶✨

🦷 Supports Dental Health
• Helps reduce plaque & tartar buildup
• Encourages saliva production for healthier teeth and gums

🧠 Provides Mental Enrichment
• Satisfies your dog's natural urge to chew
• Helps ease boredom, stress, and anxiety

🥩 Offers Nutritional Benefits
• Bone marrow contains healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals
• Naturally provides calcium & phosphorus to support strong bones and joints

💩 May Support Healthy Digestion
• Can help promote regular bowel movements
• Chewing stimulates stomach acid production to aid digestion

💪 Builds Strong Jaws
• The natural resistance of chewing helps strengthen jaw muscles

⚠️ Raw Bone Safety Tips
✔️ Always choose raw bones—never cooked! Cooked bones can splinter and become dangerous.
✔️ Pick a bone that's appropriate for your dog's size to reduce choking risks.
✔️ Always supervise your pup while they're chewing.
✔️ Pro tip from Polet's: Don't leave frozen bones out any longer than you'd leave raw meat sitting on your kitchen counter!

Looking to treat your pup? 🦴 Stop by Fido & Stitch and browse our selection of frozen raw bones. Your furry friend will thank you! 🐾

07/10/2026

Happy 2 year anniversary to our wonderful groomer, Ellie! 🐾🤍

For the past 2 years, Ellie has been making pups look and feel their best with her grooming talents! As well as filling the salon with kindness, laughs, and smiles!

We’re so grateful to have her as a part of the Fido & Stitch family! Thank you for all that you do, Ellie! ✂️🐶🫧

07/09/2026

Hey Fido & Stitch Fam! We are HIRING! ✨🐾

Love dogs? Thrive in a fast-paced retail environment? We’re looking for a friendly, reliable team member to join us!

Our Ideal Retail Associate:
📍 Must be able to travel between our Rockford & Grand Rapids locations
🕘 Flexible/open availability between 9am–7pm
📅 Weekend availability is a MUST
⏳ Full-time & part-time positions available

💰 $13–$15/hour (based on experience)
💼 401K available after 90 days

🏝️ PTO accrual based on hours worked

What we’re looking for:
• 18+ years old
• Strong customer service & phone skills
• Knowledge of dog breeds & coat types is a HUGE plus! (we’re willing to train the right person!)
• Positive attitude & team player energy

If you love helping pet owners and being around pups all day, we’d love to meet you!

📧 Send your resume to [email protected]

Send this to someone who you think would be perfect for this role ✨🐾