A dog-friendly shopping tour of La Jolla

La Jolla is where the dogs go.

Just ask my pup, Winston. A gregarious, ginger-haired cocker spaniel, Winston is happiest when he’s on a walk or along for a ride. But running errands with me is a weekly ritual that brings him particular joy.

My list in hand, we set out for a summer afternoon of shopping in the village.

We begin with a laundry drop-off at Pearl Street Cleaners. A friendly hello and a tasty chicken strip for Winston from owner Patrick Yoo set a gracious tone for the journey ahead.

Next stop: Bluemercury, where the dog treats are as delicious as the store’s cosmetic consultants are charming.

A need for birdseed brings us to Meanley & Son Ace Hardware. “Would Winston like a treat?” a salesclerk asks me with a wink. No need to reply. Winston’s happy hula dance says it all.

No visit to the village is complete without popping into Warwick’s bookstore. “Winston’s here!” a sales associate calls out, as Winston wheels towards the counter. When the treat jar appears, Winston sits, offers his paw, and is rewarded with a savory bite. “Good boy,” a small chorus of sales team members and customers exclaim.

We wind up our shopping at Decker’s Dog + Cat. While I make a run for Winston’s food and treats, co-owner Cody Decker gives him a belly rub and a snack.

Whoever gave a negative connotation to the idiom “it’s a dog’s life” never lived in La Jolla.

Which local businesses treat your pups like royalty? Share your thoughts with me at molly@windanseacommunications.com.