Yes, that’s right, Happy Dog employs bakers. The store’s fully operational kitchen looks more like a gourmet bakery with its glass cases stocked with brownies and cookies. But those baked-goods often have the word "liver" in the list of ingredients, and dogs are permitted on the countertops to sample the goods.

Diane Mayer, owner of the store, put in five years researching canine nutrition, developing her business plan and picking products prior to launching the business on May 24. "She did so much homework before this place even opened up," says Kitchen Manager Hellie Ketcham.

Smith agrees. "Diane knows everything there is to know about dogs, period."

As a result of Mayer’s extensive research, all the ingredients in the kitchen are organic and natural, and the canine goodies produced there are essentially well-balanced meals. Whether tweaking existing recipes or developing their own, Smith and Ketcham will often add cheese, herbs, seeds, parsley, squash, sweet potatoes and other vegetables to their batters, soups and meals-to-go.

Happy Dog workers agree the popularity of the bakery has exceeded all expectations. Ketcham compares it to Delaware’s favorite coffee shop. "It’s kind of like Brew Ha Ha! for dog stores," she quips.

Between customer requests for canine birthday parties—complete with goodie bags—and orders for freshly made biscuits from other pet stores, Mayer says it’s likely the bakers will have to extend their hours to meet the demand.

Canine cuisine, along with some cat food and herbal remedies, dominates the first floor, but Happy Dog’s second floor is nirvana for dog owners. This is where you’ll find everything from apparel to breath spray to aromatherapy for your tail-wagger. Sniff champagne flutes of shampoo and conditioner to choose the perfect scent for your pet, or pick out some pajamas or T-shirts for yourself.

While unusual food products and shopping for dogs is fun, Mayer says her most important goal is to increase people’s canine awareness and understanding. "I want dogs to get what they need," she says.

To further that goal, Mayer has installed a small center dedicated to pet loss, with helpful readings and information on different options for very ill dogs. Another desk is set up with information on the greyhound meet-and-greet program that Happy Dog hosts every other Friday for former racing dogs in need of adoption. Along one wall at the top of the staircase, Mayer has hung a series of photo essays about dogs with unusual and moving stories, with topics that range from abuse to getting caught mischievously stealing food from the dinner table.

Mayer teaches "Dog Food 101" to educate dog owners about their pets’ dietary needs and anticipates putting out an informative newsletter. For children, Mayer plans to hold a competition called "Wilmington Walter." Named for one of Mayer’s own dogs, Walter will be a stuffed toy dog kids can carry around with them. The idea is to motivate the kids to write stories about Walter’s adventures, which Mayer hopes to turn into a book. She is also looking forward to establishing a "Paws to Read" program, which helps increase children’s reading abilities by letting them read to rescued dogs.

"Children don’t feel judged or criticized when they read to a dog," explains Mayer.

Although the store appears to offer anything and everything a dog or dog-lover could possibly need, Mayer says she’s left some room for customers to suggest new products they’d like to see.

She already has plans for an in-ground heated pool so she can offer canine hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. A former massage therapist, Mayer also plans to include on-site canine massage therapy in the future.

Happy Dog Healthy Dog is located at 1825 Del. Ave. and is open Tues-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat and Sun 10am-3pm. Closed Mondays. "Dog Food 101" classes are held Mondays at 6:30pm. (428-1919)