Testimonials

Canidae, and why quality food matters:  "Hi Susie, I just wanted to let you know the Canidae Lamb Meal dog food is great! I was giving Nutro Lamb dog food and decided to give a cheaper food to save on money still within the lamb food family. Well one bag and my Corgi Zeta was losing hair changed color to a lighter red and hair seemed to dry out. So went to the Canidae Lamb Meal what a great food. Within two weeks she stopped shedding, the color came back and her hair feels like you put conditioner on it. I would recommend this food to everyone. Thank for carrying it."

– Sharon of Tehachapi

Hannah the Cat Visits the Store:  When our cat Hannah was diagnosed with cancer, we needed a collar to keep her away from her stitches, and as the vet only had those hard plastic on...yes we brought her in to Canine Creek in her carrier to look for one...your clerk was so friendly and helpful, and not only found the perfect small soft collar but talked to Han so sweetly she was actually quite calm while in the only retail store she ever entered in her life. Han is gone now, but every single time I drive by your shop I smile, because your wonderful employee was the single bright spot in Han's awful battle with lymphoma. Thank you forever, Canine Creek! You guys ROCK!

– Simone R.

Bailey and Mom - Enjoying Canine Creek:  "Susie and the Canine Creek Staff... Thank you so much for the help with Bailey and teaching me how to use the Gentle Leader. I think it is going to make a world of difference. Every time I come in I'm impressed with the high level of customer service. Everyone there is so helpful and you always have something to solve our most recent problem....from getting sprayed by a skunk to me being taken on a drag instead of me taking the dog on a walk. Again, thank you for your help, but mostly thank you for your time explaining the products. You guys are great!"

– Shelly D. of Tehachapi

A Fan of Canine Creek and Canidae:  "I just love shopping at your shop, it's like Macy's for dogs! Only the best for my little Shotzy and Maggie. Your staff is so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. And thank you for suggesting the Canidae Dog food!"

– Maddy W. of Tehachapi

A New Leash on Life (Email from a fellow independent retailer in Colorado):  "Hi Susie, My customer picked up her leash yesterday and they were thrilled! Daniel had his mom wrap the handle on his wheelchair and he took off down the sidewalk with Grizzly, his dog. It was just precious! The other cool thing that I didn't count on is that Daniel can wrap the handle on his arm. He can't grasp with his hands but can still hold the leash himself by sliding it down his arm. It absolutely made my day to be able to help them get the perfect leash. I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks!!"

– Lynn Miller of High Country Pet Supply

About Our Lost/Found Work:  "Dear Susie, Thank you for all you do to help people locate their lost animals. What a blessing you are to this town!" (See the Lost & Found Pets Section)

– Suzanne K. of Tehachapi

Bathing With Ease:  "Hi Susie: Hope all is well with you. I finally got time to check out your website. It is awesome. You've done such a great job. I'm going to learn from you. We brought our dog in and used your dog wash, it was so easy and enjoyable, your staff was great and my bathroom didn't get destroyed. Your retail area looks so enticing and made me feel compelled to buy everything. That is saying something, anyone that can move me to feel compelled to shop has done everything right."

– Linda (Tehachapi Retail Store Owner)

Bella's Favorite Toy - Both Fun & Safe:  We thought we'd never find a toy that could stand up to our Bella. She is a 17 month old Boxer mix who has been a power chewer since the day we brought her home from the shelter at 8 weeks old. She can peel a tennis ball (and tries to eat it) like it's an apple. The Galileo lasted a mere ten minutes. She's a medium sized dog with the bite force of an alligator, no lie. Our biggest concern has always been that she enjoys swallowing what she chews, so the only toy she could be trusted with, were the giant Nylabones for extra large dogs. Then we went to Canine Creek for the first time and a very nice girl told us about the Goughnut. Bella has been chomping away at it for 4 months now, and it still looks brand new. She can sink her teeth into it and no pieces come off. It's like it's "self-healing". Plus, she LOVES it, it bounces and rolls, she tosses it to us and it doesn't break our toes...I could go on forever, but bottom line is that it's both fun & safe for her and we wish that more toys were made like this. Thank you to all the staff at Canine Creek, you are always friendly & helpful.

– Mel, Susan & Bella K. of California City, CA

Benji's Story: Super Premium Food = Improved Health!:  "Hi! My name is Benji and I am a Bichon Frise. My mom and dad adopted me and my sister, Fleur-Deux, from The Foundation for Indigent Animals in San Diego. Someone had dumped us at the Animal Shelter and we were so lucky to be rescued. My parents have blood work done on me and Sis every six months because we are getting up there in age, around 10 or so. We were told that my one liver enzyme, for the last few years, was spiking kind of high and that was a precursor of Cushing’s disease. Oh boy, my folks were really worried. This last blood test came back good, no spikes and no pre-Cushing's. However, I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition and boy that is so easy to care for. One pill a day, just like my mom takes and we are good to go! We switched to Wellness Turkey or Chicken Sweet potato canned food and my Wellness chicken dry food and we love it. I believe that had something to do with my improved health condition and I am a very happy dog. I am pictured on the left and my sister is on the right on our favorite resting spot, the stairs. Oh, by the way, my sister’s blood tests came out perfect! Can you believe that?"

– Betty P. (Benji and Fleur's Mom)

Best of Kern County Voting:  Dear Suzie, Sam, Katie, Gloria and Angel, Just wanted to let you know Canine Creek got our vote for the Best of Kern County. You always make us feel welcome and provide the most excellent customer service and pet products! Warm Regards and Good Luck.

– Joan, Lauren, Memphis and our 4 cats: Fionna, Maxwell, Redford & Roxanna

Boxer Love: Axel with His Babble Ball:  "Hi to the folks at Canine Creek, I came in on Saturday and bought this tire ball for our boxer, Axel. He has yet to put it down! He even refused to relinquish it for an ice cube, his favorite treat. He doesn't chew it, he just carries it all over the house. Thought you'd get a kick out of seeing him with his new 'love'. Thanks!"

– Charlee of Tehachapi

Bumi by West Paw - Durable AND Fun:  "It’s my BUMI. No, it’s mine. Raising Guide Dog Puppies can be a full time job, especially when it comes to recreational entertainment. Finding toys for them to chew on and play with is easy. Finding one that they really like and that will last is a daunting task. Three months ago, after getting a seven month old Yellow Lab, that is pretty high drive (I know, that is redundant), I stopped by Canine Creek to pick up some food and a couple of toys. Susie Atherton was there and said “hey Butch, just got these in and they are great. Guaranteed to last.” Right. I’ve heard that before. Four Labs and a Bloodhound can turn any toy into Pate in about fifteen minutes. Ok Susie, I’ll try it. I took the BUMI home and they all loved it. Still got the original and have since picked up one more. Not a dent on either one. GREAT TOY AND INDESTRUCTIBLE. Those two below, Homer and Tyler, are doing their best to “make a wish” with the BUMI. Good luck guys. You can’t break this one."

– Butch Reyburn of Bear Valley Springs

Burt waiting for a treat:  "I love your stuff, and your service! You have always been helpful. Keep up the good work. You are a lifesaver for Burt, who'd be treatless without you because of his allergies. It's nice to be able to go to one place and find a good variety of treats he can eat."

– MJ from Fresno CA

Compliment About a Canine Creek Staff Member:  "Thank you so much. You guys always have GREAT customer service. It really is nice to go to a business when its employees go above and beyond to help their clients. Have a great weekend!"

– Amber S. and Blue of Tehachapi CA

Dakota's family moves to Wyoming:  

Letter from a Canine Creek customer who recently moved from Tehachapi to the Wyoming/Montana area, and needed help finding Solid Gold for Dakota's allergies... 

 "Hi Susie, YOU ARE SO AWESOME!! Thank you so much!! Billings is somewhere we go quite often. I am so glad I won't have to change Dakota's food. I just wanted to let you know that we loved going to Canine Creek, and it is a wonderful addition to Tehachapi. We will miss being able to wash the dogs, buy food, shop for lots of fun doggy stuff, get great advice, and talk with the always friendly staff:)"

– Angie B. Lovell WY

Dakota's Favorite Toy:  

"Dakota is our 10 year old Boxer/Lab/Rottie mix. We call her our gentle giant. When she was younger she had a favorite toy – her Fetch Art Rubber Head Ball, the purple dog head, to be precise. She took it everywhere! It once went missing somewhere on the yard for about a year but we found it the next summer in the far corner of the yard, under the trees. It again became her constant companion. The “relationship” lasted a long time but alas, all good things must come to an end.

Four weeks ago Dakota underwent a surgery on her leg to fix a torn ligament. We wanted to spoil her while she convalesced by replacing her favorite toy. Not being able to find it in the pet stores, I searched the internet and found it at Canine Creek Boutique. I ordered a purple dog head & a smiling man head for Dakota. When they arrived, Dakota went straight for the purple dog head. She was clearly very excited to have her favorite toy back. Thanks to Susie Atherton, the owner of Canine Creek Boutique, for taking the time to personally package & mail the toys to us. Dakota came through the operation with flying colors and is thus far recovering very, very well."

– Hugs & Licks, Louise & Dakota from Canada

Daphne & Steston, Thriving on Canidae::  "Hi Susie ~ I love your store! I have two Great Dane puppies and you and your employees have treated us all so well! You all know me and my Danes by name as soon as we walk in. I remember the day I came home with our youngest (and yet biggest) Dane Stetson and brought him into the store. Thank you so much for treating them like family. I wanted to also tell you that I am so glad that we put our dogs back on Canidae. They were originally on Canidae and I switched them to another food and they were so gassy and with your help I was able to make the decision to try a food that was grain-free and I went with Canidae All Life Stages grain-free and I am so happy with it! I could not imagine feeding my dogs pedigree or any other cheap dog food. Its because of the good food that I have some of the best looking Danes I have ever seen and that is thanks to you and your store! All I can say is thank you thank you thank you!!! I have recommended your store and Canidae to so many of my friends and family and even people that stop me on the street and ask me what I feed my dogs and where they can get it. I have attached a photo of Daphne and Stetson for you. I am a very happy customer! :)"

– Lindsey H of Tehachapi

Dash Loves Cookies!:  

"Hello Susie, Dash loved all of his treats, he knew the package was for him! His paws were all around the table edge as I was opening the box. Each and every thing we examined together, as I wondered what he might want to taste first. A cookie was the choice!

Thank you for the wonderful service, your company deserves applause! Businesses like yours are vital today and in the future as you keep alive what so many have forgotten, * Good Customer Service *

Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year,"

– Linda B

Digby: Getting Clean & Loving His Tent:  "Susie, I came in on Saturday and used the bath set up for Digby. That certainly was very pleasant and quick, so much better than the bathtub, no messy bathroom or clogged drain, or sore back. Attached is a picture of Digby using the tent I purchased from you last spring."

– Melissa K of Tehachapi

Feedback on our Customer Service:  Hey Susie, I just wanted to tell you that your husband and your staff are AWESOME! Nick and I are fostering PJ, one of APet's dogs that has congestive heart failure, and he was only given ~6-8 months to live. He couldn't be adopted out so we took him in to live his last in a happy home environment. Anyway, the Doc wants us to put him on a low-sodium diet so we came up to Canine Creek last night, right before closing (cuz that is when we got out of the vet) and they spent so much time helping us read labels, calling reps, etc., trying to figure out a food that might be a suitable sub to the great yet a little pricey EVO brand (PJ is a 90lb lab that eats A LOT). I just wanted to say THAT is why we voted for Canine Creek in all the categories you guys were nominated for... :) Thank you!!!

– Suzanne, Nick & PJ of the APet Rescue Dog

Feeding Ten Great Dane Puppies:  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Words to not enough for all that you did for me in the last couple of months! Raising 10 Great Dane puppies was a HUGE experience and I loved every minute of it. It was challenging, exciting, exhausting, and amazing all at the same time. I couldn't have done it without Canine Creek and Canidae. I honestly believe that all the puppies were born so healthy because I fed Canidae to the mother from the time I got her at 6 weeks old throughout her whole life all the way through her pregnancy, whelping, nursing, weaning, and now in recovery. We had 10 puppies and there was not a single runt of the litter and I did not have to step in and help resuscitate any of them. They all came out kicking and screaming. I have recommended every single buyer of my pups to please visit Canine Creek and I have recommended everyone continue to feed Canidae. And I can say that every single buyer has said that they are going to feed Canidae and all the buyers that live in the area are going to get it at Canine Creek. Thank you for stocking awesome food, products, treats, and supplements!

– Lindsey H. of Tehachapi

Mokie Blooms on Wellness:  "After meeting Susie at the Farmer’s Market last summer, I began to feed my year old feral Siamese mix kitty the Wellness Complete Health for Adult Cats. She loves both the chicken and the salmon flavors, and has become “lean and mean” in the last 7 months. She eats less, but has lots more energy, pouncing and playing and climbing all day long. Thank you, Susie, for educating me to avoid all the bulk up dry cat foods that deliver very little nutrition. Moki and I are both happy!"

– Jan and Moki of Tehachapi, CA

Nupro Joint Support - Improving Pet's Mobility:  Hello: My wife and I thought we would drop you an e mail message to let you know how grateful we are for Nupro joint support with glucosamine complex. We have two dogs with very bad hip problems. One dog was born with it and never quite walked well until we started this product. She is over 20 years old and physically not well but it has given her at least 1 full year of normal movement. The second dog is 7 and was not chasing his toy ball without developing a hip limp. With this product he is slowly but surely returning to his old self without limping. My wife and I just wanted to say thanks for the help and memories.

– Charles W.

Nupro Joint Support Changes a Dog's Life:  "Dear Susie, You have been wonderful about sharing information. As you probably remember, I have rescue dogs. Between my sister and me, we have five Bichons. Two of the dogs were in terrible condition when we received them. Thanks to you, today they are all in excellent health. One of the older dogs had a difficult time walking so we put her on a medication our vet suggested. The risks of the medication were of concern to me. You mentioned Nupro Joint Support. I now have her on Nupro and the pumpkin you also suggested. The results have been amazing. She is almost ten years old and runs and plays as if she were three or four. I can't thank you enough for the excellent advice."

– Carolyn Thurman of Tehachapi

Our Lost/Found Pets Service - The Tehachapi Pet Network:  "Melissa, thank you for contacting me regarding the missing info. Fortunately we found our feline and he is no longer missing, where he was for so long we do not know. I did not realize there was a message from you until today. I want to thank you and Canine Creek very much for having and managing this valuable tool to help the animals and humans, your time and energy are much appreciated and just knowing there is a place to post lost and found locally is wonderful."

– Lisa D. of Tehachapi

Phoebe Loves Antlers!:  Phoebe really enjoys her antler now. The first couple of weeks she had it she mostly just tossed it around the house. She is teething right now and has come to love it!

– Annette K of Tehachapi

Right place, wrong time, right reason:  

Letter from a Canine Creek customer to his family and friends:

"Ever been in the right place at the wrong time for the right reason? I know it sounds confusing, but sit tight and I'll explain it to you...

Yesterday we went to Canine Creek to get dog food for Smokey and Bandit. We spend a little extra on dog food to get a good quality food that doesn't cause explosive flatulence as it was really getting hard to deal with. We found having to flee the room because of toxic "wind" was no longer an acceptable option. While we were there, the girls were discussing a puppy: people had stayed at a local motel for a couple days and they checked out leaving a puppy behind in the room. Evidently the hotel people tried to reach the owners with no success, and Kern County having a 95% euthanasia rate at the shelters ruled out taking her to the shelter. So the next thing I know, I am expressing interest in adopting this little puppy, which is where the wrong time part comes into play...

Long story short, they had the puppy checked by a vet (she's in great shape all around) and this is what we know: She's 10-12 weeks old, Border Collie with possibly Australian Shepherd mix. We have to assume no shots and we'll have her spayed when she's old enough. She has a wonderful disposition, walks well on a leash (Matthew walked her and she did OK), doesn't really care for baths (tries to hop out of the tub) and is just as cute as can be.

So, what started out as an innocent trip to get dog food, ended in the adoption of a sweet little puppy for Matthew and because she was nibbling on his toes, ended up being named Niblet. I'm reasonably certain she'll have her moments of destruction as she grows older, so for now we'll enjoy the blast of puppy breath and be thankful we were in the right place at the wrong time for the right reason."

– Randy, Carol, & Matthew

Sign me up!:  "Dear Susie, I had a pleasant shopping experience today in your store. Thank you for signing me up for your email advertising. I have three cats and two dogs that love treats! I'll be in again." Sincerely,

– Susan H.

Smokey's 2-Year Tough Test of a Goughnut:  I have a power chewer dog and he has always been able to destroy any self proclaimed "tough" dog toy within two weeks. Someone recommended Kong toys to me but he shreds them no problem. The Zanies hard rubber bones didn't make it through the night. I bought him the green Goughnut and it took him over two years to finally get to the red center. It was well worth the money for it to last that long. I know they have a replacement guarantee but I honestly felt that if the toy could last for over two years in the jaws of my dog, I would gladly pay money for another. I would rather buy a toy every couple of years than every couple of weeks! This time I bought him the black version and it's doing great so far. I thoroughly expect it to outlast the green one. I highly recommend this brand of dog toys to anyone with a hard core chewer. My Smokey really LOVES his toy.

– Erin

Snookie The Destroyer:  

"Our Pit Bull has destroyed every and all play toys since she could chew. From bicycle tires and inner tubes to all manufactured dog toys. While at the Farmers Market in Tehachapi I stopped by and spoke with Susie, who owns the Canine Creek Dog Wash & Boutique about this dilemma with our dog "Snookie" the terror of toys. Susie recommended a product made by "GoughNuts" a circular Dough nut shaped toy about 2" thick by 5" in diameter. Susie expressed a guarantee that Snookie or any dog could not chew up and destroy this dog toy product. Well, I purchased the toy with much doubt in my mind. After eating a full plate "crow pie" I will now put my own guarantee with Susie that no dog can chew up this wonderful toy, probably no creature on this earth for that matter. Snookie has been non stop attempting to damage it, but to no avail. She loves chewing and I enjoy throwing and rolling the Green GroughNut with her. No doubt in my mind that this "cannot destroy" toy, by far and away is the best ever made."

(Note from Canine Creek: As you can see from the testimonial above the GoughNut is an great toy. It's guaranteed for a one-time free replacement if your dog can chew it up. We've sold a few dozen GoughNuts, and haven't had any come back. There's probably a dog out there who can destroy one, but we haven't met him yet. Want a GoughNut for YOUR dog? Visit our online shop Toys page.)

– Ron from Tehachapi

The Bathing Experience at Canine Creek:  There is just nothing like a Canine Creek bath - the sweet girls help you, you have your choice of shampoos and extras, there are towels, ear protectors, grooming tools, special face wash for delicate eyes, an apron to keep mom dry, stairs ...-- more than you could ever imagine you needed! No more home baths on your knees by the tub getting the bathroom soaked! No more hoses and wet dog smell. If Canine Creek ever discontinues baths, I'm moving!

– Kathryn S. of Tehachapi

The Creeker Staff:  Before befriending Katie and Angel, they were both very nice and helpful with my first puppy Riley. I had no clue what to feed her, collar sizes, leash/gentle leader training, shots, you name it: i was clueless.. but with the help of those two very knowledgeable employees I'm now doing much better. They're not your everyday retail associates: they know the products inside and out and are able to assist any customer at the drop of a dime in products best suited for your dilemma... and believe me, I've had many.. they already know how much i appreciate all their help, and if they don't they sure do now... but it's awesome. I love coming into canine creek and visiting with all of you; Katie, Susie, Melissa, you're all great.... and thanks again for everything you've helped me figure out. saved me a lot money on vet bills too!"

– Rainee P. of Tehachapi

Training helps a rescue dog fit in with her new family:  "By the way, thank you again so very, very much for all your help when we come into the store. I love being Sugar's mom, and want to do it right--but mentorship is more valuable than I could ever explain!" Thanks

– Stacia in Tehachapi

Walking Together - Toonie & Kimberly:  "Petunia is a 73 pound Old English Bulldog with a heart of gold. Unfortunately, she tends to be a bit “head strong”. As I have MS and on my best days have balance issues, Toonie was getting to be too much of a dog for me. We had actually come to the point where we were exploring placement options and looking for a home for her. I had never considered a Gentle Leader as I thought her nose was too small to wear one. Thankfully, one of the staff at Canine Creek got me to try one on Toonie one day when we were in to bathe her. WOW. What a difference! I CAN NOW ACTUALLY TAKE Toonie for a walk. We are no longer searching for a home as now her behavior on leash is rolling over to her behavior off leash as well!" Kimberly Clemens, Tehachapi (See Kimberly's inspiring story on HowIFightMS.com)

– Kimberly of Tehachapi

Welcome to "The Tug & Maggie Show":  "Our two rescue dogs are the happiest and most exuberant pair living on Mt. Drive. They have special friends that they know well and would never bark at them, BUT, that doesn't include those that they don't know. They have great fun spotting hikers, kids on skate boards, dogs, and deer. They were letting the entire neighborhood know with their chorus while running back and forth at their radio fence boundary. Needless to say this usually happened early in the morning, during the peaceful time early in the evening when everyone wants to relax, or during a very important business phone call. We tried a bark box and calling them up to the house when people were walking by. It didn't work and it was very stressful. Canine Creek to the RESCUE ..... with the Spray Sense Anti-Bark Spray Collar. It immediately stopped the barking and has helped tremendously to help calm their excitement level from cranking up to the fully blown show. We're sure our neighbors are very appreciative, too, I've already received a thank you call from one of them. We appreciate the wide variety of pet products, food, knowledge and good service that we always get at Canine Creek."

– Gayle & Russ ~ Tug & Maggie of Tehachapi