Okay, providing that kind of care is probably normal. But Golden Paw also coordinates pet field trips to parks "for health and socialization," shopping for pet groceries, pet spa treatments and massages, health care and "stylists" from the Valley's "top" vets and pet groomers, personal shopping at pet boutiques, pet travel arrangements, pet videos and, of course, pet birthday party planning.
It's no surprise that this service focuses on the high-dollar areas of Paradise Valley, Gainey Ranch, north Scottsdale, the Biltmore and Arcadia. It is surprising that to contract their attentions, we and our pet have to undergo an interview. Hey, if it really is a dog's life, we want to be our dog.
Baby, we can drive our car!
And for once, go ahead and bring the boys, for also on the premises: Smilin' Jack's Pedal Cars. (We appreciate the noncommittal slogan: "If it's got a pedal or wheel, we may have it.")
But the true treasures are those elusive size 12 and up stilettos and go-go boots. So all you men who have an upcoming command performance at Pookies, stop in and freshen up your look and avoid looking drag -- we mean, drab.
Readers' Choice for Best Secondhand Store: Buffalo Exchange
Sure, other stores cater to the hard-core bibliophile in search of rare first editions (and willing to pay dear prices), but for casual book collectors like us -- and for book lovers in search of no more than a good read -- nothing satisfies like this supermarket of recycled treasures in Mesa.
From the outside, the place resembles a big retail joint, anchoring a strip mall along Country Club Drive. Bookman's is huge, and, even better, the store stays open much later than others -- until 10 p.m. every day of the week.
Naturally, you'll find row after row of hardcovers and paperbacks in all the usual varieties. But Bookman's also has a large selection of magazine back issues (particularly Arizona Highways going way back), used video games, CDs, videotapes and DVDs. Best of all, Bookman's has such a healthy volume of trade-in, you're almost guaranteed to find new items every time you visit.
Readers' Choice: Bookman's Used Books, Music & Software
Readers' Choice for Best Bookstore -- New Titles: Borders Books & Music
Crystal octagonal knobs? Pewter library pulls? Hand-painted ceramic handles shaped like wee soccer balls? Our decision was made easier by knob-savvy staffers who can recite knob styles and dole out warm advice about what to buy. The friendly, knowledgeable staff treated us as if we were old friends who'd dropped in with good news. We had: We found our thrill with Clyde, and can't wait to return.
So imagine our delight when we discovered that we can have our very own fog, on demand, any time of year our damp little hearts desire. Thanks to the folks at Arizona Fog Wizards, all it takes is a high-pressure pump and motor module connected with high-pressure, 1,500 psi hoses, stainless steel tubing with aircraft welded stand-offs, and high-pressure mist nozzles (don't ask, just leave it to the pros). The fog created through the misting system lowers the air temperature 20 to 30 degrees, which is great. What we really like, though, is the look -- billowy mist, moody, Casablanca-style haze, vapory lace dancing through the air and clouds licking the ground.
Most people have fog "installed" to add drama to their pool, spa, waterfall or fountain. We're too poor to go whole hog like that, so imagine our joy to find that there's also a "mist rose." It's a small system designed to look like a flower that puffs spurts of fog wherever we set it down. Next time we have a party, we're going to see how they work in the house, maybe set in front of a strobe light or something.
Hey, it sure beats dry ice.
Readers' Choice for Best Video Rental Store: Blockbuster Video
Sure, e-mail is quick and cheap, but hard to adorn with just the right illustration, and impossible to emboss. This small shop is packed with cards, notes and paper for any occasion, from barbecue to baby shower, and party accouterment from birthday candles to cocktail napkins. You can fill out your own invitations, or custom-order them from a huge selection. Every piece of merchandise seems hand-chosen, with wit and whimsy. Even a tiny enclosure card is a piece of art, edged with glitter and a drawing of a perfect bride.
Beware: We walked out with way more than we planned to. And with a lot of plans, suddenly. We'll be throwing a garden party sometime soon (couldn't resist the invites) and now have dozens of people to thank with just the right card.
Thanks to you, M & Co.!
But what makes us notice Chester's is the picture window facing Seventh Avenue that encases an amazing collection of 10 or so antique cars in a makeshift museum, some dating to the late 1910s. Chester's works on modern cars, too, and has been in business for 32 years. While your car is being fixed, you can replace the usual perusal of last month's Sports Illustrated with a waltz around some amazing pieces of automotive history.
Readers' Choice for Best Place to Get Your Oil Changed: Jiffy Lube
Whether your passion is clothes, knickknacks, furniture or kitsch, there is some of everything. You can walk in wanting a matching set of nine handkerchiefs and actually find what you're looking for. The merchandise is arranged in small nooks all over the store, so you can browse for hours without being in anyone's way.
From the turn of the century, to "vintage" from the last decade, it's all there. A few of our favorites are the collection of 1950s aprons, the clothing racks, and overflowing cases of every type of jewelry. The prices are very reasonable, and we doubt you can find a better selection anywhere in the Valley.
But our all-time favorite remainder table is the one at Borders' Biltmore store on East Camelback. Don't ask us to meet you for lunch anywhere near this particular bookshop if you mind that we'll arrive late, dragging along a bagful of cool finds. Just last week we scored a leather-bound Martin Chuzzlewit, a pop-up Book of Job, and a first-edition hardcover of John Irving's last novel, the version with the alternate cover art. Yeah, okay. So we're word nerds. And as long as Borders keeps plying us with gorgeous page-turners at rock-bottom prices, we'll stay that way.
Readers' Choice for Best Auto Repair Shop: Sun Devil Auto
The youngest among us can get in on the trend. At the back of the store is Baby Bliss, featuring baby linens, as well as a large selection of Baby Lulu clothing (the choice of any self-respecting shabby chic mom) and quaint toys and iron cribs that look like they came from a yard sale, but without the lead paint.
Who would have thought that inside a small storefront in drab downtown Mesa, of all places, we could find such style? Maybe someone should hire Domestic Bliss to decorate the town! Mesa could use a little chic to go with the shabby.