By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] - Zorro’s Cool Stuff for Pets and People is one of many stores to recently open in Old Mandeville. Called Zorro’s for short, it sells a wide variety of items for pets and pet owners alike.
Zorro’s is located in the historical St. Tammany Bank Building at 201 Carroll St. Although originally a bank, the building has been many different places in the past including an antique shop and a residence.
Zorro’s is located in the historical St. Tammany Bank Building at 201 Carroll St. Although originally a bank, the building has been many different places in the past including an antique shop and a residence.
Zorro’s is located in the old St. Tammany Bank Building.
Photo by Leigh Ann Gutierrez
Trina Pullig, owner of Zorro’s, says her business was originally located in Covington until she decided to relocate to Old Mandeville last July. Pullig says the reason for the relocation is because of the friendly atmosphere in the area.
“Community response has been fabulous. I can’t ask for better neighbors. People come in to introduce themselves all the time,” says Pullig.
Pullig also says she noticed the large amount of people visiting Old Mandeville, especially those who visit the Lakefront with their pets, and felt she would have more customers in such an active location. Old Mandeville has become increasingly popular since Hurricane Katrina with the opening of new restaurants, coffeehouses and shops like Zorro’s.
“I am a little scared about hurricane season and the possibility of flooding. Besides that I don’t think there are any cons to having my business in Old Mandeville. I can’t even think of one,” Pullig says.
The St. Tammany Bank Building is only one block from Lake Pontchartrain and took about four feet of water during Hurricane Katrina, but Pullig is prepared for any flood possibilities. She says she is ready to put all her belongings upstairs to avoid flood damage if another hurricane comes towards the area.
Zorro’s carries an extensive variety of products for both pets and pet lovers. Collars, leashes, licensed sports jerseys, toys and treats are only a few items that can be found for pets, while jewelry, green bags and original pet portraits by a local artist are items for pet owners to enjoy.
Pullig says she decided to open a shop that sells pet items after she had trouble finding unique products for herself and her dogs. “My inspiration to open Zorro’s was a dog shirt I found that said ‘I bark for the hell of it.’ That shirt was the first thing I purchased to sell at my store, and it sold out very fast.”
Rocky, the Pulligs’ pet schnauzer, painted by local artist Ted Pullig.
Photo by Leigh Ann Gutierrez.
Ted Pullig, Trina’s husband and owner of Zorro’s, is the local artist that creates special pet portraits for pet owners. Ted even created a large portrait of Rocky, the Pulligs’ pet schnauzer, that hangs above the counter at Zorro’s. His work is displayed in the store and can also be viewed on his website at www.artbyted.com.
Besides supplying Old Mandeville with the latest pet items, Zorro’s makes an effort to stay active in the community by participating in local events. The store will be hosting its own 1st annual Dog Walk later this month.
The Dog Walk will start at Zorro’s on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. Participants will walk west on the lakefront and back to Zorro’s where a tent will be set up with free food, drinks and dog treats.
The event is free to the public, and everyone is invited to come. There will be contests and prizes for participants to enjoy. A basket will also be raffled to raise money for a local animal shelter.
Mardi Paws and Oktoberfest are two other local events in which Zorro’s participates.
Mardi Paws is a dog parade that goes down Lakeshore Drive in Old Mandeville. It is held on the Sunday after Fat Tuesday. The Pulligs’ dog Chuy is a member of royalty in the parade, and Ted designed the Mardi Paws 2009 shirts, posters and trophies. More information about the parade can be found at www.mardipaws.com.
The 1st annual Oktoberfest is another local event that Zorro’s will be participating in. Oktoberfest will be held on Lafitte Street at the Mandeville Trailhead on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17.
There will be a Little Miss Wiener Schnitzel Contest 2009 for dachshunds to compete in, and the winner will receive a basket from Zorro’s. For more information on Oktoberfest, visit www.mandevilletrailhead.blogspot.com.
Zorro’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The store is closed on Monday. To stay up to date on all the latest information about Zorro’s, stop by the store or visitwww.zorroscoolstuffforpetsandpeople.blogspot.com.
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