The Dog Lover Shop & Coffee Stop has been officially opened on the Island in Midsomer Norton by the new Mayor of Midsomer Norton. 

Kate Geernaert & her partner Clint Sheppard opened their second shop locally, the other being The Dog Groomery on Paulton High street, which has been open since Dec 2020.

The Dog Lover Shop & Coffee Stop offers the 'Pawsome' experience of pawpacchinos, pick 'n' mix natural treats, leads, harnesses, collars, toys and just about everything you can think of for dogs. Humans are well looked after too, with great coffee and cakes, paninis also being offered from next week.

Kate says "We wanted to create a safe, comfortable and fun place for dogs to go with their owners to hang out and be treated with open arms and not feel like they weren't welcome or were a nuisance. We have bunk bed style seating so dogs can sit up and look out the window, a cosy hidey-hole, and dog beds to lay down on next to their owners. We have lots to offer the dogs while they are in the shop, healthy treats, ice cream, jelly, filled enrichment mats to keep them entertained, and of course loads of fuss and cuddles. We've tried to be thoughtful and paid attention to all the details for a really great customer experience. Of course you don't need to own a dog, in fact it's a good place to find a dog hug if you want one! We've been open quietly for a couple of weeks to test everything out, and have had the most wonderful customers in so far, furry and non furry! Our service and coffee has been commended so we are absolutely over the moon with the feedback. We will be open 7 days a week to make sure we are always there for you and your doggies, with inside and outside seating available"

Kate and Clint went to the Ukraine border in March last year when the war broke out to help the displaced and homeless dogs after locally raising £40,000 worth of donations from the kind people of Midsomer Norton, Paulton and surrounding areas. They are still hoping to help raise awareness and help find safe, loving, forever-homes for a particular 50 desperate rescue dogs they are familiar with, currently in the care of the fantastic Warpaws charity. There are two treat towers in the shop, one for kids with sweets and one for dogs with treats, all profits from these will go Warpaws to help fund those beloved dogs.

The opening of an innovative and exciting new café is a welcome addition to Island which is seeing £2.5 million of investment to update the Town Hall and renovate the area into a modern, pedestrian friendly-market square. The first phase of the Town Hall redevelopment is nearing completion with work on the Island starting this autumn.

Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Cllr Gordon Mackay was delighted to be asked to the grand opening. "What a wonderful idea! We're so lucky to have Kate and Clint putting in all this effort to provide a fantastic new café right here in the Island." he commented. "When you get really good businesses moving here, like the Dog Lover Shop, it will only encourage more footfall and more business which is great for everyone. Just sitting outside, enjoying an excellent coffee and saying hi to all the dogs is a real pleasure."