Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Strey.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised Houston, TX, headed out this way for college and fell in love with the area. My husband and I eventually settled here in Castroville with our two dogs, Turkey & Peanut (and usually at least one foster dog!). We have lived in Castroville for about two years now and love being part of the growing community here.
I never thought owning and operating a dog store would be in my future, but I’m glad it’s here! I have had a long career in the dog world- starting in dog boarding & daycare while I finished up my Bachelor’s degree, moving on to dog training and opening Cheese Please Dog Training, working with rescue and service dog groups, and more. Something that has continued to stand out to me as a need in the dog world – is for help navigating it.
One of the most persistent gaps in the dog world is not a lack of products, but a lack of guidance. Modern dog owners are bombarded with advice, options, and opinions, often without context or clarity. Navigating food choices, training tools, and wellness trends has become unnecessarily complicated, leaving people anxious about making the “right” decision. What’s needed is not more noise, but calm, practical navigation that helps owners understand what truly matters for their dog.
I believe my background in dog care, dog training, and my years of work with the average dog owner, adds value beyond simply a “dog shop”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We originally opened at a different location, one that was not well-suited to our needs, but we quickly course corrected and we love where we are now! Navigating these challenges alongside the pressures of a new business has been tough, but we are tougher. We have been open for just over 3 months and learned some valuable lessons, the loudest one being that you only fail if you give up.
Life has a funny way of getting you on the right path if you keep a positive attitude and stay open to opportunity.
We are incredibly thankful for the people in our lives, old and new, who have supported and helped guide us through this wild journey.
This store has already fostered connection with some excellent people in our community and getting to learn about their love for their dogs has been nothing short of an awesome experience.
Being a new small business, we know the path forward will not be a straight one. We are always looking for ways to improve, bringing in new inventory that people and their pets will love, and excited to be able to give back to our community in bigger ways in the future.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Castroville Canine Corner?
We are a dog supply shop! We have a growing selection of dog food and treats, all kinds of toys, single ingredient chews, dog supplies, clothing, accessories and training gear. We offer in store shopping, pickup and curbside, and shipping options through our website www.castrovillecaninecorner.com.
Everything is at our fingertips online, but it often comes with questions. Is it a waste of money? Is it the right product for my situation? Will it fit? How do I use it?
My goal is to help people find quality products that help improve their lives with their dogs. From choosing dog food that is healthier and doesn’t break the bank, to finding solutions for an itchy dog or teething puppy, we do our best to meet you where you are with your pup! My background in dog training provides an edge, I LOVE to talk about training with you. You might find yourself popping in for some treats and a half hour later we are deep in conversation about puppy potty training. Building relationships with our clients has been the most rewarding aspect of this store. We hope to continue to grow our little store, and meet lots of dog lovers along the way!
We will be incorporating training opportunities and education into the store, providing classes, workshops, and more – coming in the near future!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. Whenever we visited friends or family, seeking out the household’s pets was always a top priority for me. I was (and still am) obsessed. I loved carrying around my all-too-tolerant grandparents’ cats and helping care for all the animals they raised.
We always had a family dog growing up, and I was so excited to adopt dogs of my own as an adult. They aren’t just pets to me – they’re family.
It came as no surprise to anyone when a career with dogs grew out of that love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.castrovillecaninecorner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castrovillecaninecorner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579382510064
