All Over Albany

Henry Loves Betty

Paula Matt really loves animals.

Growing up she had an imaginary dog named Josie, she works as a vet tech, and she just opened a pet boutique in Troy named Henry Loves Betty. The offerings are quite posh, with dog button-ups, candles for dogs, and loads of organic treats.

I was skeptical, but Matt insists it's all worthwhile.

Paula Matt has dedicated her life to animals. Originally she started college as a fashion design student, but realized it wasn't the best fit when she only wanted to design dog clothes. Matt switched programs and ultimately became a veterinary technician, which she's been doing for the last five years.

"I love being a vet tech, but it's demanding, and can make you burn out," she says.

Her new shop, on the other hand, "is frivolous and fun. But it also allows for me to give back through things like adoption clinics."

Pet sweaters

Matt started Henry Loves Betty as an online Etsy shop where she sold hand-knit sweaters for dogs, cats -- and chickens. She's always been clued into the pet industry, and followed pet blogs to keep up on all the latest products and trends. She started her shop as a way to "help people spoil their pets and take care of them."

There's spoiling your pet and then there's, well, there's something beyond that. But Matt had an answer for all of my skeptical questions about some of the stock in her store:
+ When I brought up the candles for dogs, Matt pointed out that the fresh scents -- including a couple cut-grass ones -- actually smell good for humans, too. "They've been really popular, with a lot of people buying them."
+ I teased her about the "India Puppy Ale" treats (made by SniffingButt Dog Bone Brewery), but Matt informed me the treats are made from spent beer grain, which often is discarded as waste.
+ As for the chicken sweaters that Matt hand makes, she says they can help protect a chicken who is being picked on by their coop mates. Otherwise, it's just fashion for your chicken.

I guess there is something behind spoiling your pets.

Matt also pointed out that the pet industry overall is large and continues to grow. "People are more likely to spend money on their pets than they are to go out and purchase alcohol. It's a recession-proof industry." While there are three pet boutiques in Saratoga Springs, there's currently nothing like Henry Loves Betty in Troy.

Pet candles

And not all of the items are as funky and hip as dog birthday cake mix. Henry Loves Betty also stocks more typical items such as toys, treats, food, collars, and the like.

Matt says the focus is on creating a curated selection of healthy and fun options. "It's sometimes hard having pets because they're dirty and messy. I want to have nice things, even though I have pets."

Lauren writes about shopping, crafting, and living well on a small budget at The Thrifty Ginger.