Published: June 13, 2009 06:47 pm      

Building a dream

Two Logansport residents open pet store.

Ever since Ti Parkevich was a little girl, she has had a passion for animals.

Growing up, she recalls taking home abandoned kittens. One time, she even sneaked seven puppies into her bedroom.

It only seemed fitting that Parkevich continue her love for animals as she grew older.

She had worked at J&K Aquariums and Pets in Logansport for seven years when the store recently closed, and Parkevich was left without a job.

“I actually looked into different areas of work,” she said. “I didn’t know what opportunities would be available.”

Owning a pet store had always been a dream, she said, but she didn’t think it could be a reality for at least another 10 years.

“I thought it would be impossible,” she said. “We took what we had and made it work.”

With the help of co-owner Walter “Rudy” Nicholas, she opened T&R Pets and Supplies, also known as The Pet House, on June 4.

“This has been a dream for me,” Parkevich said. “To have an opportunity like this is awesome.”

Nicholas has also been involved with animals and pet stores since he was young. Even though he decided to go into the medical field, he said, he never lost the drive to own a pet store.

Once J&K Aquariums and Pets closed its doors, Nicholas said, it gave him the extra push to finally live out his childhood dream. He wanted to give area residents the opportunity to shop locally and not have to drive to Kokomo or Lafayette for supplies.

Nicholas discovered the location on Fifth Street, and Parkevich thought it was the perfect spot. Office Manager Dave Smith added the location was also conveniently located downtown, which would allow more people to walk or ride their bikes to it.

Before opening, the co-owners did some renovations, but the process is not complete. Another room is under construction to allow the business to expand its dry product, leaving the front area strictly for pets.

“I’m happy with it,” Parkevich said. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

The store offers a variety of items, including bedding, treats, water bottles and food.

Animals available for sale include snakes, hamsters, rats, lizards, birds and basic tropical fish and feeder fish.

Eventually, the co-owners hope to stock everything a person might need, but in the meantime, they welcome special orders.

Parkevich is optimistic about the venture.

“This is my future,” she said. “I will always have this.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com



New Business

Name: T&R Pets and Supplies, a.k.a. “The Pet House”

Address: 109 Fifth St.

Phone: (574) 753-4161

E-mail: T-R_Pets@comcast.net

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.