513 N 36th St, 632-5200

Hidden behind trees on busy North 36th Street between Fremont and Ballard is the nicest little pet store, Railey's Leash & Treat. I go down this street all the time and have never seen the blaring neon overhead. But the other day while my son was enjoying Innerspace Skatepark's double half-pipe, I walked into Railey's Leash & Treat and was charmed by the wonderful and affordable items inside.

Owner Mark opened Railey's three years ago, more to support his habit of doting on his beautiful boxer pup Railey than for business. Railey's sells everything you could need for your dog, from food and toys to lifejackets and little dresses. I found one of my dog's favorite toys, a squeaker in the shape of a kitten holding a fish ($5). I also found a squeak toy with a less annoying squeaker that has feet and a spiky dinosaur tail ($7). To me it's an anthropomorphized rubber ball, but to my dog it's love at first sight.

The true delights of this shop are the dog clothes. Some people are against dog clothes—they think they're silly and slightly retarded—but for a freshly groomed miniature poodle, a doggy sweater or jacket is essential in our wet fall and winter. Railey's carries nice cashmere sweaters by Woof Wear in bold-hued or fall-colored stripes ($68), as well as little waterproof jackets adorned with reflective stripes ($58). I ended up buying a little black hoodie by Kwigy-bo with a skull and crossbones on the back ($40). My little guy couldn't be happier (or cozier)! TERRY MILLER