The grocery store in the Finnish city of Tampere even has an official golden retriever who tests out dog treats and shares the results in Instagram videos.
A ‘su-paw-market’ in Finland is welcoming canine customers, with specially-adapted carts which allow dog owners to bring their pooches grocery shopping.
The Kesko grocery chain in the city of Tampere has introduced the “Koirakärry” – dog cart – as a way to welcome in more dog-owning customers at one of its stores, where usually only service animals would be permitted inside the aisles.
“The idea is already used in some countries, but not in Finland, and we have a lot of dog owners nearby,” explains Matilda Tistelgren, who has been operating the supermarket with her partner Joona Pesonen since the spring.
“We have a golden retriever ourselves, and if we go out jogging with the dog and forget something from the store, we don’t want to go home, leave the dog, then have to return to the store ourselves, we want to be able to take the dog with us,” Matilda tells Euronews.
The carts have a dog bed in the bottom, and a clip for leads or harnesses, with owners encouraged to pick up their pups and put them inside – although a future version of the cart might include a small ramp so the dogs can walk in unaided.
Since taking over the management of the supermarket in Tampere’s neighbourhood Kissanmaa – which funnily enough translates as “Cat’s Land” – Matilda and Joona have introduced other pet-friendly innovations.
The couple’s own retriever Tove appears on Instagram with ‘Tove Tastes’ videos where she samples different dog treats.
“Our customers love it,” exclaims Matilda. “In this part of town we have a lot of dog owners and that means a lot of dog customers too, and we already have a lot of hairy regulars,” she adds.
The starving puppy abandoned at the construction site was thankfully looked after by my friend
There are stories in the broad tapestry of life’s exceptional experiences that encapsulate the essence of compassion, camaraderie, and the unbreakable relationship between humans and animals. The touching story of my dear friend’s rescue of a small puppy from the midst of a construction site exemplifies these principles.
The story begins in the frantic world of construction, which is filled with noise, dust, and machines. A tiny, defenceless puppy found herself alone in this chaotic environment, a small oasis of vulnerability amidst the concrete and steel. Her presence was almost symbolic, serving as a reminder of the great bond that exists between humans and animals. It was a pledge to protect, to nurture, to assure her safety in the face of adversity.
My companion reached out her hand, guided by an unmistakable sense of obligation, to save this frail life from the construction mayhem. She set off on an unusual quest, traversing the dangers of the construction zone in order to get to the bottom of the puppy’s plight. It was more than just a protective gesture; it was a profound act of compassion, a beacon of hope for this tiny soul despite the rigours of her environment.
The story of my friend’s puppy rescue serves as a reminder that commissions have no boundaries. It emphasises the significance of extending a helping hand and providing protection regardless of the circumstances. It motivates us to be alert and mindful of those in need, no matter how unexpected or difficult the circumstance may be.
The genuine substance of my friend’s gesture of generosity is her commitment to this puppy’s well-being. It crosses boundaries and highlights the importance of extending a helping hand and rising above the circumstances. It is a monument to the power of empathy and compassion, reminding us all that kindness can grow even in the most unlikely places.
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