Getting to Know Sue Yasinitsky of Puny Paws

Puny Paws is the creation of Sue Yasinitsky. She has been part of the community for years and after the mortgage downturn she decided to turn her love of animals into a full time job. So far so good as she has created a lovely little shop that has been part of the Mountain Shadows Plaza since 2010.

With her four Chihuahuas taking up space behind the counter, this is very much a dog store. They feature clothes leashes, accessories, handmade items from local vendors, and even organic treats for the four-legged pets (including cats). On the spot pet photography? Yup, Sue will do that too.

Want to know more about one of our local business owners? I sure did so we curled up over a few organic treats with the Chihuahuas and I started firing away with questions.

What do you hope moves in next door where Pacific Market used to be?

(laughs) I want to see a grocery related store put in there; anything other than one of the big chains.

Favorite dog breed?

Chihuahuas. I have four right now, all rescues. Their names are Katie, Llana, Bailey, and Quinn. I named them all after famous movie starlets.

Do you prefer rescues?

Yes. Rescue dogs seem to be more appreciative. It is like they understand what it is like not to have it so good.

What is your least favorite dog breed?

None. I really think all breeds deserve an equal chance. It's the human that makes a dog into a bully, not the breed.

Is this what you always wanted to do?

Well originally I was planning on being a marine biologist. I also considered being a vet. I really love animals and along with the dogs also have horses. But it was hard to deal with putting animals to sleep which is a part of that job. I ended up in the mortgage industry for about 20 years and then just decided to put everything I had into this. Really I have always wanted to do something with animals.

If you won the lottery what would you do?

Open a 'No Dog left behind' shelter to make sure every dog would have a home.

Celebrity you would most like to meet and why?

Well I have already met Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) so I would have to say Marlin Perkins from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. He just always seemed like such a great advocate of all animals.

People who don't pick up their dogs poop should....

Be fined. Just be responsible for your pet.

What is your favorite dog movie?

The one about the wolf that saves the boy (we discussed for a while and Google led me to believe she meant White Fang the movie based on the Jack London novel).

Who is or was your favorite famous dog?

It would be Lassie or Petey (from Little Rascals).

If you weren't doing this what would you do?

I would go back to school and get a degree in archeology. It would be fun to get out in the field in that type of career.

What is your best dog tip?

Feed your dog the right kind of food. A lot of money is wasted at the vet to try and solve problems that are caused by giving dogs the wrong food. If you can't afford to take proper care of a dog then don't get one.

After spending some time with Sue it was very apparent that she has a great passion for animals and especially dogs. If you want to learn more just stop on by and say "Hi" because Sue is as friendly as they come. Her store is located at 927 Golf Course Drive and their phone number is 707-293-9629. Feel free to check it out if you are looking to give your favorite canine a nice treat.

If you are a local business owner who would like to sit down for a chat and be featured in our 'Getting to Know' column, please contact us at carlos.villatoro@patch.com.

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