I trotted into the Animal House Pet Supplies LLC store in Ripon with my reporter’s tail already wagging in that rapid, happy blur it does when I see people I love, because I knew I was headed somewhere special. A dog just feels these things, you know? The moment my paws cross the threshold of Animal House Pet Supplies LLC, I felt it: that warm, welcoming buzz that tells you this place isn’t built just for humans. It’s built for us.

From my spot just inside the door, I can see how much care Rebecca has woven into her shop. Beth always says you can tell when a store is built with heart, and she’s right. There is a whole section dedicated to small Wisconsin makers; treats, chews, toys, and goodies crafted by people who love pets as much as we do. Venturing further into the store, the shelves are lined with high‑quality foods and single‑ingredient organ treats, and even though I’m trying to act professional, my nose keeps drifting toward the eye-popping, amazingly decorated specialty treats like they’re whispering my name.

And then I saw it: the Wiggle Room. A huge, bright indoor playground where dogs can romp, try agility equipment, or just enjoy time with their humans when the weather outside isn’t safe or comfortable. I pause at the doorway, imagining myself zooming through tunnels and leaping over bars, but Beth gives me that gentle “maybe later” look; the one that reminds me I’m here on assignment. A professional. A journalist. A very good girl.

Rebecca comes out to greet me, and I feel that instant connection dogs get with people who truly love animals. Beth notices it too; that soft, community‑rooted energy Rebecca carries. Winnie is in the store today, relaxing in the office, and Bubba is likely at home. Rebecca’s employee, Angel, steps out a moment later and immediately gets down on the floor next to me to say hello. I appreciate that. It tells me everything I need to know about the kind of place this is.

Rebecca begins sharing her story, and I listen closely while Beth guides the conversation. She explains that she had known the store and its products for quite some time, and when the building went up for sale, she took a leap; buying both the building and the business as a new adventure. As she speaks, I can feel the pride behind her words. It’s the kind of pride that comes from building something meaningful, something that matters to pets, their families and the community.

While we talk, I notice how naturally the store supports the community. Rebecca tells us that Animal House Pet Supplies LLC regularly hosts meet‑and‑greets and adoption events for area rescues and shelters. She’s helped rehome eight kittens in partnership with Ripon Area Vet Clinic, and even though the current group of adoptable kittens aren’t visible from the front of the store, their presence is felt in the way the staff talks about them with affection, responsibility, and joy.

Beth nods as Rebecca explains how the store serves dogs, cats, and small mammals, and how she wants Animal House Pet Supplies LLC to be a central hub for pet families. She supports Wisconsin makers, Veteran‑owned businesses, and women‑owned businesses because she believes in building a community where small specialty shops can be seen and celebrated. I can tell these businesses matter to her. It’s woven into every shelf, every product choice, every partnership.

Rebecca talks about working with other small pet‑related businesses including training, grooming, boarding businesses, and how being a central resource helps families find what they need. She mentions A Dog’s Tale for training and boarding, and Marcie’s Pet Spa, and I can almost picture the network of support stretching across Ripon like a warm blanket for pets.

Beth asks about the special programs in the store, and Rebecca lights up. She tells us about the Wiggle Room; a special place within her store. The Wiggle Room can be reserved in 45‑minute increments for playtime for dogs and cats, how it’s used for adoption events, and how it gives reactive dogs a safe and private space to enjoy the store without stress. She explains there are also two self‑service bathing stations located inside of the store. And they offer private shopping hours for reactive dogs, starting one hour before opening or for the hour after closing at no charge to the pets and their parents. As she speaks, I glance back at the Wiggle Room and imagine all the dogs who’ve found joy there. It feels like a gift.

When we ask about her “pawsistants,” Rebecca smiles. Winnie, the English bulldog, is in the office today, keeping an eye on things. Her sibling, Bubba, is likely at home just relaxing. Dobby, the hairless guinea pig from Jefferson County Humane Society, lives in the store and supervises from his cozy space. Rebecca tells us these special employees are paid very well, and that Dobby is food‑motivated, while the dogs prefer attention from customers. It’s clear that every animal here has a role, a personality, and a place in the heart of the store.

As the interview continues, Rebecca shares what she hopes people understand about her work. She loves having leashed dogs and cats come into the building, meeting them, learning their quirks, helping their families find what they need. She wants Animal House Pet Supplies LLC to be a resource for the community, a place where pet lovers feel supported and welcomed.

Before we wrap up, she shares a message for the community: leashed pets are welcome, always. Stop in and check out the store. Explore the array of products, including Combat Chow — the only store in Wisconsin that carries it. Rebecca is proud of her partnership with Combat Chow and her sponsorship of Veterans Backyard Bash. She tells us about the commercial airing on WFRV Local 5 and her excitement about meeting the Veteran owner of Combat Chow at the upcoming event. Her commitment to supporting Service Members and programs like Dogs2DogTags shines through every word.

By the time we finish our interview, I feel like I’ve discovered a place built on kindness, community, and genuine love for animals. Beth feels it too. Animal House Pet Supplies LLC isn’t just a store, but rather a gathering place, a support system, a celebration of pets and the people who care for them.

As we head out, I give one last wag of my reporter tail. This is the kind of story I’m proud to share. A story about a shop that feels like home.