By Brandi Makuski

May 1 is The Companion Shop’s 15th birthday.

The popular downtown business sells pet food, clothing and accessories, among other items for both animals and their human companions.

Andi Oppermann, who owns the business with her husband Rick, has always operated out of the 937 Main St. location. The biggest challenge the business has had to overcome, she said, is educating customers about the quality of their pet food.

“Getting people to change their minds about the brand names they’re used to buying has been challenging,” Andi Oppermann said. “We’ve been brainwashed that we shouldn’t switch their food; well, [people] can’t eat the same food all the time — why should they?”

The store is “really into selling raw food now”, she said, adding it’s stored in freezers onsight.

“That’s really what dogs and cats should be eating,” Andi Oppermann said.

To celebrate its anniversary, the store will hold a special birthday celebration on May 6 from noon to 2 PM including cupcakes, a special doggie ice cream buffet — including scrambled egg and bratwurst flavored ice cream, made in Opperman’s own kitchen.

Also offered on May 6 will be tours of the basement, a doggie play area known to regular customers as the “MeGo-dome”, named for the Oppermann’s dog, along with games and prizes.