I've lived with doggie glitter all over the house. It weaves itself into every fiber of carpet, couch and car backseat. It gets on the bathroom floor, the living room floor, the top of the ceiling fan (?) and all over every square inch of every piece of clothing you own. My Lord, it's glorious. Here's a picture of the all-time heavyweight champion of shedding at my ex-girlfriend's house: Sarge (as shown 2 months old.)

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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Any Montanan who owns at least one dog is familiar with shedding, nail clipping, B-A-T-H times, as well as the endless struggles to keep their fur babies fed and gainfully amused. Thankfully, Missoula is about as dog-friendly a place as our four-legged friends can see on Planet Earth before they cross over the rainbow bridge, and it shows in our selection of the best places to pamper your pooch.

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Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply - Broadway

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
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If you can think of something you NEED for your dog, or a gift for your bestie's dog, you'll likely find it here. I got miniature tennis balls for my neighbor's little yappers and a Christmas collar for my brother's dog here.

SIDE NOTE: Murdoch's confirms that all pets are welcome in store to help choose their goodies and toys, no service animal requirements needed!

Showcase Pet Grooming - Higgins Ave

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
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I like Showcase because they offer self-washing stations so you can bathe your pet yourself safely, and they have all the supplies you need for the task. Showcase also has grooming services and plenty of treats & toys.

Pruyn Veterinary Hospital - near Mullan Road

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
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We couldn't talk about pets in Missoula without Pruyn, even if it isn't a pet "store." Sometimes your dog needs more than a pamper & serious treatment is needed. New pups can get their vaccines and microchips here, and if (sorry...WHEN) your pets get sick then Pruyn should be near the top of your to-do list for emergency care.

Sit Happens Training - off Brooks & Kensington

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Credit: Google Maps
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Feel free to giggle. I did.

If your pet never learns to behave, they won't be earning as many treatsies will they? First time dog owners, this should be one of your first stops. They'll help young pups and older dogs with a staff of certified local trainers. Sit Happens has group classes as well as training for individual canines.

Jacob's Island Dog Park

Credit: Benny Edwin
Credit: Benny Edwin
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One of the staples of local Missoulian dog owners, (and dog sitters too) Jacob's Island is known to locals as one of the best places to take your dog with a mile-long walk around the perimeter, plenty of space to run and play fetch, as well as views of the Clark Fork River to take in. Hey, sometimes pampering means more than cuddles and treats, let 'em run around and get dirty!

Dee-O-Gee MSLA - Grant Creek Town Center off Reserve

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Credit: Google Maps
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This Montana-based company knows what dogs crave, and also what they need. Toys, vet-approved food (some of which is locally-sourced & owned) and full-service grooming services.

Did we miss your favorite local pupper pamperer? Let us know in the comments.

Adorable Dogs of Missoula

Missoulians submitted pictures of their dogs for National Dog Day. Enjoy!