Bend Pet Express has been a staple in the Bend dog community for over 20 years. I had the pleasure of interviewing three Bend Pet Express East employees for their hot takes on popular products, their in-store favorites, and their advice for dog guardians. What I gathered from our chats is that these lovely humans genuinely care about the well being of your dogs. Give them a call if you have any questions – they want to make sure your dog is living their best life.
Kitya Freeman, employee for 7 years
Kitya is a dog guardian to Milagro (aka “Millie”) and Morro. Milagro is a Pit mix rescued from Street Dog Hero, and Morro is a sight hound mix from Tijuana.
Favorite thing about working at Bend Pet Express
“The environment at Bend Pet Express is really good. It’s nice to be supported by a team, customers and community members who love animals. There are lots of selfless people that I get to interact with daily.”
Favorite product(s)
“Anything in the freezer. I have 4 animals, so buying for budget and in bulk makes sense. I love Northwest Naturals, Steve’s Raw Real Food- these all come in a bulk box, which makes it more economical for me.”
Most popular product(s)
“Indestructible toys – but more people should be asking for recycled toys – and anything Chuck-It”
Advice for dog people
“Trust your instinct. Even with professionals, still trust your hunch. Just because someone has a title, do your research.”
Fun Fact about Kitya
“I love to geo cache. One of my dogs is reactive, so it’s a great excuse to go out to the middle of nowhere with her and explore.”
Ben Joseph, employee for 4 months
Ben is a dog guardian to 3 dogs, Leia, Chewy and Scout. Leia is a Great Dane, Chewy is a Pomeranian-Shitzu mix and Scout is a rescue mutt. He also takes care of his girlfriend’s dog Cooper. Although he is a new hire at Bend Pet Express, he has some great advice for the dog people of Bend.
Favorite part about working at Bend Pet Express
“I like learning new things about pet nutrition, so I can use it on my dogs and talk to customers. I also like a calming, cozy energy of this store.”
Favorite product(s)
“Frozen raw food – I love the Northwest Naturals chicken blend.”
Most popular product(s)
“Most people ask me a lot about types of dry kibble”
Advice for dog people
“Make sure to do research about the dog and how to be the best owner for that dog before considering to get one. Looking at good quality foods for that dog is always a key factor.”
Fun Fact about Ben
Ben used to own 2 tarantulas, and a crested gecko.
Emily Bromaghin, employee for 2 years
Emily is a dog guardian to Courage, a mini-schnauzer mix from a rescue group in East Texas called Pets Fur People.
Favorite part about working at Bend Pet Express
“The customers, honestly. I love helping people find the right solution to making their dog more comfortable. Please call us and ask for advice over the phone, we’d love to help”
Favorite product(s)
CBD selections in the store, and Stella & Chewys’s stew mix for picky dogs.
Advice for dog people
Dog genetics are so important. If you go to a breeder, make sure you know the temperament of the dog’s parents. Don’t get scammed. Avoid backyard breeders from Craigslist. It might be a higher price tag for ethical breeding, but you’re getting a healthier dog in the long run”
Fun Fact about Emily
She has lived in 6 states, but has lived in Bend the longest
Author: Ely Twiggs
Ely's love for the outdoors and having first hand experience of the shortness of life was the impetus for her move from Australia into an RV to travel the US. When she got to Bend, she knew this was the place. After creating The Dog in Us, a multi-channel platform about exploring National Parks with Dogs, she wanted to bring dog-approved resources to a local community she loves. Enter The Dog Guide Bend, a resource made for the Bend Dog Community. Ely is the guardian of two rescue dogs, Alaska and Smoky Joe, and they are the center of her universe. Ely and her husband Tom run a mobile RV repair business called Meet You There RV Repair & Inspection.