Glens Falls Business Journal
By Carol Ann Conover
After more than 20 years in health care, Alisha Stosic is shifting from senior living leadership to a pet-care business in downtown Glens Falls with the launch of Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique at 45 South St., the former Hot Shots building. The business will host its grand opening Nov. 21–23, offering full-service dog spa treatments and a curated retail boutique.
Stosic brings a long background in senior-care management, rising from hands-on caregiving roles to executive director positions. She studied health and human development with a focus on geriatrics and worked in caregiving, activities, sales and marketing, and administration. After moving to Glens Falls in 2016, she continued in health care until the opportunity to launch a business aligned with her lifelong love of dogs. She had considered a boarding and day-care facility, but the South Street location helped shape the concept into a spa-and-boutique model.
Downtown Dogs is outfitted with equipment designed for dogs of all sizes, including large breeds and seniors. Services will include bathing, drying, spa packages designed for skin conditions, and seasonal offerings. The business will open with two full-time groomers. A lounge area with seating and refreshments will allow pet owners to browse the boutique while waiting, and curbside pickup will be available for shorter visits. Artwork by Audra Style featuring a dozen colorful dog portraits brings the salon’s design together.
Stosic plans to integrate Downtown Dogs into the South Street neighborhood and farmers market district, offering visibility and convenient parking. On market days, the shop will offer free seasonal pup cups and walk-in nail trims. Long-term plans include a pet-transport service to help working pet owners manage grooming schedules. She also intends to partner with local nonprofits and veteran-support groups. The mission is personal: her partner, Maxwell, is a veteran who has benefited from service-dog support.
Another distinctive offering is a pet-loss support program. Stosic is completing a 12-week certification as a pet-loss specialist and plans to host small-group or one-on-one sessions in quiet, neutral locations such as libraries or coffee shops. The certification includes interviews with grieving pet owners and training in support methods and resources.
The grand opening weekend is scheduled for Nov. 21–23 with giveaways, door prizes, treat bags, refreshments, and full spa and boutique operations. The business recently received planning board approval, and the retail use was previously permitted under Bonacio’s agreement with the city. Downtown Dogs can be reached at downtowndogspaboutique.com, and on Instagram and Facebook. “We love dogs, we want to get to know you and your dog, and we will treat them like our own,” Stosic said.