Are you a pet person? Hometown Hound is a store that you need to visit. Located at 18 Broad Street in the historic downtown, it is a welcoming vibe from the moment you see it! From a nicely decorated storefront featuring the Hometown Hound logo, to the spacious yet cozy store, the pet-lover will surely find just what their pet needs.
The store is owned and operated by Amanda and Jarrod Makis. Amanda grew up in Newton Falls and is thrilled to be a part of the strip. She has volunteered for shelters and rescues since she was a teenager. She is now a certified Canine Hydro- Therapist and is eager to bring this service to Newton Falls. Jarrod is an antique enthusiast and coin collector. This store offers the couple the chance to bring their separate passions together for an eclectic and charming shopping experience.
Their elder beagle, Max, sparked the idea for the store. As Max aged, like many dogs, he developed arthritis. They began taking Max for hydrotherapy, which helps with his mobility. In a warm pool, Max is guided to swim in different ways, which exercises specific joints in a warm and weightless environment. This experience inspired Amanda to obtain certification in Canine Hydrotherapy.
Jarrod and Amanda considered multiple locations before landing on this one, which town-folk knew as the old bakery. They spent about 6 months renovating the location to serve their very different needs.
They had a soft opening on December 2, 2023. Opening Day was fantastic! Invitations and announcements went out through Facebook. It was busy all weekend and has been busy since. The couple found the area merchants to be very helpful, referring their customers to stop in. Others stopped just out of curiosity.
As one enters, you are greeted by Amanda and Jarrod. Displays of doggy treats, pet-themed t-shirts, and specialty items are pleasantly interspersed with antiques and coins. They feature locally created and produced lines of pet food, treats and supplies. Does your doggo have a skin allergy? Paw Balm to the rescue. Need an extra boost of flavor for their food? Try a food topper from Belly Rub. Tug toys, home-made collars, even a local line of Skin Essentials (for humans!) You will also see Jarrod’s hand as the antique toys and signs catch your eyes. In the back are two very special areas. An ever-changing picture area for you and your pet. This week it is spring themed. Snap a selfie or ask Amanda and Jarrod to snap it for you. There are baskets for a raffle to benefit Never Muzzled.
Never Muzzled is non-profit with the mission to give a helping hand to local pet owners. They have programs for low-cost spay and neuter, food distribution and proper outdoor housing. When you visit, be sure to drop a ticket or two! It’s for a great cause, and the baskets look wonderful!
Amanda says this will always be a work in progress. They are very open to requests and suggestions, always looking to perfect your experience.
Hours are Saturday Noon to 5:00, and Sunday Noon to 4:00. They also open for the monthly Late Night in the Falls, and other times when posted on Facebook. They do intend to extend the hours and go full-time. Amanda looks forward to working there full time and helping many area pets. Like them on Facebook at Hometown Hound, and drop by their new website, hometown-hound.com. Phone is (330)910-8953. You can even find them on Instagram @ hometownhoundllc. Be sure to stop by. You and your pet will be glad you did.
And, while you are in the area, take a few extra steps to WoodNGoods.
Newly located at 32 West Broad, this new store is as homey as it gets! Owned by Terry and Paula Forrest, it is truly a family affair.
Terry grew up watching and learning from his carpenter father. He also loved to draw since he was six. Saturday mornings he would ‘go build’ with his dad. Terry attributes these cherished father-son days with his ability to work with his hands to build and fix things. Carrying on the woodworking tradition, his 7 and 10 year old boys are avid fans.
Terry became a farmer following an industrial accident. He claims that farming is ‘stressful but fun.’ It also gives him an opportunity to do community work. He has been involved with a Pumpkin Fest, and many community activities both here in Newton Falls and in Lordstown. An avid baseball player, having gone so far as to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he now coaches in Lordstown.
With Wood-N-Goods, Paula and Terry are taking hobbies and turning them into a business. The store was once a new furniture store, now it is ‘good’ used wood furniture, antique and craft store. He does travel to find just the right inventory for this showroom. Many of the crafts are his own design, often Forrest-themed.
Paula has the gardening bug. You can see that on the ‘left’ side of the store- gardening supplies, crafts and the like. She has also opened the back room as a Year Round Christmas store. She has always loved everything Christmas, often having a tree in every room of the house. They thought it would be a nice addition to the town a place for pictures, decorations and memory making. Stop in and check it out, grab a picture for your Christmas cards. Paula and Terry strive to create an affordable, creative and enjoyable experience for your shop.
Wood-N-Goods opened this April. The business has been pleasantly steady. As with Hometown Hound, other merchants have been very helpful. They were open on Late Night in the Falls, and intend to participate in more. Store hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm and Saturdays 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Keep up with their ever-changing inventory by giving them a Like on FB. (See Wood N Goods Newton Falls.) Store phone is (330) 8wood72-4020, email is woodngoods24@gmail.com.
As you can see, Newton Falls really has it all! And more!
