Heads-up: Tails of Vermilion now open

VERMILION — Her small business carries several pet-friendly products with many not found in any big-box store. And if she's missing something, owner Lisa Kaplan vows to figure out a way to stock something that someone else seeks. Kaplan believes the variety found in her new store, Tails of Vermilion, paired with the versatility she often shows in working with customers sets her apart from others. "My business is a pet outfitter. I have stuff for cats and dogs as well as their humans," Kaplan said. "My purpose is really just to encourage interaction, activity and wellness between best friends, humans and animals, from rest to play." Regarding variety, walking into her store — at 678 Main St., located next to Brummer's Homemade Chocolates — people can easily spot all sorts of different goods available for purchase. Most of what she sells, including all food products, is U.S.-sourced. And she's big into stocking upcycled items, those reused and improved upon from a past life. She intends to donate proceeds from sales to local nonprofits caring for animals. Among the animal-friendly merchandise filling the shelves and lining each wall: feeding bowls, travel bowls and cups, treats, cakes, beds and chill mats, backpacks suited for hikes, rubber boots, memorials, car seat covers, toys, sweaters, coats, leashes, collars, cards, T-shirts, sports apparel, life vests and play towers. "I try to have supplies and equipment where people can explore and go on adventures with their animals in any kind of weather," said Kaplan, a city resident and first-time business owner. "I also have products for them so that they can relax afterward." Here's where the versatility component comes into play. "I am also open to suggestions. My inventory is a continuing evolution," Kaplan said. "If I see a need or a product out there that would be good for our area — being a lake town, a fishing town, a tourist town and one that loves to hike and its water sports — I will look into it and see whether we can carry it for you." Kaplan, who grew up with dogs and cats in her home, welcomes those animals, along with their human counterparts, to enter her store. Through 2021, she's open from 12-5 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. "Feel free to come in," Kaplan said. "I just hope that, even if you do leave empty-handed, you smile. I want this to be a cheery, happy place for both man and paw." The longtime Vermilion resident also appreciates an opportunity to invest in her beloved community. "I love this small town," Kaplan said. "With this business, I want to make my hometown better."