Barks & Co. is a relatively new store to Blowing Rock, and is much appreciated as Blowing Rock is a very dog friendly town. It was born out of Melissa Loy’s love of her own dogs and desire to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible. She began researching which diets were healthiest and which supplements could be used, and along the way decided to open a store to help dog parents everywhere.
Her first store is located in West Jefferson which is in the neighboring, Ashe County. However, Melissa always wanted to expand into Blowing Rock due to the town’s dog friendly atmosphere. In 2024 she opened her doors and has been making furry friends left and right. All K9 visitors receive a free pup-cup (small cup of whipped cream) and may be featured on the store’s social media given time and permission! She says her store carries everything but the dog.
Melissa focuses on ordering from the U.S. and Canada and all of the treats and food in her store are made from human-grade ingredients. She sorts her dog biscuits so that people with peanut allergies can purchase them without fear of cross contamination. If she is able to special order a product in specific sizes or brands, she will do it. She even carries some harnesses, collars, and leashes that are handmade in Raleigh, NC and are unique.
Maggie May, a 3 year old doodle, accompanies Melissa to work almost every day and loves wearing fun hairstyles to keep her fur out of her eyes. Melissa is also mom to Aiden and Moose who prefer to hang out at home. One of her favorite pastimes is meeting her four legged customers and finding out how far they traveled to get to Blowing Rock, NC. So far the winners are from Scotland and Aruba. Melissa is currently expanding into items for cats. Right now she carries cat toys, collars, leashes, and harnesses and is planning to carry even more in the future.
110 Sunset Dr. Suite B
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
828-202-8028
