Four-legged clerks a hit in Norway stores

NORWAY – Like Wal-Mart, Books-N-Things has a greeter.

Working on a mere salary of dog treats and chew toys, Zoey is probably much friendlier than anyone in a blue vest.

The 4-month-old puggle belonging to store owner Erica Jed spends her days among shelves of books – several about dogs – and dozens of colorful gifts. She spends ample time in front of the counter, greeting customers with sloppy dog kisses, and also spends time resting in her crate behind the counter.

She’s one of four canine salesmen on Main Street. The dogs belong to business owners, and all spend their days greeting customers and patrons of Main Street.

Zoey has been at Books-N-Things for two-and-a-half months, since she was 8 weeks old, Jed said.

The dog used to be contained behind the counter on a short leash, but later was promoted to a longer leash where she took on the position of greeter, a job she obviously enjoys.

Jed said the dog spends about six hours a day in the store.

“She was a little puppy, and I couldn’t leave her at home,” Jed said. “Since I own my own business I brought her in.”

Jed added, “Everybody comes just to see Zoey.”

Down the street at the Irish Ewe, a yarn and Irish goods store, there is another puggle, and he’s a model.

Every time co-owner Dagny Lilley gets a new type of yarn, she weaves a sweater for Dudley to wear.

“He struts around the store showing off whatever new yarn we have,” Lilley said.

People also stop in to see him. When they buy yarn, they want to see it modeled first.

Kids get a kick of how Dudley’s name was derived.

“There’s Dudley the muggle, and then Dudley the puggle,” Lilley said, referring to the Harry Potter books. In her store she has a witch’s hat made of yarn.

Also on Main Street, Trouble resides at 100 Aker Wood, an art supplies shop.

The rough coat Jack Russell has spent his entire 7-year life at the store.

He likes to sleep in the front window, and watch people go by.

“They (customers) call him ‘the mayor’,” said store co-owner Barbara Traficonte.

Maybe Trouble watches Woody, an English setter who spends his time at Woodman’s gun shop across the street.

Owner Paul Brook said he started bringing the bird hunting dog into the shop when he was having difficulties bathroom training him at home.

However, Woody had to take a leave of absence when he had trouble with a customer, Brook said. But he was trained and came back.

“Quite often I’d go hunting in the morning, and I started bringing him back here with me,” Brook said.

Sometimes he hangs around outside, where he lures women toward the shop.

“He’s a chick magnet,” Brook said.