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Heaven Knows You Want One

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - Customers visiting Puppies From Heaven find it hard to resist the merchandise.

The collection of cold noses, wide eyes and wagging tails makes it difficult for customers to walk out without a purchase.

Kurt Krokenberger recently opened the puppy store on Dale Mabry Highway after he longed for a change in careers.

Krokenberger spent years running his own business as a car detailer. But when he developed skin cancer, he decided on a career indoors.

"I just thought this would be an enjoyable job to be around puppies and people," he said.

Krokenberger said his years working as a detailer helped him care for the puppies.

"I'm very meticulous and have an attention for details," he said. "That's why the puppies are clean and well cared for."

The cages where the puppies are kept were hand-built by Krokenberger. They sit on wheels so the surfaces underneath the cages can be cleaned. The metal frames also sit a couple of inches from the bottom so the puppies always remain in clean, dry cages.

Krokenberger is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and only receives puppies from reputable breeders he knows.

The puppies range in price from a couple of hundred dollars to more than a thousand - depending on the breed - and come with a warranty. Every puppy also comes with a free visit to a veterinarian.

The longer a puppy remains at a store, the cheaper that dog's price tag becomes. The store carries a variety of breeds including Chihuahuas, cocker spaniels and Boston terriers.

"We have never had to deal with a puppy we couldn't sell," Krokenberger said. "We keep slashing the price until the puppy goes."

Customers will find a detailed sheet on every puppy listing items such as height, weight and personality traits. The store also features cubicles where customers can play with puppies to test their compatibility.

Sally George recently browsed the store and took an interest in a Yorkiepoo puppy. George felt a connection when she went to hold the dog, and the puppy licked her face.

Krokenberger said the store's name represents how his faith plays a part in the business. Even a store wall features an inspirational psalm.

"We are members of Idlewild Baptist Church and really rely on our faith and the support of our church," he said.

Past customer Alan King said the puppy shop stands out from others.

"We visited a bunch of places and just couldn't find the dog," he said. "As soon as my wife and I walked in here, we just fell in love with the store. The store is clean, and the staff is knowledgeable, and you feel good about buying from here."

King left with a golden retriever and said his dog is now part of the family.

PUPPIES FROM HEAVEN

Location: 14341 N. Dale Mabry Highway

Phone: (813) 961-3800

Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or msager@tampatrib.com Keyword: Puppies to sample the sights and sounds at the store.

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