Sep 21, 2008

Katonah’s merchants go to the dogsBy Julie Moran AlterioLoHud.com

Katonah, NY — The early morning commuters pause on their way to the Metro-North each weekday at Steger’s Paper Mill in Katonah to read the paper, shoot the breeze with owner Troy Steger – and to give a biscuit and a quick pat to his chocolate Lab.

Gabby is so used to the attention from her “cronies,” as Steger calls them, that she has to be roused for her treats. “They’ll say, ‘Gabby, wake up. Your biscuit’s here,’ ” he said.

Between the 25 or so regulars who show up with snacks and the delivery guys who slip Gabby a roll and a bagel, Steger said he rarely has to feed her.

“It’s funny to watch. I’m so used to it now that it doesn’t phase me, but if anybody new comes in, he’ll say, ‘Hey, that guy just gave your dog something.’ And I say, ‘Yeah, he does that every morning,’ ” Steger said.

Later in the day, strollers on Katonah Avenue can see Gabby sleeping off her morning feast on the sidewalk or sitting in the doorway watching people.

The scene, which evokes an old-time general store complete with dog paws hanging off the front porch, isn’t uncommon in Katonah.

The village, with an abundance of sole proprietorship shops on a quaint Main Street, is a dog haven. More than a half-dozen retailers have resident canines.

Steger, a 45-year-old Pawling resident, has had a dog on the premises since 1986.

“If everybody could bring their dog to work, they would. One of the benefits of having your name out front is not only being the boss, but you can do what you want to do,” Steger said.

Even canine-free retailers put out water bowls as a welcome mat for the many shoppers who bring their pets when they’re milling around the hamlet.

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