On November 2^nd, a new shop is slated to open in the 5^th Street Arcades, 530 Euclid Avenue. While the space CLEpets will occupy is just 250 square feet, the subtle implication of the venture is much bigger: A burgeoning downtown residential population means more furry friends. Those four-footers are creating a market of their own.

CLEpet owner and founder Kurt Henschel's muses on the impetus of the project: "I do a lot of work downtown and I'm driving around one day and I’m thinking about all the people living here and it just kind of dawns on me: look at all these people down here walking their dogs," recalls Henschel, who is also a freelance videographer. "This is really starting to look like a real city again. You never used to see this for umpteen years - if ever."

Then came his next thought: "Where will these people shop for little things for dogs or cats?" And the idea for a CLEpets storefront was born.

The shop will offer a variety of very high quality dog and cat food that is made in Ohio. Available for purchase by the pound, the pet chow is free of wheat, corn, soy, additives and animal by-products. Comparing it to high end brands such as Fromms and Orijen, Henschel touts his product as extremely fresh as well.

"The products are manufactured every 30 days, so they're not sitting in a warehouse for months on end," he says, inviting prospective buyers to inspect the ingredient lists on his webpage. Try lamb meal and rice dog food, kitten food or no grain dog food among others.

Locally handmade cat and dog treats will also be available. The all natural offerings from Artzy Fartzy Inspirations will include Sassy's Succulent Salmon Jerky, Natural Chicken Sticks, Mini Mutt Sliders and the best-selling Roxy's Rockin' Peanut Butter Biscuits.

"She actually hand cranks peas into the pea flour they use in products," says Henschel of Artzy's gluten free snacks.

Work on the privately financed project began over the summer. While still tentative, hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Henschel will run the shop with one part-time employee and help from his wife and son. He'll also offer free delivery to anyone living in the downtown area. The delivery vehicle?

"My shoe leather and my legs," he responds, indicating he'll be hoofing it.

Not surprisingly, Henschel is a pet lover.

"I 'm kind of a dog nut," he says. "If I could have 100 dogs and have the room and the time for them, I probably would."

Henschel looks forward to the possible addition of events in the future. Until then, he invites customers to bring in Fido or Fluffy to shop and say hello. He's also excited to be part of Cleveland's ongoing renaissance.

"I'm so turned on about the new vibe in Cleveland," he says. "Just to be a small piece of that whole process, it's very exciting for me."