Bert’s Pet Center A Place Where People Will Find Some Friends

Bert’s Pet Center

A Place Where People Will Find Some Friends

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

All around us is a world filled with vibrant color and an abundance of life, from the earth to the sky, and from the oceans to the tops of trees we see along our way. Bodies of water filled with fish and reptiles cover most of our planet, allowing rivers, ponds, oceans, and streams to teem with life forms that continue to amaze us every day. Somewhere between the roaring waters and majestic mountaintops, we began to make friends with our terrestrial partners in passing.

There are over 7 million species of animals found here on Earth, and the result of their elusive nature is that only around 2 million have been properly identified. Whatever the case may be, the facts are apparent that we all find a relationship with these animals in some way or another. Where some people prefer to spend their time watching birds or fish, others may enjoy hanging out with a pack of dogs or their favorite reptile buddy. There’s no singular reason why someone may connect with other species, as we all derive something unique from each experience we find with them. The underlying connection we all have is that we are all here together, under one big open sky, trying to figure out what life is all about.

Pets are a common face among our families and communities, as somewhere between one  to 1.5 billion pets live among us. The earliest domestication of pets began roughly 15,000 to 32,000 years ago, as wolves found that they could thrive among human beings, leading them to approach us more often.

Over time, wolves domesticated into what we now know as the common dog, where people learned they enjoyed their company and could work alongside them throughout their day. Helping early human beings protect their families, hunt for food, and aid in farming tasks, dogs have grown into formal parts of our society.

Cats have made a significant contribution to our lives as well, as around 10,000 years ago, they discovered food sources in mice and other farm-frequenting animals. Over time, the domestication of nearby animals has resulted in symbiotic relationships that have grown to be some magnificent friendships across the globe. Stories of renowned partners, such as Hachiko and his loving companion and owner, Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo, Japan, are examples of this. Hachiko would walk with his friend to the train station each day to see him off to work, then retrieve him when he arrived home each evening. The loving relationship between the two is such a touching story that Hachiko has been immortalized in his honor for his loyalty and care.

Our reasons for keeping pets all vary, and each pet brings with them their own unique and wonderful characteristics to our homes. Seen along shopping centers and throughout the internet are numerous stores aiding in finding homes for our forever friends. But what makes a store special when finding a new housemate?

Located at 480 Russell Plaza Drive, Ashland, Kentucky, sits Bert’s Pet Center, a dedicated provider of pets, supplies, and hobbyist tools for over 60 years in our area. Having first opened under a man named Bert Eusler in 1958, New Boston, Ohio, gained a genuine pet store with a caring owner. Later purchased by Jim and Carlene Went in 1971, the business continued to Jim Jr. and Keisha Wente as of 2017. Now located among our local Ashland stores, we have gained access to a place with care and professional establishment in mind. With a focus on saltwater aquatic life and reptile housing, Bert’s Pet Center brings a fun and classy pet selection to their customers.

From custom aquarium installations to hand-built koi ponds and landscapes, there is a wide range of selections available to the public. As I asked the owner, Jim, about his business and what it was they were known for, Jim responded, “When people think of Berts Pet Center, we hope that they think quality, as that is what we strive for. When the store first opened in 1958, it was opened as Bert’s Tropical Fish, and I believe we are still known as the fish capital in this Tri-State area and beyond, both freshwater and saltwater. Our custom aquarium installation and maintenance have always been one of our strong points over the years.”

When visiting Bert’s Pet Center, I was greeted promptly with smiling faces and caring tones as I made my way in, making a purchase for our pets. Directed to one of their managers, Jarod Gamble, I was met by a happy man who appeared greatly professional and was knowledgeable of the store. As we spoke, the curious manager explained the business to me and allowed me in for a moment to tour the store and capture the moment as it was in photographs. Touring the store, there was noticeable tidiness and care, as employees were seen throughout the store helping customers and cleaning as they moved along. Pets ranging from fish to reptiles and even furry creatures like bunnies and guinea pigs were present and well maintained along the walk. Making my way through the aquariums, I was greeted by a massive, smiling eel named Maury, who presented me with a delightful gesture as we said hello. The overall experience was enjoyable and helpful, as I left with supplies for my pets and a positive reflection on the visit.

The next time you’re out and would like to visit some of nature’s friends, Bert’s Pet Center could be just the stop. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday and Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Bert’s is open and ready to serve your pet and hobbyist needs. Stop by or check them out online on their Facebook page, where there is never a dull moment. A place awaits where you can let your wild side emerge, at Bert’s Pet Center of Ashland, Kentucky.