Melrose's Waggery No Underdog Despite Opening During Pandemic

MELROSE, MA — What in Fido's name would make anyone want to open a small business during this pandemic?

"I just decided I could do it now or I could just wait this thing out," Eric Czerlonka, the owner of Waggery on Main, said. "I sat there and I thought I could do it now, at one of the worst possible times to open a small business, and if I can be successful through COVID then I can be successful when things turn around."

That's fine for a slam-dunk business, but a niche like high-end dog care? Czerlonka's not exactly slinging pizzas or selling insurance.

But Waggery has been a hit among people and canines alike since opening in October because it's focusing on people — and their four-legged friends.

It makes sense given Czerlonka's background in luxury hospitality and corporate events planning. In those businesses, you learn quick the customer's experience makes or breaks you. And he's making sure it makes Waggery.

"It starts with engaging people," Czerlonka said. "When you come in with a dog, everyone who works here is going to react to you coming into the store."

Waggery's quick success is welcome news for Czerlonka, who's creating something during a time many businesses are hunkering down or closing their doors. He credits the residents for getting his new venture out on the right paw.

"People in Melrose are very proud to be in Melrose," he said. "There's a great level of pride that comes along with the people who live here. That's what I think is driving a lot of this ... They want people in downtown Melrose to be successful."

Waggery has a retail component — it's sort of a like a doggy boutique. People can also set up grooming appointments or dog-walking. (You can see all the services they offer here.)

It's all about high-end service, just like those luxury hotels and large-scale events.

So how exactly does a guy go from mingling with high society in Hollywood to owning a pet haven next to a laundromat in Melrose?

"I never understood dog people until I got my first dog, Roxy," in 2007, he said. "Quite frankly she changed my life ... I had a reason to go home every night. She really changed my path a bit."

Roxy has since been joined by Charlie. And because they've had some disappointing grooming and walking experiences, Czerlonka knows exactly what not to do.

And that's good news for the customer.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi and subscribe to Melrose Patch for free daily newsletters and local news alerts.