Shop animals are becoming more common around Knoxville. These four-legged friends are not only making the shopping experience better, but they are also doing their part in helping with business.

Lincoln’s Hemp Collective

Lincoln’s Hemp Collective, an educationally focused hemp gen store, is known for having two store greeters. One is a maltipoo named Lincoln, and the other is a Havanese named Zuzu. Both are rescue dogs. The store owner, Kathy Holt, has had both dogs throughout her time at Lincoln’s Hemp Collective.

“I adopted Lincoln three years ago,” Holt said. “I was searching for over a year to find him a companion. I read that Zuzu was born without a right rear foot and lifts her right leg, and Lincoln would lift his left leg up. I thought that was perfect and picked her up at a cat rescue.”

Both of the dogs love greeting visitors who stop by the store. They even love helping the customers shop around the store.

“Lincoln will be at the door greeting them,” Holt said. “Zuzu will bark until you pay attention to her.”

Monkey’s Bar

People do not just stop by for a drink and a chat. At Monkey’s Bar, the experience just got a little better with Monkey, a golden retriever, who makes his rounds greeting incoming customers.

Monkey’s Bar has been operating since December 2022 and is located in Old City in downtown Knoxville. This bar is known for being a neighborhood cocktail bar and an event space for people to enjoy. Elle Nelson, Monkey’s Bar’s owner, has had her dog Monkey with her throughout the entire journey. He was with her even before the venue was Monkey’s Bar.

“Monkey does go greet people at the door and is excited to see everybody,” Nelson said. “He also makes sure that everyone pays the pet tax because he needs to be petted and loved at the door by everyone.”

A lot of people enjoy seeing Monkey when they come in. He has even made a name for himself, and when people hear about Monkey’s Bar, most people know about the famous four-legged greeter. Monkey has been at the bar for his whole life and is about to turn four years old this November. The bar plans to show him lots of love.

While he is very popular with the customers, Monkey is also loved by the employees. Karlee Mayers, a bartender, talks a little about what it’s like to have Monkey around.

“Monkey is a crazy man,” Mayers said. “He is puppy energy, very friendly, and we love it when he is here.”

Nostalgia

Nostalgia is home to two very friendly cats. This store is known for its vintage vibe and has over 30 dealers. The two cats that greet each coming visitor are named Oscar and Felix. They are brothers who have been at the store since they were kittens. Charlotte Smith, one of the vendors, talks about the cats, who recently celebrated their 13th birthday.

“They came here as feral kittens and stayed here ever since,” Smith said. “They celebrated their birthday in August and we had refreshments and invited people in.”

The store has been operating since 2006, hosting over 30 vendors, and just opened up a new store on Chapman highway this year that will hold over 100 vendors. While this is some visitors’ first time vintage shopping, other shoppers like Sarah Jones have made it a tradition to stop by to shop and pet the cats.

“My nanny and my mom used to always come here when I lived in Knoxville,” Jones said. “I loved going on little errand dates with them. The cats were definitely a plus.”

Union Ave Books

Union Ave Books is not only known for their books and gifts, but also their four-legged friends that come for a visit. There are many animals, including both cats and dogs, that visit the store each day.

Scout, a nine-year-old Havanese dog, is one of the reasons customers stop by. This local woman-owned bookstore has been operating in the downtown area since 2011. Scout has been a part of it for the past nine years, since she was a puppy. Flossie McNabb, one of the store’s owners, wanted a dog that was good with people and children.

“She loves kids,” McNabb said. “When the door opens, she will trot up to the person and greet them. She is a natural and makes everyone happy.”

Scout is very popular with the customers. People coming in will ask to see her. She is not only a hit with the customers, but the employees also enjoy having Scout around. Chelsea Bauer, inventory and buying manager, has been working at the Bookstore for 14 years and has seen Scout grow up.

“She used to be here every day when she was younger,” Bauer said. “Sometimes, when people have not been in for a while will ask for her, and even kids will ask about Scout. She gets asked about more than any of us for sure.”