4 minute read
Adventure gear shoppers are greeted by a popular golden doodle
BY MAIN STREET SQUARE
With trails to hike or bike on right in Rapid City’s backyard, locals and visitors can find all their favorite gear for travel and adventures right in the heart of the city. Roam’n Around is Rapid City’s only locally-owned and operated travel and adventure gear shop. From luggage to backpacks, passport covers to guide books, hammocks to climbing gear & everything in between throughout the two-story shop inside Main Street Square.
And as you’re sifting through the racks for your perfect size and color, you may find yourself being greeted by everyone’s favorite employee: Lucy the golden doodle.
Co-owners Bridget and Jon Machacek always loved the idea of incorporating a shop dog into their business. They are dog owners and know the joy they can bring. 13 years into their business, they knew the time was right to bring some life to the shop. “Our vision was to go to the humane society and adopt a dog but owning a company that had clothing, with the possibility of shedding and allergies, not to mention ensuring the dog had the perfect temperament was going to be key. The idea of outdoor shops like ours and dogs go hand in hand,” explained Bridget.
They first brought Millie into the shop the fall of 2020. Sadly, she passed on Christmas Day 2020 after some unforeseen health issues. “When Millie passed it was very difficult and it took us a long time to prepare ourselves, staff and customers for another pet,” Bridget recalled. “Millie brought life into the store, and everyone enjoyed the way she made us feel,” Jon added. In processing the grief of Millie, they weren’t sure when or if there would be a right time to bring another shop dog into the Roam’n family.
But sometimes things are simply meant to be.
by Shiloh Francis
A sunny day in May 2021 a customer from Sioux Falls came in with their golden doodle puppy. “It had a great demeanor,” Bridget described. They ended up getting in touch with the breeder and got their name on the list. “In mid-October, Lucy came home.”
It didn’t take long for the staff and customers to fall in love with her sweet, calm demeanor. Lucy’s fanbase extends beyond the store as regular customers keep an eye on how she is doing by watching on Roam’n Around’s social media pages. “Lucy has her own following and we are incorporating a line of stickers for Lucy with her name on it. Everyone that comes into the store gives her so much love and she has brought a special feel into the shop,” stated Jon Machacek.
“We welcome dogs into the store, and we have some regular customers that bring their dogs in on Saturdays, and they know exactly where the treats are behind the counter and help themselves,” added Machacek.
Lucy isn’t the only change that has been happening around the shop in recent years. Nearly two years ago the shop expanded into the former Who’s Game House—allowing for even more space to display product. And, recently, they launched a consignment section. “It’s a great way for people to get quality gear at a price they can afford,” Bridget explained as she shared the new area. “We look forward to continuing to grow this part of the shop.”
by Shiloh Francis
Lucy and shop animals throughout Rapid City bring personality to businesses that can be felt by any and everyone who enters the store. But it often cannot be just “any” dog. The Machaceks understand finding the right fit is key. “We are fortunate because Lucy has only known the shop, she only knows coming to work every day and has been a quick learner, she has been a great addition to our family here at the store,” said Jon.
The next time you need to do any shopping for outdoor needs stop by and see Lucy, she will no doubt be roam’n around.
