Featured Retailer of the Month
The History of Four Your Paws Only all started with a camping trip, a little bit of luck, and a dream!
Brian and Kathy Ahearn always dreamed of opening their own pet-related business. That dream became a reality after a family camping trip to the Mount Washington Valley in the summer of 1994.
At the time, Brian managed a large pet supply store in Massachusetts, and Kathy worked as a pet groomer. They had been searching for the perfect location to start their own business, never imagining they would find it right here in the Valley.
While camping at Jigger Johnson Campground with their four-month-old son, they spotted a "For Lease" sign in a North Conway Village storefront on July 4th. A family member jokingly suggested, "You should open your business there!" And the rest is history.
By August, the Ahearns had packed up and moved to Bartlett with baby Kevin, four dogs, a horse, a chinchilla, and a dove. They opened Four Your Paws Only in a tiny 750-square-foot space, originally envisioning a gift shop for pets. They quickly realized the Valley also needed a place offering quality pet foods and supplies. Within two years, they had outgrown their original space and expanded.
From the beginning, Brian and Kathy believed pets were family. They welcomed pets into their store long before it became common practice and created a place where pets and their people could enjoy spending time together.
Over the years, they hosted Doggie Playgroups, Puppy Parties, Halloween Costume Contests, Santa Paws photos, Ice Cream Socials, Puppy Bowls, training classes, and countless other events. They also organized fundraisers, adoption days, and meet-and-greets with local animal rescues. Four Your Paws Only quickly became more than a place to shop. It became a gathering spot for the local pet community.
Giving back to animals has always been an important part of Brian and Kathy's mission. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Brian traveled to Mississippi with much-needed supplies and volunteered with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, helping transport rescued dogs to temporary shelters on his way home. Later, Brian and Kathy founded the White Mountain Disaster Animal Response Team to help establish temporary animal shelters during natural disasters.
Kathy is also a founding board member of the Conway Area Humane Society and has been actively involved with the White Mountain Horse Association since its inception.
Growing Along with the Community In 2009, Four Your Paws Only moved into its current 5,200-square-foot location, opening the door to even more possibilities. The larger store allowed them to expand their selection of quality pet foods, supplies, gifts, and accessories, host larger playgroups and events, and introduce one of their most popular features: their in-store pet bakery.
Throughout the years, Brian and Kathy have supported countless local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer work. Today, they continue that commitment through their involvement with White Mountain Independents (WMI). Both serve on its Board of Directors, and Kathy also chairs the organization's Marketing Committee.
Today, Four Your Paws Only is a true family business, with two generations of Ahearns working side by side. In 2018, their son Kevin and his wife Sarah returned to the Valley to join the business and help carry on the family tradition.
After more than 32 years, Brian and Kathy have certainly experienced their share of challenges, but their commitment has never changed: to provide exceptional customer service, offer quality products, support their community, and always be there for animals in need.
From a little 750-square-foot Mom & Pop shop to the 5,200-square-foot store you see
today, Four Your Paws Only has grown tremendously, but its heart remains the same. It's
about family, community, and a whole lot of love for pets.
Thank you for being part of their story. They wouldn't be here without you!
