After Loss of Beloved “Riley,” New Dog “Bella” Greets Customers at The Country Store in Marshfield
For many years, customers at The Central Wisconsin Country Store (a ProVision Partners Cooperative) in Marshfield were greeted by a friendly canine named “Riley.” A rescue dog that loved going for car rides, collecting sticks, and drinking coffee, Riley was a fixture at the store, leaning on customers, and even giving them toothy grins.
“He was a smiler,” said owner Linda Bauer, whose husband Jim manages the store. “At first we thought he was snarling, but it was his social way of communicating happiness. If you smiled at him, he gave you a toothy smile back, especially if you were one of his favorites.”
Bauer attributed Riley’s tendency to lean on customers to potential separation anxiety, a habit developed because of his past.
“We know that in his former life, he was tied outside. Since he was such a social dog, I’m sure he craved the human touch and attention and was worried it would go away,” she said.
Both stubborn and hilarious, Riley was beloved by many. After his passing in October, the 11½-year-old duck tolling retriever left a noticeable absence for both the Bauer’s and the store’s many customers.
“Riley was an icon at the store,” said Bauer. “People came in just to see him, and not
necessarily to buy anything. He was well liked by the patrons. It has been an emotional time, and many people have left the store in tears. The outpouring of compassion has been overwhelming. We knew he was loved by many, but had no idea to what extent!”
After losing Riley, the Bauers were devastated, missing their PR greeter and friend.
“We talked about not getting another dog, but as the weeks went by it was apparent there was something missing in our lives,” said Linda. “We were incredibly lonely without Riley’s presence, so I started to reconsider the idea of another dog.”
Thinking that perhaps having a new face in the store could help ease the heartbreak, the Bauers began searching local rescues.
“No dog can take Riley’s place, but giving another homeless dog a good life might be just what we need to heal,” said Bauer. Soon the couple was making a trip to Marathon County Humane Society to meet Bella.
“When I saw her photo online, she had the type of look we are drawn to: longer hair, soft eyes, mid-size,” said Bauer. “The day we went to pick Bella up, it felt like someone lifted bricks off my shoulders. Sadness weighs you down, and you don’t even realize it. That’s when I knew we made the right decision!”
Bauer said that Bella fits right in and seems as if she’s been at the store for a long time.
“What is needed at the retail store is a dog who can relate to most personalities, adults, kids, and other animals,” said Bauer. “When I went to meet Bella, I immediately knew she fit the bill. When Jim met her, he sat on the floor and she came up to him and flipped upside down- a sure sign that she trusted humans and had a welcoming personality.”
Bella has been a welcome addition to the store, greeting customers with a friendly bark and a plea for belly rubs.
“We can’t even count the number of people who, after they found out Riley had passed, said there needs to be another dog at the store,” said Bauer. “They like to be welcomed by a human, as well as animal presence.”
Visit Bella at The Central Wisconsin Country Store, 106 S Peach Ave, in Marshfield.
The Store is currently holding a contest to see who can guess Bella’s breed. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
