DocktorPetCenter

This was a (rather small) pet shop in a national chain that operated in the mall in during the mid-80's. I don't recall when it opened or closed, because I was only 5 or 6 when I recall having been there last. The chain is apparently still operating in other regions, but from what I've heard their reputation is less than favorable because of the way they treat the animals they sell. That aside, my only memory of the store in the Mall of Memphis was that I enjoyed going there to watch the little white mice they sold run around their little cages. I couldn't find a pic of the logo to add here but I'm sure someone else can. I also want to say it was located in a corner near one of the two anchors in the middle of the mall (either Service Merchandise or what was then Thalhimer's.) --Clinton

The MOM's Docktor Pet Center was located just outside of Thalhiemer's. In addition to puppies and mice, they also had a large section of live freshwater fish and fish supplies. I don't believe they were there on opening day, but they were definitely there well before I left Memphis in the spring of 1984. --BJN--

In 1989, when Deborah Howard, president of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) noticed the cramped, unsanitary conditions at a Docktor Pet Center, she became enraged. The company had more than 300 franchises at that time. Ms. Howard joined forces with Robert Baker, the foremost puppy mill investigator in the country. They generated two "20/20" exposes and articles in People and Life. These exposes took on the pet shop industry - "20/20" and People named Docktor directly - and showed the horrors of puppy mills. As a result of their efforts, Docktor Pet Centers, who refused to do business without the sale of puppies, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in February 1993. Ms. Howard started CAPS in 1992. Mr. Baker is CAPS' vice-president.

As the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals, CAPS' foremost concern in the abuse and suffering of pet shop and puppy mill dogs. Founded in 1992, CAPS actively addresses this issue through investigations, education, media relations, legislative involvement, puppy mill dog rescues, consumer assistance and pet industry employee relations.