BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer

PHOTOSBY DAN NEWMAN Pillows and beds are just a few of the items that can be found at Going to the Dogs in Middletown. MIDDLETOWN - Bakery items, cell phone holders, even wedding dresses. And we're not talking about a flea market.

Going to the Dogs is a one-stop shopping destination for dog owners and enthusiasts. After thoroughly researching other businesses like hers statewide, owner Fran Cooperstein has come to a single conclusion.

"I have the largest dog boutique in New Jersey and it is very unique," Cooperstein said. "Our array of products is unmatched."

Prior to taking up space in her current location in the Union Square Mall on Route 35 south, Cooperstein could be found in Red Bank, first on Monmouth Street and then on Broad Street.

"Business there was OK, but with the rent going up and lack of parking in the area, I felt like it was time to move on," Cooperstein said.

So Cooperstein set up shop in a 2,000-square-foot space, which is divided into three sections. Upon entry, the store looks like a gift shop, with birthday cards, keychains and coffee mugs adorned with pictures of many different breeds, to go along with sweaters, socks and even bandanas with local professional sports teams.

Going to the Dogs on Route 35 in Middletown has everything from clothing to food to cell phone holders. "If there's one thing that doesn't sell, then something else will," Cooperstein said. "There's so much to see in this end of the store."

Another attention-grabber in the front are the bakery items for sale. Pastries, cookies, hamburgers, pizza and, what a surprise, bones, are just a few of the items that can be had.

"Our bakery department is very extensive and our products are whole grain and are healthy for dogs," Cooperstein said.

Behind the showroom is what's known as the bed and breakfast area, replete with dog pillows, specially made raised feeders and beds.

"If we don't have something here, then we can special order it," Cooperstein said. "We can pretty much find something for any breed of dog that is out there."

In the back of the store is the gift room, where dog enthusiasts can find surprises for their pooches and even their owners.

Cooperstein first got into dogs many years ago when her husband brought home a white shepherd for their son.

"The dog was fine, but it was too big for my son at that time," Cooperstein explained. "Then we downsized to a bichon. Since then I have really had a love of dogs."

Besides what can be found in the store and what Cooperstein can special order, people can shop online at the store's Web site, www.gointothedogsonline.com.