If you're lucky enough to find Michelle's Friends, tucked away in the Canyon Crest Shopping Center, near the Pizza Hut and Ralph's, you're going to find one of the most consistently best pet stores in the area. Aside from a steady stream of dogs, cats, fish, and lizards, Michelle's Friends offers organic pet food, a full line of pet leashes (including iguana leashes, if you're a lizard person), and toys & accessories for the most discriminating of pets.
What's special about Michelle's Friends is the story behind it, as much as the merchandise.
A few years ago, a crazy man in this area killed his wife, Michelle. He stuffed her in his trunk, but was eventually caught in Arizona, brought to trial, and convicted.
Michelle owned a pet store that looked as if it was going to close, with no leadership and no family to take it over. In memory, some friends of the murdered woman pooled resources and bought the store, giving it the name "Michelle's Friends" to honor the woman who was their friend.
Prices are reasonable -- though as with any independent store, they're higher than, say, a PetCo type store. They are conveniently located, once you know where they are, and honestly, I don't mind paying the extra price for a good cause.