Shepherds Blessings owner Steve Shepherd stands beside the Little Free Dog Library in front of his and his wife’s store on Sept. 23. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — While manning their storefront one day in July, Betty and Steve Shepherd were approached by a man from Springfield, Va., with an interesting community service opportunity.

The man, Don Hillmer, had begun working with a carpenter to craft Little Free Dog Libraries — a dog-focused take on the more well known concept of the Little Free Library, which can be placed outside and filled with items that other people might find useful or enjoyable. Each Little Free Dog Library’s sale raised funds for Hillmer’s church, meaning it had a dual, positive purpose, as its purchase would help both a church and dog owners in need.

“Betty was the one who said, ‘Let’s do this! Call him up,'” Steve said, in between greeting customers — dog and human like — at his store on Tuesday afternoon. “I thought it was a great thing, as well.”

He noted that, in Shepherdstown, there are several Little Free Libraries, as well as initiatives with similar concepts, like the New Street United Methodist Church Blessings Box and Badgerhound Studio & Gallery’s Little Free Art Gallery. The concept of an animal-themed variation on that theme, however, had yet to be introduced.

“When you go around town, you see so many Little Free Libraries, but there are just as many dog lovers here as there are voracious readers — it makes sense for something like this to exist in Shepherdstown,” Steve said. “We thought it would be very cool, to have in Shepherdstown. We’re hoping it catches on and that more Free Little Dog Libraries will be established in the area.”

Pup Treats, made with organic ingredients, wait on a shelf in Shepherds Blessings, ready for a lucky dog to enjoy. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

And so, one month later, the Shepherds agreed to purchase a library and have it installed in front of their store. They called Hillmer with the order on Aug. 3 and, the very next day, were introducing the first Free Little Dog Library to the Eastern Panhandle and Shepherdstown, in particular. It came prestocked, with dog toys, costumes, blankets and treats in the main part of the library, as well as bags in a side compartment, which dog walkers can use in a pinch to pick up waste. Passersby are welcome to take from and donate to the library, as they have the need and ability.

“It’s been very well received,” Steve said. “A lot of people have given us positive feedback on it.”

The library also ties in well with the family’s business, which sells dog sweaters, organic dog treats, paw salve, dog-safe soap and other dog-themed items. It also is in line with the Shepherd family’s love for dogs. Currently, Steve and Betty have two dogs: three-year-old Boston terrier Lila Jane and three-year-old Boxer Reggie.

“We love dogs and we’re happy to have this opportunity to spread that love a little further, with having this dog library now in front of our store,” Steve said.

Shepherds Blessings is located at 121 West German Street in Shepherdstown.

Stickers, with images of dogs on them, lay out in a display at Shepherds Blessings. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

Containers of organic paw salve and dog-safe soap sit on a shelf in Shepherds Blessings. Photo by Tabitha Johnston