The secret world of Andy's Pet Shop exposed

By Mallorie Kumpf

Driving down The Alameda toward downtown San Jose, I've often been intrigued by the bold, neon Andy's Pet Shop sign. The old-fashioned sign gave the place an aura of mystery. Was it simply a functional store for purchasing puppies, gerbil pellets and the occasional feather-on-a-stick cat toy?

Or was it more, much more? An exotic snake emporium perhaps, specializing in the import of illegal species, selling at prices exceeding five digits? It could even be an underground cock-fighting ring, hiding behind the façade of a simple pet shop sign. I decided that I truly needed to know what was going on in this establishment.

As I walked through the front door, a large toucan and a friendly employee, Ralph Revesti, welcomed me. Ralph informed me that Andy's Pet Shop was 55 years old and was one of the older businesses in San Jose. Throughout the years and through three different owners, Andy's has become a landmark with its neon sign, boasting a glowing and glorious Macaw parrot.

Actually, the original sign was knocked off the building by a rogue 18-wheeler semi truck that took the right curve just a little too tightly where Santa Clara Street turns into The Alameda. However, Andy's was able to make an exact replica of the original.

To their dismay, the city of San Jose tried to bring down the sign because of it's exposed neon tubes, but Andy's held strong and the sign remains to this day because it is considered a landmark of old San Jose.

As for the pets-to-be, the most popular sellers are small animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs and hamsters, and the usual puppies and kittens. Before the installment of modern animal importation laws, Andy's had a much more exotic selection of monkeys and birds from around the world. Even today, Andy's carries a great collection of parrots and birds.

Rosey, a 2-year-old Macaw, greets customers as they enter the store with a cheerful "hello," triggered by the doorbell, often before the employees even get the chance to say hi. The shop's mascot, however, is Mango, a toucan from the wild jungles of Washington.

Actually, because it is (and definitely should be) illegal to import toucans, she was purchased from a certified breeder. Andy's held a contest to name their toucan, and Olivia Neuly, a young girl from the neighborhood, won with the simple yet splendid "Mango."

Wandering through the store, I came across a variety of fun and exciting pet products. One of my favorites was a drinking fountain for the chic and urban cat. This was no ordinary feline drinking fountain; the packaging displayed a fountain similar to one found in a French garden, all for the price of $55.99. However, the bronze feline angel statues were not included.

Andy's carries a large assortment of pets and accessories. So, if you are looking for a squeaky rubber chicken wing, Cat Fancy magazine or a furry friend to fill that void in your love life--as a companion, not a significant other -- stop by Andy's Pet Shop.

Contact Mallorie Kumpf at (408) 551-1918 or mkumpf@scu.edu.