COMMUNITY Spotlight: Dexter’s Deli

There are some businesses that become part of your story from the very beginning. For Dogs On The Run, one of those businesses is Dexter's Deli.

If you’ve never been to Dexter’s Deli, it’s not your average pet store. They are known for healthy pet nutrition, natural foods, homemade dog treats, supplements, and a team that genuinely cares about the health and happiness of pets. Long before “holistic pet care” became mainstream, Dexter’s Deli was already leading the way.

A Shared love for pets turns into a community

Back in 2003, I was 25 years old and building Dogs On The Run from the ground up. At the time, I created a “Pet of the Month” program where I would highlight one special DOTR dog and the services we were providing for their family. Each pet received a certificate and a feature on our website.

I wanted to make it even more meaningful for the families, but as a young entrepreneur, resources were limited. One Saturday, I walked into Dexter’s Deli in Carlsbad and explained my idea.

As fate would have it, Tori, the owner, was there that day.

She listened to my vision, took me into the back of the store, smiled, and said:
“I like what you are building and I would LOVE to support you.”

Then she offered something I never forgot.

Every month, Dexter’s Deli donated a large bag of their homemade dog treats for our Pet of the Month families. Month after month. Year after year. For nearly five years.

That kind of support mattered more than people realize.

mutual support, years later

As a young founder trying to build something meaningful in the pet care industry, those moments gave me encouragement, confidence, and proof that the community believed in what Dogs On The Run was becoming.

More than 20 years later, Dexter’s Deli continues to be an incredible supporter of pets, pet parents, and local businesses throughout San Diego County. Their team has not only spoiled countless DOTR dogs with treats over the years, but they have also referred many wonderful families to us when they needed trusted pet care services.

Looking back, it’s amazing how one small act of kindness from another local business helped encourage me to keep building.

More than 20 years later, we still remember it.

Thank you, Dexter’s Deli, for believing in Dogs On The Run before most people even knew who we were.

We love you guys.