Lu Mitchell and Mike Brogan started Raining Cats and Dogs in October of 2008.  Their love of animals is certainly an important part of their success; but their motivation for opening a holistic pet food store is their belief in the vital role nutrition plays in pet’s lives.  A healthy lifestyle - including a well balanced diet and regular exercise - is essential for long lasting, happy and healthy lives for all living beings.  

Overlooked by pet owners for years, the quality of the foods available in grocery stores and big box pet retailers is appalling.  The highly processed, chemically enhanced foods that have been the norm for the past 50 years are making our pets sick and shortening their life expectancies. 

Improving the quality of life for your pet is our top priority at Raining Cats and Dogs.  We will help you choose a premium quality, biologically appropriate food for your pet that is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients.  Our foods have been proven to significantly reduce veterinary expenses, minimize and in many cases eliminate chronic and debilitating health conditions and increase life expectancy. 

A lifelong pet owner and lover, Lu wanted to open Raining Cats and Dogs for three reasons.  She wanted to combine her love of pets, her dream of spending more time with her girls, Blanche and Beta, and her desire to help others. 

Lu has spent the past 30 years working as a surgical room and critical care nurse in Blue Island and Kankakee.  Her experience with people medicine has proven invaluable in helping customers understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for their pets.

Also a lifelong pet owner, Mike has always had a desire to start businesses.  After owning a dog with sever food allergies and experiencing first-hand the benefits of biologically appropriate, premium foods, a pet food store seemed like the logical business to start.

Mike grew up in Homer Glen and is a graduate of Lockport Township High School.  He has a background in marketing and has worked in the financial services industry for the past 10 years. 

Beta Mitchell – Chairwoman

Beta comes to Raining Cats and Dogs with years of leadership experience.  Beta enjoys the finer things in life and knows hard work leads to big rewards.  An outspoken critic of people, pets and products, she knows what she wants and always gets it.

Blanche Mitchell – Chief Purchasing Officer

Blanche is a stickler for quality.  Because of her attention to detail and her insistence on offering only the highest quality products, Blanche has assumed the chief purchasing role at Raining Cats and Dogs.  Blanche works diligently to make sure that durable, long-lasting toys; delicious treats and biologically appropriate foods are in stock at all times.

Kelcy’s keen ability to bridge the communication gap between species has landed her the top consultative sales post at Raining Cats and Dogs.  Her advanced training in helping humans understand the needs of companion animals allows her to direct customers to the products and services that their pets need.

Cooper’s ability to build relationships with customers, both human and canine, was evident from the start.  Cooper can often be found schmoozing with customers and works tirelessly to make the people and pets that visit the shop, as well as potential customers, remember Raining Cats and Dogs.

Sasha joined Raining Cats and Dogs in November 2008 in an attempt do diversify the board of directors (who at that time were all canines).  Sasha takes on the dual roles of risk management and night watchman.  Her catlike ability to show up anywhere at anytime has helped to eliminate theft during the day; and her willingness to remain in the store 24 hours a day ensures that the store stays safe at night.