Fourteen years ago, long before the proliferation of organic dog treats and puppy perfume, Jose Estrela opened "The Pet from Ipanema" in Rio de Janeiro with longtime friend and veterinarian Luiz Pereira. At a time when most pet supply shops were strictly utilitarian, they fashioned something a bit more refined.
"We changed the culture of pet boutiques in Brazil," says Estrela. "We broke the mold."