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This may sound far-fetched, but several Oakland county shops have pets on location, and the business owners say their animals add a fun-loving, fuzzy or feathery feel to their operation.

Toby Haberman, owner of Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak, said having the presence of her 120-pound Newfoundland, "I Love Lucy" - "Lucy" for short - is an asset.

"She contributes to the warm, family ambiance we try to achieve," Haberman says. "In this age of cookie-cutter malls and impersonal chain stores, most people miss out on the unique traits and experiences that give independently owned stores their character and add, in general, to the quality of daily life."

While Lucy is petite for her breed, Newfoundlands are known as "gentle giants," and her size intimidates a few people. Haberman, therefore, does not permit her to wander freely on the selling floor.

Lucy spends most of the day next to or under Haberman's desk, with occasional visits to the staff break room to mooch goodies from her work buddies. She certainly knows the perks of attracting attention.

Haberman says not only does her staff treat Lucy like royalty, her customers can be equally doting.

"A great many customers rush to Lucy to pet and hug her," Haberman says, "howling with laughter when she throws herself at their feet, and lies shamelessly on her back, spread-eagle, begging for tummy rubs."

The term "spoiled" does creep into conversations about Lucy, but really her owner says she is a "calm, quiet, loving companion." Looking at her another way, Haberman says Lucy is a "sweet little girl challenged by excessive body hair."

In nearby Birmingham, at The Gem Cellar, Zoë is the pooch that led a customer past jewelry display cases until she spotted a ring that was a perfect fit. The customer originally intended only to pet the dog, but Zoë wanted to show off the merchandise, not get the attention, herself.

Gem Cellar owner Kirk Kuchukian says with amusement: "After the client showed Zoë her paid receipt, (that) was when Zoë obliged her advance."

Although Zoë technically belongs to Kuchukian's wife, Jeannie, the 4-pound dog has been going to work daily since January 2003, making her almost an "ambassador" in Birmingham. Passersby often can find her in her favorite places. In the winter, Zoë likes sunning in a window display case. In the summer, she catches rays on the sidewalk in front of the store.

Kuchukian characterizes Zoë as "love at first sight."

Dogs are not the only irresistible pets in shops, either.

One cat, Sassy, has lived at English Gardens in West Bloomfield Township for 10 years.

John VanHouten, English Gardens' general manager, said the female tabby was adopted to be a family housecat, but Sassy preferred spending time outdoors. At the landscape and garden business, Sassy enjoys free roam of the inside and outside sales area.

"Our automatic doors don't open for her," VanHouten says, because Sassy is not heavy enough to trigger the sensor. Instead, "she'll wait patiently by the door until someone lets her in or out."

English Gardens has amenities to keep Sassy purring contentedly. She can curl up on a patio chair, sleep on a shelving unit, meditate on mulch surrounding the Christmas tree forest or wander the store aisles.

A few people not expecting to see movement have been startled by the sight of Sassy, but the feline has a following of fans.

"Customers make special trips to English Gardens to bring Sassy treats," VanHouten says. "Most customers ask, 'Where's Sassy today?' if she is not readily visible."

It takes a trained eye to spot Sassy snoozing in the store's stuffed-animal display. VanHouten recalls how surprised a child once was to find such a lifelike cat among a slew of stuffed toys.

Customers apparently think Sassy is a tabby to keep tabs on, VanHouten explains: "Everyone loves her, particularly the kids."

That cat may be called Sassy, but "shy" is the descriptor John Balsick chooses for his Mexican double yellow nape parrot, Baby.

Baby has lived at Shear Elegance Hair and Tanning Studio in Keego Harbor for 16 years.

"People have a very positive reaction to the bird," says Balsick, who is president of Shear Elegance.

He provides all of Baby's care, too, which entails supplying fresh water and food as well as cleaning the cage.

In return, Baby can offer some small talk if the situation calls for it. His favorite expressions are "good boy," "oh, boy" and "hello."

What Baby really seems to crave, like most pets in shops, is interaction with his owner.

"Most birds are attached to only one person," Balsick says of Baby, "He likes attention from me and he likes to help me eat my lunch."