If you're the sort who likes to kick it in a pair of khakis from the Gap, there's a new pet store where you can find that perfect animal companion as easily as any other mass-produced item. Born of a group of former Gap and IKEA executives, Woof & Company has just two Boston-area outlets open now, but is planning a North American market-cornering that has animal welfare groups baring their teeth.

Aside from the millions of dogs that die annually in animal shelters, dog-lovers are concerned with Woof & Company choosing Hunte Corporation as their provider of pedigreed pups. A Missouri-based dog broker of stellar proportion, Hunte has been linked to a cornucopia of puppy mills, negligence and mistreatment - including transporting pups cross-country in over-filled semis.

Though no official comment has been made, with prices ranging between $750 and $1,800 per pup, it's unlikely Woof & Company will be getting in touch with its humane side any time soon.

» Scott Saxon