Rodie’s Feed & Country Store Throws 30th Birthday Bash

Many of devoted customers were on hand to help celebrate Bob and Sarah Rodenburg’s 30 years in service to the community Saturday.

The day was filled with hotdogs, refreshments, raffle prizes, store discounts, vendor booths and pony rides.

Linda Pinder, a guest at the celebration, said that even after her dog died, she continued to shop at Rodie's for gifts.

“I come here for Christmas and birthday gifts,” said Linda Pinder. “I had a basset hound named Alice, and I would come here for dog food. I believe in shopping locally first.”

With his parking lot lined with tents from food and pet supply vendors from Bio-Groom to Avian Adventures (bird cages), Bob made sure to walk the premises to greet his loyal customers and answer questions.

He’s proud to have a large selection of inventory to offer his clients.

“We have the largest inventory in Northern California,” Bob said. “We just visited all the big bird stores in Southern California and I believe they have only one bird store larger than ours.”

Rodie’s has over 70 large and small birds to choose from, however, what sets it apart according to some is the special care they give their birds.

“We use 'best practices' for all of our birds, where we provide them with a proper environment, toys, stimulation, etc.” said Barbara Dwyer, who trains the new birds and keeps meticulous records on each.

She said a lot of problems occur while birds are in captivity. Birds naturally hunt for their food, but when caged and owners give them food, birds aren't allowed to do what comes naturally — hunt. Dwyer said they promote foraging through toys and challenging food containers.

“We promote the process of hunting,” she added. “Birds can live to be 60 to 80-years-old; they need to be cared for.”

Bob and Dwyer said the communication does not end when a customer walks out the door with a new bird purchase.

“We encourage them to call us for help or training,” said Dwyer, who is always looking to purchase from local breeders who support the ‘best practices’ philosophy. “It’s all about taking responsibility for their care and well being.”

Customer Amy Shaver drives all the way from Antioch to purchase food and supplies for her parrot, four dogs and horse.

“I’ve been coming here for six years because the staff here is just wonderful,” said Shaver, who attended the event. “They bend over backwards for you, and they call you back when they say they will. They’re amazing and so community-oriented.”

Another attendee, Bob Nunn, who came to the celebration with his 3-year-old daughter Olivia decked out in cowgirl attire and pink cowgirl hat, said he comes to Rodie’s on a regular basis for dog food to feed his three Labradors.

“It’s convenient and friendly, and they do a nice job,” said Nunn, while Olivia performed a little impromptu dance to the country music playing at the event.