About Three Tails Parlor and Pantry

For Taylor, pets are family, and that philosophy is at the heart of everything she does at Three Tails Parlor & Pantry. A lifelong animal lover and dedicated small business owner, Taylor is driven by her passion for making sure every pet that walks through the door is treated with the love and care they deserve. Her goal is simple: to create a space where pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and confident in the choices they make for their beloved companions.

Recognized as one of Pets+ "America's Coolest," Taylor’s leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the pet community in Columbia and Waterloo as well as a nationally recognized brand within the pet industry. As a certified pet nutritionist, she has a special talent for selecting products that are not only safe but also enhance the health and happiness of pets. She believes that every animal deserves the best, and she takes pride in helping customers find exactly what they need.

Taylor graduated in 2017 with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Edwardsville University, and in 2018, alongside her mom, Renee, she co-founded Three Tails Parlor & Pantry. Opening her very own store in her hometown of Columbia, Illinois, on March 12th, 2018. Today, she continues to lead with the same passion and care that started it all.

When you visit the store, you’ll likely meet Taylor’s furry family members—Goose, her playful one-year-old black lab, and her two store cats, Nellie & Finn, who are adored by many of the regular customers. Taylor and the entire team, all certified in pet first aid and CPR, are dedicated to making sure your pets feel just as much a part of the family as theirs do. At Three Tails, you’re not just a customer—you’re part of something special.

For Renee, taking care of pets isn’t just a business—it’s a lifelong passion. Since 2006, when she purchased a small feed store and introduced Waterloo Feed and Pet Supply to the community, she has poured her heart into creating a place where pets and their people feel at home. What started with livestock supplies soon grew to include grooming and dog training services as Renee’s focus shifted to the well-being of companion animals.

As a certified pet nutritionist, Renee is committed to providing only the best for the pets in her care. Every product in the store is thoughtfully chosen with your pet’s safety and health in mind. And it’s not just about the products—Renee and her entire team are certified in pet first aid and CPR, ensuring that every pet who visits is in safe, loving hands.

Renee is not only dedicated to her business; she’s a devoted wife and mother. Married to Bob Gonzalez, she is a proud mom to Robby (married to Megan), Taylor, and Maggi, and an even prouder "GiGi" to her grandchildren, Owen and Addie. Her own pets—Scout and Sawyer, two of the original Three Tails—and her four store cats, Ted, Tina, Larry, and Moe, bring her joy and are familiar faces to regular visitors.

In 2018, Renee and Taylor co-founded Three Tails Parlor & Pantry, turning their shared vision into a thriving local business that serves the community with love, knowledge, and care. Being recognized as "America's Coolest" by Pets+ is a reflection of the warmth and dedication that Renee brings to her work every single day. When you walk into Three Tails, you’ll not only find expert advice and top-quality products—you’ll find a family who treats your pets like their own.

We lost our sweet Samson on March 30th, 2022, but his spirit continues to inspire everything we do at Three Tails. Samson was the oldest, the wisest, and if you asked him, definitely the best-looking of our three pups. He carried himself with the dignity of an elder statesman, tolerating his younger brothers with deep sighs and doggy eye rolls that let you know exactly what he thought of their antics. But don’t let his tough-guy attitude fool you—Samson could still run and play like a puppy, chasing Sawyer until they were both dizzy. His one kryptonite? Bees. Despite his brave front, he had a very real fear of those buzzing creatures, and it was one of the many quirks that made him so lovable. Samson left a lasting impression not just on our family, but on the community as well. He’ll always be the heart and soul of Three Tails, reminding us daily why we’re here: to honor the love, joy, and companionship that pets bring into our lives.

Scout is the youngest of our three beloved pups, and while he may be the youngest of the bunch, his heart is as big as his patience. Sweet, empathetic, and endlessly patient, Scout has a calm presence that makes him the perfect companion. As Taylor’s heart dog, he holds a special place in our family, and we’re incredibly proud of his Certified Canine Good Citizen title. At the end of the day, Scout’s love and loyalty remind us why we started Three Tails—pets like him deserve all the love and care in the world.

Our Sawyer is a lovable goofball who keeps us on our toes—and laughing—every single day. He’s the classic “middle child” with a heart bigger than his brain, and we wouldn’t have him any other way. Whether it’s jumping on the counter, getting into something he shouldn’t, or chasing his brother in circles, Sawyer is always finding a way to get himself into mischief. Rescued from Helping Strays of Monroe County, he’s brought so much joy and energy into our lives. Sometimes we’ve had to save him from his own curious adventures, but that’s just part of his charm. His playful spirit, loyalty, and endless affection are a big reason why Three Tails exists—to celebrate the quirks and joys that come with every pet’s unique personality.

Nellie’s journey to becoming one of our beloved store cats is a story of resilience and finding her place in the world. Rescued from Helping Strays of Monroe County on November 6th, 2019, Nellie had spent a staggering 684 days in the shelter, making her the longest resident at the time. Deemed "unadoptable" due to her independent and somewhat spicy personality, she wasn’t always easy to win over. But here at Three Tails, we saw something special in her.

Though Nellie enjoys her personal space and likes things on her own terms, she has a soft spot for the children who visit the store. She’s become a bit of a quiet guardian, allowing the little ones to admire her from afar and sometimes, if they’re lucky, get a gentle nuzzle. You’ll often find Nellie lounging in her kitty penthouse, soaking up the sun with that unmistakable regal air of a cat who knows she’s found her forever home.

Finn’s start in life was a rough one, but it didn’t take long for him to bounce back and show the world his true colors. Found in a Walmart parking lot at just a few weeks old, Finn was all alone—no mom, no siblings, and very, very sick. But with a lot of love and care, Taylor nursed this little fighter back to health, and today, Finn is the picture of spunk and energy.

Finn’s full of personality, always finding a way to charm customers (and their dogs!) with his playful antics and friendly nature. Whether he’s napping in his "Happy Camper" tent, greeting you at the door like the unofficial store manager, or chasing after a dog’s tail, Finn is always up to something. His adventurous spirit and affectionate nature make him the heart of the store, reminding everyone who walks in that love and a little care can turn even the toughest start into something beautiful.