Long before Paris Hilton started dressing her Chihuahua, long before anyone ever dreamed about putting a small dog in a baby stroller … there was a place in Sacramento where you could buy a leather biker jacket for your dog, and much, much more. East Sacramento’s Reigning Cats and Dogs (56th and H) has been open for something in the neighborhood of 20 years, and in that time has become a favorite among area pet-lovers. Where else could you get a kitty tree-topper for Christmas? A bereavement card for a pet-lover? That perfect set of cat or dog earings or cufflinks?

Nowadays, such pet boutiques are a dime-a-dozen, and you’ll find them in every upscale or touristy shopping area. They’re in Napa, Santa Barbara, Pike’s Place in downtown Seattle and more in L.A. than you can shake a kitty fishing pole at. Everywhere, really, even Kansas City and Tallahassee. But when RCD was new it was ahead of the curve. Nobody had a store like this.

And now, it’s gone. Or soon will be. Susan and Gene are closing after a going away sale that’ll sell every last jeweled collar, stuffed cat toy and doggy night lamp. (Fixtures, too.) I’m guessing they’re retiring, probably to that piece of land they’ve had in Mendocino County for years. Which means this is a double blow to area pet-lovers: No more Reigning Cats and Dogs, and no more Gene and Susan.

Woof/Meow, we’re sure going to miss them.