For nearly three decades, Bow Wow Bed & Bath has been more than a place to drop off a dog for grooming, boarding, daycare or training. For families across the Middletown–Red Bank area, it has become a trusted extension of home—built on patience, consistency and genuine care.
Founded in 1997 by sisters Adrienne Agresti and Geri Lucia, Bow Wow Bed & Bath was created with a simple mission: to provide dogs with individualized attention in an environment where they were never rushed or treated like a number.
“We love animals, and we felt there was a real need for a space that prioritized trust and patience,” Adrienne Agresti says. “That intention has never changed.”
A Legacy of Heart
Mark Agresti joined Bow Wow in 2001 and quickly became the heart and soul of the business. What began as temporary help for his wife, Adrienne, soon grew into a true passion. Mark poured his heart into Bow Wow every day, dedicating himself fully to the dogs, the clients and the community until he became ill.
In 2021, Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He fought courageously for nearly five years. Although he is no longer with the business, his memory and the foundation he helped build continue to thrive. Longtime customers still speak fondly of him and say how much they miss talking with him—a true testament to the impact he made on everyone he met.
Today, Bow Wow Bed & Bath is proudly run by Adrienne and her daughter, Maddy, blending decades of experience with a fresh, wellness-focused perspective.
Growing Up Bow Wow
Maddy Agresti grew up immersed in the family business, developing a deep understanding of dogs not just as pets, but as individuals with unique personalities, routines and needs. From an early age, she was surrounded by hands-on care, long-term client relationships and a culture built on trust.
“When you grow up in this business, you don’t just learn how to care for dogs—you learn responsibility, empathy and commitment,” Maddy says.
Maddy graduated from Rutgers University in 2022 and, that same year, began working at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, further expanding her experience with canine health, behavior and wellness. She is also a volunteer EMT in Monmouth Beach and continues to offer local dog walking and pet-sitting services when her schedule allows—reinforcing her dedication to both animals and the community she serves.
Expanding Into Canine Wellness
Seeing firsthand how many dogs lacked consistent, structured exercise, Maddy launched Bow Wow Fit Club, a mobile dog gym designed to bring canine fitness directly to clients.
With a background in fitness and personal training, she recognized clear parallels between human and canine wellness. Movement, she says, plays a critical role not only in physical health, but also in confidence, balance and emotional regulation.
“Many dogs don’t get enough structured exercise—not because owners don’t care, but because life gets busy,” Maddy says. “Bow Wow Fit Club offers a safe, controlled solution.”
Each Fit Club session is customized based on a dog’s age, breed, fitness level and health considerations. Sessions include warm-ups, closely supervised treadmill exercise and cool-downs, all adjusted in real time to ensure safety and comfort.
While high-energy and working breeds often thrive immediately, Maddy notes that some of the most meaningful progress comes from senior dogs, anxious dogs or those recovering from injury.
“The predictability and one-on-one attention help dogs feel secure,” she says. “Over time, we see improvements in confidence, focus and overall demeanor.”
Care That Feels Personal—Because It Is
What continues to set Bow Wow Bed & Bath apart is the deeply personal nature of its care. Many staff members have been with the business for years, creating an environment where dogs are genuinely known—not just managed.
“One of our longtime team members can tell you everything about a dog just by their routine,” Adrienne says. “That level of familiarity comes from trust and time.”
From first-time boarders to senior dogs with medical needs, care is tailored to each individual animal. Cozy blankets, gradual introductions, careful observation and open communication with owners are all part of the experience.
“One of the best feelings is when a dog jumps out of the car for their second stay, tail wagging,” Maddy says. “That tells us they feel safe—and that we’re doing something right.”
Rooted in Community
Although the Agresti family raised their children in Long Branch and Monmouth Beach, Bow Wow Bed & Bath has long been supported by—and deeply connected to—the surrounding community.
“We’ve cared for multiple dogs within the same families over the years,” Adrienne says. “Watching puppies grow into seniors and being trusted through every stage of their lives—that’s incredibly meaningful.”
That continuity, the family believes, is what makes Bow Wow feel unmistakably local.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here,” Adrienne says. “Being family-run allows us to stay flexible, attentive and personally invested in every dog that comes through our doors.”
Looking Ahead
As Bow Wow Bed & Bath and Bow Wow Fit Club continue to grow, the family remains intentional about expansion—adding services only when they align with the business’s core values.
“Our mission has always been the same,” Maddy says. “Whether it’s grooming, boarding, daycare, training or fitness, we want to provide the best care possible for your furry family members.”
With a strong foundation, a new generation of leadership and a forward-thinking approach to canine wellness, Bow Wow Bed & Bath continues to prove that when local businesses lead with heart, they leave a lasting paw print on the communities they serve.
For more information, visit bowwowbedandbath.com.
Bow Wow Bed & Bath + Fit Club
Family-owned kennel offering boarding, grooming, daycare, training and canine fitness services.
Address: 146 Magnolia Ln., Middletown Township, NJ
Phone: 732-671-1862
“We love animals, and we felt there was a real need for a space that prioritized trust and patience.” - Adrienne Agresti