MOSES LAKE - A crowd of people and pets walked through the doors of the brand-new Petco store after Moses Lake Mayor Bill Ecret cut the ribbon Saturday morning.

Representatives of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and store employees, including a big black and white dog named Bandit (who had his own ID badge) were on hand to support the mayor as he wielded the big scissors.

"We've had awesome turnout," said Store Manager Lynn Giraud. The store opened for business Feb. 25, but held off on an official grand opening until Saturday.

The store is part of a remodeled building on Stratford Road that went from one to three businesses; Ross Dress for Less is scheduled to open March 9 and Famous Footwear before March 15.

Thom Brennan, the company's district manager, said the reception from Moses Lake residents has been positive, and a little surprising. Company owners expected a good opening, but "they did not expect this," Brennan said.

"Best one (opening) my district has ever had," he said.

Petco has been exploring the option of a Moses Lake outlet for a couple of years, he said, but they found the population base, and the business, to be bigger than they anticipated.

People have stopped by to ask questions, and welcome the new store to town, Brennan said. The reception "has been amazingly warm and welcome," he said.