Leonard Nimoy’s L.A. Pet Store Did Not Live Long or Prosper

Leonard Nimoy, who died today at age 83, will be fondly remembered for his portrayal of Mr. Spock on the beloved “Star Trek” TV series and movie franchise.

What he will be less remembered for is Leonard Nimoy’s Pet Pad, a store he opened in Canoga Park, Calif., in 1969. It apparently only stayed in business for a year or two. (The property, next door to a theater on Sherman Way, is currently a beauty salon.)

“Leonard decided to realize a long-time dream. To open a pet shop … with all the kinds of animals available that he often wished he see in other shops he frequented,” wrote Michele Jacques in the 1970 article, “His New World.”

Along with dogs and cats (“not just the ordinary variety we find anywhere — they are all sorts of exotic and rare types”), the store sold monkeys, boa constrictors, chipmunks, South American otters and even crocodiles.

Remember, this was 46 years ago, long before most people knew about puppy mills. And apparently before people were aware that having pets like crocodiles was dangerous for both the animal and owner.

“Nimoy would have liked Mr. Spock to have a cat or dog on board the ‘Enterprise,’” reads the caption for a photo of the store in a German publication.

“Well, l’ve aIways had a thing for animals and I once worked in [a pet store] to support myself between roles,” Nimoy told Jacques.

“And I like the kind of people that shop in pet stores.”

Photos via Tumblr, leonardnimoy.de