At some stores, thrift shopping can feel like sorting through the debris of abandoned storage spaces and foreclosed homes. Sure, treasures can be found, but they're few and far between, hidden among so much junk it hardly seems worth the time needed to find them. At Animal Ark, the browsing experience is more like searching the attics of frugal but choosy grandparents. You might find some items that are dusty, out of style, or considered by some to be obsolete, but nothing that's stained, torn, or broken. Most things, in fact, are in great shape, and carefully organized. Full sets of dishes are always available, along with handy kitchen gadgets and interesting serving platters. There are dishtowels and handkerchiefs with hand-stitched decorations. A cozy book nook at the front of the store holds numerous titles, but for even cheaper paperbacks, check out the shelves in a back room, where you'll also find toys and garden supplies. Collectable dolls overlook the smallish but well-chosen women's clothing selection, and a charming shelf that faces the front window always features a festive display of items for the next upcoming holiday. As a bonus for pet owners, you can also pick up food and new toys and accessories for your cat or dog—Animal Ark runs a no-kill animal shelter as well as the store, so money spent here is helping pets.