Lulu Meets A Spoiled Rotten New Friend

A funny thing happened on my way to doggie daycare. Riding through Glenwood Park, I spied a new boutique called Spoiled Rotten.

Owner Michele Simpson set up shop last November. Now that the weather is warming up, she enjoys a steady stream of foot traffic as shoppers flock to her assortment of colorful gear for trendy kids and pets.

I found a few drool-worthy items in the boutique — located below the Enso Apartments at 880 Glenwood Ave. SE — including a blue robe that would make bath time much more tolerable. I also discoverd Cha Cha, the store’s four-legged mascot. She kindly offered a quick preview for my East Atlanta Patch readers.

Lulu: Welcome to the neighborhood!

Cha Cha: Thanks, Lulu. We’re really excited to be here. Mom wanted a vibrant, mixed-use development with lots of pets, and Glenwood Park is the perfect location for us. We even have some fun neighborhood events planned, including a fashion show with students from .

Lulu: How did your Mom know that a mix of gear for kids and pets would work?

Cha Cha: Mom used to be district manager at Ross, so she has plenty of retail experience. She also knows that, while everybody’s baby is different, we all want stylish gear. Spoiled Rotten caters to shoppers who prefer to stand out from the pack, particularly tweens.

Lulu: What’s a tween?

Cha Cha: It’s big kid who talks on the phone all the time and sends a ridiculous number of text messages. Evidently, tweens also like to look good, so Mom filled half of the boutiqe with colorful tutus, decorative ponytail cuffs from Bari Lynn and edgy tees from a local company called Warrior Poet.

Lulu: I saw all the fun kids’ stuff, but it’s the dog gear really made my tail wag. What are your favorites? 

Cha Cha: I love the dog toys shaped like plush designer handbags, as well as harness dresses from Cha-Cha Couture. Embellished hoodies from Casual Canine are sweet, so are the ridiculously cute rain jackets from Monkey Daze. We also offer glittery collars for dogs and cats that prefer to keep things simple and chic.

Lulu: Do you test all the dog products?

Cha Cha: That’s one perk of being store mascot. But I’m a six-month-old Yorkie, so it doesn't take much for me to look totally adorable.

Lulu: Are you spoiled rotten?

Cha Cha: Like many dogs in this neighborhood, I’m blessed with good genes — and a good family. No complaints here.

Lulu: I think you'll fit in just fine, Cha Cha. 

Now that spring is here, don’t miss these upcoming pet events:

• Purina Incredible Dog Challenge: Think your dog has energy to burn? Check out some truly high flying, hurdle jumping, pole-weaving pooches during Purina’s Incredible Dog Challenge from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 31 at Centennial Olympic Park.  

• Happy Tails Pet Therapy Pet-A-Thon: Pets make people happy. Everybody knows that! When my Mom is feeling blue, a little snuggle time perks her right up in no time. That’s the principle behind Happy Tails, an organization powered by volunteers who pay it forward by bringing their pets to healthcare facilities, social agencies and special needs programs. A network of about 350 volunteers visit more than 125 metro Atlanta facilities each year, and the waiting list is growing. To expand its reach, Happy Tails will host a family friendly event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25 at Piedmont Park, filled with contests for your pooch. While the event is free, you can purchase a $1 raffle ticket to support the organization.  

• Yappy Hour: You know I have a soft soft spot for bully breeds, and the folks at Georgia English Bulldog Rescue really know how to throw a party. All breeds are welcome to mix and mingle during Yappy Hour, from 7 to 9 p.m. April 4 on the terrace of East Andrews Café and Bar. There’s a $10 donation at the door, along with treats for the pet set. East Andrews Café and Bar, 56 East Andrews Drive, Atlanta, Ga., 30305. 404-869-1132

• Pet Parade 2012: The Atlanta Humane Society helps thousands of pets find forever homes each year. But proper care requires time and money. Join other pet parents in a walk to raise money for Atlanta’s oldest private charitable organization on April 21 at Atlantic Station in Midtown. After a leisurely, one-mile walk, stick around for doggie demos, pet vendors and other family friendly events. Registration is $30 in advance, $35 after April 13. Strolling through the vendor fair is free. To register, visit atlantapetparade.org. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., and the event ends at 1 p.m. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, Ga., 30363.