Get to Know Victoria Park from Park Pet Supply!

What made you decide to open up a pet supply store 15 years ago?

I owe it all to my Harley. My dog, that is. I had a dog named Harley from 1988 until early 2001. When he was young, I bought his dog food at the grocery store because that was what was available, and I didn’t know any better. He had chronic skin problems, ear infections, and pustules on his feet; during the summer, he would lose all of his hair due to flea allergies. Over the years, I spent a small fortune at the vet’s office on steroids, medications, and medicated shampoos, but the topic of nutrition never came up. 

I got frustrated in the mid 90s and started doing my own homework on pet nutrition and natural remedies. At the time, there were only a few pet foods that were not using corn, wheat, and soy in their products. Once I changed Harley's diet, his skin and coat were magically better, the ear infections stopped, and he was a much healthier dog in his senior years. I learned how to treat all of his ailments with natural supplements and remedies and diet. 

I left the travel industry in 1998 with the intention of helping other pets like Harley, since I gained so much knowledge from my research. So you could say he’s the reason the shop is here today.

As if we really needed to ask, but why did you choose to open in East Atlanta Village?

I have lived in the East Atlanta area for over 20 years, and I had to drive some distance to find better pet food at that time. East Atlanta Village had begun to transform into a thriving business community, and I knew there were lots of pets in the area that would benefit from natural pet products, like Harley had. 

The space at 491 Flat Shoals Ave was available for rent, and after 6 months of remodeling, we opened at the end of May 1999. We were the first independent pet supply store anywhere in the area at the time.

Did you always think you would have your own business someday?

I did not always dream of having my own business, actually, but once I decided to do it, everything fell into place, and it happened within about 6 months. I have always felt that opening the store was the right decision. I see how many pets and people we have helped over the years. 

What is your favorite thing about running Park Pet Supply?

There is never a dull moment at Park Pet Supply. I have been faced with many challenges, and it is a lot of hard work. However, I like knowing that I have the power to make a difference in my community through various ways. I support local rescue groups, schools, churches, and community organizations with donations. 

I have a great staff that is fun to work with, and I do like being my own boss (most days). I enjoy getting to know the 2-legged and 4-legged customers, and it lightens up my day when puppies or kittens come to visit us. 

Park Pet is known for having a truly incredible and knowledgable staff. Tell us about them.

Most of my current staff has worked here for over 2 years. Mary Ellen has been with me almost 10 years - wow! Victoria Allen has worked with me off and on longer than that. I am so fortunate to have such amazing people here to assist customers and keep the store running smoothly. 

Customer service is my number one priority, and I am proud of the top-notch customer service these folks bring to work with them every day. They all are so friendly, and they do their homework on pet products so they can answer most any question. We all have pets, along with lots of experience with pets, and we are passionate about nutrition. 

We also have our current resident/official greeter, Celeste. She is a foster kitty that was rescued from a neglectful situation 4 years ago. She loves children but not dogs, which has been a bit of a challenge for us. We would love to find her a forever home, but the right home hasn’t come along yet. We have always had a foster kitty up for adoption here since we opened due to the overpopulation of homeless kitties. Celeste has been our longest resident, and she especially loves Candee.

You’ve done quite a bit of rescue work around East Atlanta. What was that like?

One of the biggest challenges we faced when we opened was the amount of strays in this area. It was heart-wrenching for me and for a few concerned neighbors. I coined the terms "Stray of the Day,” which was a literal reality then, and "East Atlanta Special,” to describe the black mixed breed dog that once roamed East Atlanta. 

Alison Evans (Bow Wow Meow Pet Sitting), Tori Rice (Atlanta Dog Paddle), Victoria Allen (a local rescue hero), and I formed a group called EAAR, which stood for East Atlanta Animal Resource, in 2000. Between 2000 and 2004, we collectively rescued around 400 dogs and cats from the streets of this neighborhood and placed them in loving, permanent homes. We have all retired from rescue work, but I really feel like we made a difference to the number of strays and animals that would have been destroyed in a shelter. Several of our customers have adopted pets from us over the years, and it makes me so happy when they come by for a visit. Many of these pets are seniors now, and I am so grateful for the wonderful homes that have taken care of them and given them such happy lives.

Who are your pets?

My current pets are The Dolly Linda, who is a Lab mix, and Waylon the cat, who is the same age as Park Pet Supply, 15 years old. 

Waylon was a kitten that a neighbor of mine adopted out to someone in front of the store during the Strut in 1999. The woman who took Waylon brought him back a few days later, threw him down on the floor, and said he smelled bad. He has been the most loving and dedicated cat I have ever met. He loves dogs, but not other cats, so he has been my only cat for the last 15 years. 

I have cared for The Dolly Linda for the last 4 years. She came out of Fulton County Animal Control and went to Barking Hound Village Foundation with the plan of going on transport to the northeast when her skin got better. She was a physical mess but such a loving dog that Fulton County kept her for 6 months (which is unheard of for most dogs there) until the rescue pulled her out. I agreed to foster her until her skin got better, but, alas, her skin problems are not the result of poor nutrition and neglect. Basically, her thyroid does not function, and her immune system is very weak. She is still the happiest girl you can ever meet, and she has never met a stranger. She is a senior girl and insists on being the star of the show. She and Waylon are a nice match.

What else do you like doing besides running a super cool pet store?

I am a huge music fan! I love to see live shows when my favorite bands play around town. I like to travel when I can. I really enjoy spending time with friends and family. 

Make sure to like the Park Pet Supply Facebook page to stay updated on helpful topics for pets (and lots of fun too).

They're celebrating the big 15 all June long, with lots of free stuff and giveaways on Facebook and in-store!

Victoria Park is the owner of Park Pet Supply in East Atlanta Village, established in 1999. Park Pet's goal is to help your pet live the healthiest and happiest life possible, with affordable prices and incomparable customer service for you.

Interview by Jennifer B. Jacobs