Pine Lake Business Spotlight: Fur-topia

Many things have changed on Rockbridge Road through the decades, but Fur-topia has remained a Pine Lake staple. For 35 years, Patty has been serving the community in Dekalb County with her pet grooming and boarding services.

Fur-topia was opened with the goal to deliver quality service through her love for animals. Patty is honest about her preference and love for dogs over cats but caters to both.

Patty worked as a Trauma Technician for 21 years and would groom dogs in her off time. She eventually got tired of her hectic schedule and committed to the work that made her happiest.

Patty’s commitment to “keeping it in the community” has developed many relationships and loyal customers, which has been one of her favorite aspects of her career.

“When you come in, you’re no longer a customer,” Patty said. “You and your pet become part of my family.”

Fur-topia prides itself on being a business that makes a connection with the owner and animal. She encourages anyone who is nervous about grooming to come in and talk with her.

“Just come in and let us show you what we have,” Patty said. “You must feel comfortable and I’m willing to sit down and talk with you.”

In addition to grooming over thirty dogs a day, Fur-topia offers dog boarding for days at a time or if you’ll be having a long day at work.

“I’m open at obnoxious hours for people,” Patty said. “We even offer late night pick-ups so I can help everybody.”

Patty plans on running Fur-topia for as long as she can. “I never expected my family to be as big as it is now,” Patty said. “I thought of it as a business at first, but my customers have become my family.”

While most days are positive, Patty dreads the days when she receives a call from a client saying their pet has died. She shares the grief that these owners feel and has customers who still come to the shop just to visit her.

Patty thinks the best way to compliment her services is to refer her to friends and family. “It’s my name on that door,” Patty said. “Things get done my way and it gets done right.”

Recently, Patty has been advocating and marketing for rescue dogs and other animals within her shop. She has facilitated many successful adoptions and features them within her shop.

Patty highly encourages Pine Lake residents to attend her monthly low-cost vaccine clinics held at her shop. Her website (http://www.pattysfur-topia.com) has information for the dates and the specific vaccinations offered.