Happy tails told at Tailwaggers; caroling rings in the New Year
Since Tailwaggers hit the Boulevard in 2021, it has become one of the most beloved retail shops on the street. From animal rescue adoption days to Tailwashers and Doggy Daycare, the store looks out for us.
EMPLOYEES greet furry and non-furry clients daily.
All of us. You may have noticed, though, that lately, the shelves have been a bit bare. COVID-19 and other factors came into play, such as the expansion of the business into Palm Springs, which required several loans. The combination of these factors caused the perfect storm for the business, and Tailwaggers was not immune. Luckily for our community, Tailwaggers has turned the corner, and brighter days are ahead.
Todd Warner, owner of Tailwaggers, is looking toward the future with positivity. “I have an amazing relationship with the landlord.” He said. “They took a chance on me in the beginning and are being patient and understanding.”
Warner’s priority is to rebuild the inventory. “That has been the biggest challenge,” he admitted. “What has helped us through is the standing and special orders. Everybody has the choice to buy from a small business or a big company. We appreciate everyone in the community who chooses to buy from a small business. I feel a responsibility to the staff, to the vendors, and to the landlords. Closing was never an option.”
The moniker of Warner’s store, Tailwaggers, has a long history. The Tailwaggers Club was founded in England in 1928. Stars such as Betty Davis put the Tailwaggers Foundation on the map in the U.S., with fundraisers held at the Beverly Hills Hotel that included such Hollywood royalty as Howard Hughes, Walt Disney, Greta Garbo, and Judy Garland. The original foundation gradually faded out of existence, and Warner snapped up the namesake.
February will start a new chapter of rebuilding for Tailwaggers, now that most of their loans have been paid off. He is focusing on restocking the shelves, staging more events, and being a bigger part of the community.
Over the years, Tailwaggers has employed hundreds of workers, and their adoption events have placed thousands of animals into loving forever homes. The surrounding community has been a huge part of that success, and Warner looks forward to many more years of catering to the community and especially to the animals who bound into the store to receive their special treats at their special counter that they know oh-so-well.
“Larchmont is so very special,” boasts Warner. “We don’t have any plans to go anywhere.”
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS and a brass band ready to carol and party throughout Larchmont and Windsor Square.
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Over 100 neighbors met in front of Le Pain Quotidien to carol their hearts out with a big brass band Dec. 21. The meetup found friends and musicians ready to stroll the neighborhood with The Blasting Company, a band that has led the annual caroling party for a decade. The New Orleans-style brass band gave a sense of parade-like fun as neighbors moved through the Larchmont and Windsor Square neighborhoods, laughing, caroling, and drinking hot spiced cider and mulled wine. One pit stop included a “shot ski,” where the homeowners generously poured shots of holiday cheer into shot glasses on a ski, which groups drank in coordinated, unincumbered unison.
The singing party then moved through the streets ending at the home of Frances and David Hoge where the Hoges generously offered homemade chili, holiday libations, and cheer. This holiday tradition has been going on for over 10 years, interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was obviously missed, because each year, the party grows. Yet another sign that our neighborhood is back and stronger than ever. Until next year… Fa la la la la la la la la!
By Sondi Sepenuk
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There’s a new school on the block, but it’s not for kids. The New Mom School opened in January at 658 N. Larchmont Blvd. The school is for moms and focuses on the fourth trimester after birth. The eight-week class is organized by your baby’s birthdate, and brings moms into a community with other new parents, gives them information about motherhood, and their baby’s development.
If you dream of having ice cream for breakfast, Jeni’s Ice Creams at 123 N. Larchmont Blvd., will make that dream a reality. On Sat., Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, indulge in a brand-new flavor reveal along with their usual offerings. What a great way to wake up!
Lunar New Year celebration of the horse is coming to Larchmont Boulevard for the first time. This free, family event will take place Sun., Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a lion dance, lantern making, tea ceremony, mahjong, calligraphy lessons, and more. Suá Suprette, at 144 N. Larchmont Blvd., is one of the sponsors.
KEEPING LARCHMONT medians looking pretty (left to right) Ricky Almendariz, Andy Corralejo, Lisa B., Kurt Andrews, and Jim Roberts.
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Bluemercury has been gutted but will return with a facelift of sorts. The store will reopen with an “interactive” experience, offering facials, smart mirrors to analyze skin conditions, and other personal services.
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Virgo Designs and Landscaping were working hard in January replacing a broken pot damaged by a drunk driver, and planting new greenery. LBA President Romi Cortier said, “The next spot to get a makeover will be the planting area near the Village Clock.”
BLUEMERCURY redo.
Category: Real Estate
