Step through the doors of Lickers & Whines, and it feels less like entering a store and more like walking into a friend’s cozy living room -- if that friend had impeccable taste in squeaky toys, organic treats, and all things dog. Nestled just steps away from Smyrna’s City Hall and the bustling Market Village, this new pet boutique is much more than a shop. It’s a gathering place, a labor of love, and a celebration of the bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
At the heart of Lickers & Whines is Betsy Oei, a longtime pet industry professional, dog devotee, and Smyrna neighbor who has poured her heart into every inch of the space. “This has been a dream in the making for nearly 20 years,” Betsy shares. “I’ve carried this idea with me from city to city, always reimagining it in my head. Once we moved to Smyrna last summer, I just knew -- this was the place.”
That deep connection to community is clear in every aspect of the boutique. Betsy and her family live just behind the Market Village, and she’s designed her store to reflect the walkable, pet-friendly spirit of downtown Smyrna. Locals are encouraged to stop in with their pups on the way to the park, browse sustainable toys and healthy treats, and even settle in with a cold drink while the dogs make new friends in the shop’s air-conditioned “living room.”
Yes, Lickers & Whines has a living room -- complete with comfy seating, space for dogs to play, and a calendar full of events meant to connect pet parents. “We want this to be more than retail,” Betsy explains. “We’re building relationships. That’s why we host social events, support rescue groups, and welcome people to just come hang out. This space is about togetherness.”
It’s also about intention. Every item in the shop has been hand-picked by Betsy, who brings more than two decades of experience in pet behavior, nutrition, and care. From locally baked dog cookies by Smyrna’s own BallPark Biscuits to the wildly popular Mumbie’s coffee wood chew sticks from a small family in Wisconsin, each product has a story -- and a purpose.
“I’ve always treated my pets like my children,” Betsy says with a smile. “So I only bring in things I’d give to my own.” That includes toys from small businesses like Woof & Co., an Asian-owned brand in Arkansas (don’t miss the plush rice cooker toy!), and stunning beaded collars from Collars by Momager, crafted by Betsy’s friend Dena -- a fellow therapy dog handler and cancer warrior whose mission is as beautiful as her handiwork.
While the store is full of wag-worthy goodies, perhaps the most touching detail is the way Betsy honors the pets who shaped her journey. Her beloved therapy dog Manu, who passed away on June 2, was meant to be the official shop greeter. “He should be here by the door, watching for his friends,” she says, voice softening. “But now I do this for him. Because he would want other dogs to be happy.”
In fact, Manu’s legacy is stitched into the very fabric of Lickers & Whines. From displays named after her pack of pups to a sidewalk treat bin dedicated to her senior dog Carly, the boutique is a love letter to every animal who’s ever wiggled into a heart. There’s even an Adoptable Wall in the front window -- visible day or night -- featuring dogs from local shelters in need of forever homes. And coming soon? A community pet food pantry to support local families going through hard times.
With her heart, humor, and hard-earned expertise, Betsy has created something truly special in Lickers & Whines. It’s a shop that feels like home -- one where tails wag, stories are shared, and the love for pets is palpable in every treat jar and tug toy.
So next time you’re in the Village, leash up your pup and swing by for a biscuit and a belly rub. Manu would’ve insisted.
Lickers & Whines
2874 King St Se Suite D Smyrna, GA 30080
Located in the Smyrna Market Village
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Online at lickersandwhines.com | Instagram: @lickersandwhines
Smyrna’s happiest pet hangout! Lickers & Whines is more than a boutique — it’s a hub for tail wags, treats, and community fun. From the Adoptable Wall to the upcoming pet food pantry, this locally owned shop is all heart. Plus, they’re a nationally registered Safe Space Alliance member. Don’t miss events like Barkstage Pass, where dogs play while you enjoy concerts on the green! Visit lickersandwhines.com for event details, vendor highlights, and more. Bring your pup, stay a while, and join the pack.
“Every treat, every toy, every tail wag — it all means something here.”
“At Lickers & Whines, we’re not just selling pet supplies — we’re creating connection, celebrating community, and honoring the bond we share with our animals.”