Attention readers with four-legged friends. There’s a hot new place for pets in downtown Renton! Poodie’s Pet Palace opened quietly before Christmas, but is now ready for business. It’s not just any pet store. It’s a boutique and grooming store.

Because they are a little tricky to find, I’ll tell you exactly where they are located. The address is 123 Mill Ave. S. Going south on Mill, they are just past the library on the other side of the street, and before you get to the fire station. Owners Cheryl Bell and Shannen Hobbs are a mother-and-daughter team; Hobbs also owns Diamond Tattoos on the front of the building that faces Bronson.

The store is unique in that it is really decorated like a palace. Pictures of Hobbs’ dogs adorn the wall, wearing costumes and funny hats. Poodie, her poodle and the store’s namesake, occupies a prominent spot on the wall, sporting a dress and tiara. The store carries gourmet dog treats, with human-grade ingredients, at very reasonable prices ($1 each). My three dogs loved their ice cream-cone-shaped treats! (For the record: Sam, 8, a wire-haired fox terrier; Fred, 7, a schnoodle; and Maggie, 4, a wire-haired fox terrier extraordinaire). The ladies started the shop to help supplement a volunteer service they are involved with — Friends of King County Animals — an animal- rescue organization started in 1999 that provides medical aid to animals at the King County shelter. In addition, they collect pet food for shut-ins and for the Food Bank.

In addition to the treats, the store has an impressive amount of dog clothing (including tennis dresses; isn’t that funny?), beds, collars and jewelry. They employ two groomers, that not only groom dogs but cats as well — a rarity in that business, I’m told. I got a tour of the bathing room from Corrie, one of the groomers, and it’s a festive place for your pet — there are bubbles all over the room. I was impressed by her enthusiasm and commitment to taking good care of your pet in the grooming experience. I know from personal experience that a good groomer is exceedingly difficult to find. Take your pet in for a little snack and a tour of Poodie’s Pet Palace. I think you’ll be as impressed as I was.