Barking Beauties Salon & S'Paw for Dogs

Many people have never been past the front doors of their local grooming salon.

I invite you to come on in the back and see what its like. I want you to see where the bathing and drying takes place. Does it look clean and sanitary? Would you be afraid of leaving you pet there for a few hours? I really want you to feel at ease. You are welcome to take a little tour when you come in. I won't say no. Now remember, when we are really busy, there might be hair on the floor but overall, its clean and cozy and fresh smelling. You won't see moldy mildew in the corners and globs of yucky hair in the tubs. The cages that we use for drying have quilted pads and vinyl that covers the grids of the floors. We never want little paws to sit on metal bars so that the dogs dry quicker....that would be very uncomfortable.

We have many different types and methods of drying the fur. I realize that there have been deaths at grooming salons. Dogs have literally been cooked alive in drying cages. It didn't have to happen. We are well aware of the temperature in the drying room at all times. We use a combination of regular fans to circulate large volumes of air as well as 2 types of dryers that use warm air. We also have 3 High velocity dryers that blast the water off the coat into a very fine mist. Our Stand dryer allows us to use both hands to comb/brush while we direct the air on the section we are working on. As grooming professionals, we are keenly aware that we have living breathing animals in our trust and we don't just "forget" about a pet in the back room. That is why I say those deaths were so needless. It all amounts to carelessness...something I really hate.

So come on in....I'll show you around.

BATHING ROOM

Dogs stand on the table. They are secured by the pink loop on their heads and the blue butt strap around their girth. They cannot fall or slip off the table. They can look out at the driveway and wait for their owners to come. It distracts them from the sound of the dryer as we blow air on them

HIGH VELOCITY DRYER hangs on the wall between the small tub on the right and the large walk-in shower on the left. The window provides air to let out steam and a dehumidifier is up on a shelf.

WALK-IN SHOWER. No Lifting of large dogs.. They WALK right in. 2 dogs of the same family can go in together.

SMALL DOG BATH TUB. A regular human one-piece shower unit is mounted up higher. The sturdy grab bar as well as smooth surface allows us to use suction cups and large hooks to securely attach the dogs. No jumping out!!! We have very hard water pressure to do a thorough job of bathing even the filthiest pet. The faucet has an anti-scald device so the water never gets too hot for the dogs.

BANNER from LES POOCHES, our primary shampoo and conditioner company. Oh its so luxurious and does exactly what it claims to do. The skin is clean, exfoliated, fresh and ready to accept whatever comes next. The bath is THE most important part of a good groom. If the skin and coat are not properly prepared, then no amount of scissoring and clippering will give a good result.

BIG GROOMING TABLE> This is for the big boys and girls. Dogs over 50 lbs and up to 200 lbs can easily fit on here. It lowers to about 13 inches off the floor. We occasionally have to help get the front paws up and then assist the dog's back end. But many dogs automatically know to jump up, wait till they good fastened, and they get pumped up hydraulically to a comfortable height for grooming. Its very easy for us to do a thorough job on nails, brushouts, hair cuts and sani-trims on all the big breeds.

RAMP up to Front Door. No Steps for you or your dog to maneuver.

SIGN OUT ON ROUTE 65...You shouldn't be able to miss us

LOBBY AREA....You enter and check your dog in and out. There is a bench to sit on. All dogs must be on a leash.

WALL OF GLASS leading to the bathing & drying rooms. You can see straight back and I can see you coming in the front doors as I'm in the back bathing.

FINISH CAGE...when pets are ready and waiting to be picked up.

A DRYING CAGE...one large dog can fit underneath and 2 small dogs can fit above. The hoses can move to direct the air where its needed most. You do not see the fans and air circulators that blow room temperature air.

SELF EXPLANATORY SIGN...You MUST have a leash to bring your dog inside the salon. I cannot have loose pets and either me or the owner must be able to hold a dog back from getting up close and personal with another person's dog. We want no snarling, and most of all, no excapees.

RESIDENT CATS..yes we have cats, although we let Cattitude Salon groom them. 3 cats live here full time. The friendly one that lounges all day on the front counter is named Terrian......He is not afraid of any breed of dog. He is child friendly and he gives free "cat scans."