Brandon Twp.- The fur was flying last Monday as Angel, a 2-year-old English Sheepdog, was brushed by Kim Malmquist and Theresa Scheuern, co-owners of Central Bark, a new pet grooming spa in Ortonville.
Angel stood on a table as her paw fur was trimmed and she was dematted, the first steps in her grooming treatment. Malmquist noted that both she and Scheuern left good-paying professional jobs to groom dogs (and cats, too).
Malmquist, formerly of Kim’s Grooming in Ortonville, has 20 years of experience in pet grooming since leaving the Navy where she worked in Naval Intelligence. Scheuern has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but returned to school to receive a certificate in grooming three years ago from the Michigan School of Canine Cosmetology in Lansing. The school emphasizes American Kennel Club standards for grooming specific breeds, shop hygiene, business practices, animal-contagious diseases, breed temperament, to name a few.
The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884. It is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of purebred dogs. AKC advocates canine good health and responsible ownership.
Affiliated with 4,550 American dog clubs, AKC operates the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs and is a leader in the international canine community.
‘There’s nothing better than making dogs beautiful,? Scheuern said.
Cost varies depending on the breed, size and what the owner wants done, but the average cost of a full grooming is $35 and includes brushing, dematting, bathing with the hydrosurge system, cut, trimming of the pads, sanitary area and toe nails, cleaning and plucking of the ears, a final trim to breed standards or owner specifications and the final touch of bows or bandanna and perfume. Monthly customers receive special rates. Pet owners can also choose smaller services, such as a shampoo only or a ‘Neaten Up and Bath,? for lesser amounts. Nail trims are only $5 at Central Bark.
The pet spa also offers ‘doggy daycare.? Malmquist and Scheuern will keep animals during their hours of operation for $6-$10 per day.
The groomers do not use tranquilizers and if a customer wants to stay while their pet is groomed, they can. Central Bark’s motto is ‘Caring for your pet as if they were our own? and Scheuern assures, ‘Noone will love your pet as much as we do.?
Central Bark’s owners make pets beautiful Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Central Bark is located at 1575 S. Ortonville Road. To make an appointment, call (248) 627-5100.