Equipped with a big yellow van and a passion for excellent canine care, Dashing Dogs Grooming has made its debut in the business world.
Dashing Dogs Grooming is run by Dekota Doonan, a Shepparton local who has taken her four years of working as a professional dog groomer to the next level by starting her own business.
Servicing people from her home or at their own, Miss Doonan’s aim is to provide a gentle, fun and safe environment for the dogs, making sure each individual dog is catered to.
“Every single dog is different, what works for one dog will not work for the next,” she said.
“If the dog doesn’t like the dryer, we dry them on low, take our time or just towel dry them, then some dogs don’t like their feet getting done so we leave it to the end — that way the rest of it is a positive experience.
“Then we can finish off with a treat, cuddle and they can go home because we want this to be a positive experience for them, that’s the aim.”
For Miss Doonan, her work is more than just a job, it’s about creating a personal relationship.
“Making it a personal experience goes a long way, because they’re not just another dog that comes through,” she said.
“Every time a regular client passes away, I send flowers or a little gift or a treat, if they’ve got another dog, to help them with that, because they choose to bring their dog to me when they could take it somewhere else and I do appreciate that.”
Fluffy, short haired, small or large, nearly all dogs are welcome — though there is an exception for unruly large ones.
“I am picky with what large dogs I do take on because I do have bad shoulders,” Miss Doonan said.
“For the dogs I groom regularly, they get used to it and view it as something enjoyable and something that’s a part of life, whereas dogs who only get treated every few months see it as a punishment, which makes it harder for myself and them.”
To book your dog into Dashing Dogs Grooming, send a message to the business’s Facebook Page, text Dekota on 0491 626 738 or email her on Dashingdogsgrooming@outlook.com with the breed of dog, what service you’re after and any grooming history of the dog.