– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up Women’s Networking Group, featuring women in business on the Saanich Peninsula.
At For Little Paws Grooming Studio in Sidney, they don’t just make Rover pretty. When dogs sashay out their doors, they know they look good. But they probably remember the tender loving care from dedicated professionals, committed to their health and well-being as valued canine members of our seaside community.
Sometimes when previous doggy clients pass by the entrance to For Little Paws Grooming Studio, they scratch on the door and want to come back in. “Honestly, I cannot think of a better compliment of our services!” says Carol-Marie Crofton, the sunny and charismatic owner. The studio is as clean, chic and beautiful as any human spa. They do partial cuts customized for the customer as well as standard full grooming. Their services include brushing, coat trimming and shaping, teeth cleaning, bathing, nail clipping and paw pad trimming – all done with tender and caring fingers.
Carol-Marie is passionate about her dog “boutique,” clarifying that her services are for all sizes and dogs of every breed. She is excited about their new large “skookum” hydraulic table for big dogs, where heavier canines are raised and lowered during their treatment. It makes the grooming job much easier, enhancing the dog’s experience and the overall doggy makeover. For Little Paws has a pick-up and delivery service – free for seniors – and only $10 for others. They plan to extend their hours to late afternoons and want to open up on Sundays, accommodating busy work schedules. “K-9 Brite Bark Oral Health Care Day” is July 6th, with a free no-anesthetic teeth cleaning/scaling treatment and consultation.
The loving care at the grooming studio extends further than a shiny coat. The well-being and health of the dog is paramount to the staff: During the grooming treatment, they check the dog’s mouth, search its skin for irritated “hot spots” and remove objects around paw pads. They catch lumps and bumps and any weeping sores. Carol-Marie: “The health portion of what we do is huge. It is way bigger than how good they look.” In fact, a For Little Paws groomer noticed an enlargement of a lump on the nose of Carol-Marie’s dog which turned out to be pre-cancerous. Her groomer’s smart observation “saved my dog’s life!” To Carol-Marie, it is essential that dogs be professionally groomed because sometimes problems are found that are not obvious to an owner.
A smart entrepreneur, Carol-Marie knows the value of networking; she works with and supports other Sidney business owners. And she is proud of For Little Paws and and the wizardry of Janet Lynch, her head groomer: “Our work is exceptional, our prices are fair. We really love our dogs.” For Little Paws Grooming Studio will help Rover live a happier life – and maybe a longer one.
Contact: www.forlittlepawsgroomingstudio.ca.
