Making her passion into a profession has become a dream come true for Eden-based dog groomer Abby Thompson.
Abby, 21, of Clifton, launched Bath and Splash Dog Grooming a month ago after gaining qualifications at the Canine Groom School, Clitheroe.
Based at Alison’s Kennels and Doggy Day Care near Appleby, Abby said: “I have always worked in offices or hospitality prior to this, so it’s completely different, but I have always wanted to work with animals. I am a massive dog person — you have got to be.”
A former Ullswater Community College student with two dogs of her own, Cooper, a four-year-old Cockapoodle and Ralphy, a nine -year-old Patterdale terrier, Abby’s life is full of canines.
She added: “We do everything from a puppy pamper to a full groom, nail clipping to bath and brush and de-shed. It is wonderful to work with dogs all the time, and I made the right career choice.
“I love all my clients. I have a lot of poodle crosses who are my regulars, and every other breed of dog you can imagine.
“We are in such a lovely location, and its handy for our clients, just off the A66 on the Bolton road, and I couldn’t imaging doing any other career — spending all my days with dogs is my dream job.”
Abby’s dog grooming service is an added extra for animals staying at the five-star kennels or in the doggy daycare facility and gives them the opportunity to get a groom while they are there. “It makes it easier for owners as well,” said Abby.
But dogs don’t have to be in the kennels or day care, appointments can also be made through her Facebook or Instagram pages.
“The first month has gone really well. I have a lot of support. I did a Labrador week last week which went really well. I will probably be doing a specific week for a breed every few months, which normally has about a 20 per cent discount,” said Abby.
At present, owners bring their dogs into the salon, but Abby hopes to offer a pick-up service in the future as the business grows.
