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Tempo • Howards Grove Progress • Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Happy Tails expands grooming services By Mark Sherry Life has a way of throwing people curveballs. Randy and Diana Schmidt of Happy Tails Pet Grooming & Boarding in Howards Grove are planning to take a curveball tossed their way and hit it out of the park. Last year at this time the Schmidts thought things were settling down after finishing a major expansion project at their business located at N7894 STH 42 just southeast of the village. A new, large room was rented out to a dog training business. Additional boarding room had been added as well, and the grooming business remained brisk. Everything was in place to run smoothly as planned. But between then and now, several area pet groomers either retired or left the business. The grooming business at Happy Tails exploded. That might seem like a good problem to have, but the Schmidts said they found themselves having to turn away new customers because they did not have the room or the staff to accommodate them in a timely fashion, and that did not sit well with them. Expanding grooming area In mid-July the couple made the decision to take back the space in which the training was being done. They have purchased two new grooming tables and dryers, hired two new groomers, and they have a third groomer on the way. Sometime in September they will be occupying the additional room, providing much-needed relief to the somewhat cramped existing grooming area. At this time Happy Tails is again tak-
ing new grooming customers who are invited to stop in, call (920) 912-6066, or e-mail randalvschmidt@gmail.com. Additional information is available at the website happytailspetgrooming.net. The other changes made in 2017 continue to be a big hit with customers— both the furry kind and the human kind. That includes the four new kennels in the rear of the facility which allows dogs to wander inside or outside as they wish. Not to ignore the feline friends of Happy Tails, in the past year the Schmidts’ son Jason built a new indoor cat kennel which also allows cats plenty of space to roam. Randy said there are times when all the cat kennels are filled as cat owners travel, too, and they know their pet will be well taken care of at Happy Tails.
Busy times for kennels The same goes for the dog kennels which are often full in the summertime and around holidays. Christmastime kennel space is often booked up by Halloween, Randy said. Happy Tails welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. Diana leads the grooming area which also sees all types of pets. She said she enjoys the diversity, adding, “You learn about the breeds—their quirks, the personalities.” Asked about the grooming services provided at Happy Tails, Diana provided the simple summary, “Whatever they need.” That includes baths, nails, anal glands, pads and feet, quick face trims, ears, and teeth. Advantages of regular grooming include the following: n control shedding—cats and dogs shed more when they spend time indoors
Randy and Diana Schmidt are the owners of Happy Tails Pet Grooming & Boarding in Howards Grove.
in dry, artificial heat; n odor control—A bath is the best solution for a smelly pet. n prevent matting—Long-haired cats and dogs become easily matted. n improve overall health and skin condition—Blood circulation is stimulated and the groomer has a chance to notice any physical problems or changes.
n emotional benefits—Especially when younger, grooming helps kittens and puppies get used to being touched by people. n good looking—It keeps their coat in good condition. Regular grooming makes pets look healthier and shows Turn to HAPPY TAILS/page 5
Our family is expanding … Ben Dellaria, MD, Family Practice
coming this fall Calumet Hospital Doctor’s Office
618 Memorial Drive, Chilton 920-849-3800 ascension.org/wisconsin