Ask Andrea McEwen what she loves about dogs and you will talk for hours!
After self teaching herself with her first dog, a rambunctious cocker spaniel named Bailee, she decided to gain certifications for a few things, including animal first aid and CPR.
"I am a huge dog lover," McEwen exclaims." I started off on my difficult cocker spaniel when I was 16-years-old. I had a mentor help me out, so that she would no longer have to be sedated."
After a recent move from Brandon, Manitoba, McEwen has opened up Just Fur Paws in Carlyle. She is currently located north on Road 25, just north east of the golf course, by the seventh hole.
"I have been booking in Carlyle since December," she says. "I am fairly flexible with hours as I have recently moved my job at the CIBC down to part-time hours."
When going to Just Fur Paws expect only the best for your dog. The services included in a grooming session range from brushing, clipping, cutting and shaving to more.
Not only does Andrea offer dog grooming, but also cat sitting and dog training courses. Putting all three businesses' together was the easy part.
"Putting all my work together just makes for an all together, all around healthy companion," says the dog groomer. "It creates a dog that is not stressed while being groomed, and can be taken out in public with the family."
"I was always involved with dogs. I grew up in a house which always had them," she continued. "I always wanted to be a vet, but that comes with the trauma and not always pleasant experiences. I just started to develop a passion for grooming."
Open shop and the dogs shall come, is what most people think, but it was a lot more work than that. She started her business in 2002, as a kid in her mother's basement.
"I'll cut your dogs nails as well as file them," she reveals. "I pluck the ears while cleaning them, have a variety of shampoos to choose from as well as perform the style of your choice. The dog is never caged, and will experience a one on one session for up to two hours."
This is not something that you will get at the majority of larger companies. Animals are often left in kennels for the day, while the groomer works on the assembly line of animals.
Her first major event will be "The Complete K9", a two day intensive dog training education workshop. The event is for dogs (six months or older) and their owners, and will teach owners a handful of helpful tips.
"Coming up in May, I have a two-day seminar I'm really looking forward to," explains McEwen. "This course is used to develop a bond between owner and dog, as well as explain ways to improve health and nutrition. Owners will learn to cut their dogs nails on their own, how to properly walk their animal and what to do when meeting strangers."
It will be held at Memorial Hall on Main Street, May 5 and 6. Registration forms can be found at www.justfurpaws.ca. Registration ends Apr. 30.
