Business has been fast and furry-ous since Jennifer Bruckenmiller opened Grooming 4 Heavenly Paws in downtown Green Springs June 11.
"The first week I had 55 dogs and last week I did 60," she said. "They're pretty much from the local area."
Her area extends mainly from Green Springs to Tiffin, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Bellevue and Fremont.
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PHOTO BY VICKI JOHNSON
Jennifer Bruckenmiller works on a client at her business, Grooming 4 Heavenly Paws, in downtown Green Springs.
After seven years working at another similar business in the area, Bruckenmiller said she decided to open her own shop and attend Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy in Clyde to earn her certification. During the six-month programs she learned the proper way to bathe dogs and cats.
"You learn nails and ears and they teach you how to groom them to breed standards," she said. "You learn all the breeds and take multiple tests."
She said she also learned how to properly handle dogs and equipment.
She said she chose Green Springs because it's close to home and a central location for her clients.
"I wanted to stay local for my clients I was already working with," she said. "And Green Springs needed some more business come through here."
She said she played with name combinations until she found one that sounded right.
"I got into church about a year ago," she said. "Putting the church into it kind of set it off."
Although new to her own business, Bruckenmiller isn't new to pet grooming.
"Before I got into grooming I worked at the boarding kennel since the end of fifth grade for nine years taking care of animals," she said. "I've always wanted to take care of animals."
Now, she is assisted by a young nephew, Jacob McClenanthan, and another volunteer, Laura Hatch.
Bruckenmiller has plans to increase the retail portion of the business by adding items such as treats, food, toys, collars, leashes and grooming supplies.
And she's taking new clients and would like to groom eight to 12 pets each day.
"Normally, if they call the beginning the week we'll get them in that same week," she said.
To make an appointment, call (419) 639-3647.
Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and the second and fourth Saturday as needed.
