It's a d g's life

It's spa day -- a day for baths, toenail trims, foot scrubs, haircuts, styles and frolicking.

Every few minutes, a chorus of barks resounds, announcing the arrival of another client.

They come in eager to see and play with their friends. Some are minuscule like the Chihuahua. Some are gargantuan like the Cane Corso siblings or the Alaskan malamute. Some have short hair like the bulldog. Others have lots of hair like the Bichon sisters, the Shih Tzu, the American Cocker Spaniels.

The Dog House on Landers Road opened six years ago and caters to its four-legged clients -- Wicket, Mattie, Mary Ann, Jack.

During the holidays, clients leave with a "doggie bag" of goodies -- a toy and homemade treats.

Two of the clients -- Dozer and Diesel -- come every week. The Cane Corso pair are Italian dogs of the mastiff type and are inside dogs, so their cleanliness is imperative to their owners.

"They're about 130 pounds; they're brothers," said shop owner Kristen Chafa.

Dog grooming isn't just about the style. It's important for dog health.

"Dog hygiene is as important as human hygiene," Devin Brown, groomer, said. "It's important for their health."

Kristen said that building up the business required educating the human part of the client couple.

"We require proof of vaccinations," she said, adding that the bordetella vaccine is required.

Puppies younger than four months of age are not accepted because they've not yet been fully vaccinated. But, their owners can help prepare them for grooming by playing with and regularly handling them, their ears, their feet, to get them accustomed to being handled.

"Trimming the nails is important," Devin said, "because it affects the way they walk, their hips, their happiness." She said nails that are too long can actually grow into the pads.

For some, it's a regular event -- every week. For others, it's occasional, maybe every six weeks or just for special events like the holidays.

"When I was 19, I needed a job," Kristen Chafa said. "I was in California and got a job grooming standard poodles and cockers on the show circuit."

Kristen and her husband, Bob, have two Australian shepherds, cats, horses and chickens.

Devin Brown has a 7-month-old son, Zealan.

"My mom opened a shop ... about seven years ago. I helped her with basic stuff then moved up here, met Kristen and started here," Devin said. She's worked with Kristen about three years. She has a Boston terrier/French bulldog mix and a Chihuahua (Mollie).

Different shampoos are used depending on the texture and condition of the dog's hair, then, they go in cages to dry. Depending on the dog's hair style, some are taken to a table for blow drying the hair straight. The dogs' anal glands are checked and drained if necessary, teeth cleaned, nails clipped and/or filed and ears cleaned.

Each client has to have a copy of its vaccination on file. If there is a health issue, the dog is referred to its own veterinarian.

"We notice things more than others," Kristen said. "We see them more than their vet does and less than their owners so sometimes, we notice things others don't."

The two can groom 12 to 14 dogs in a day.

"We like to have our dogs out. We watch them and make sure they're playing nice. It gives us more time to play with our dogs," Kristen said. "We like to enjoy our dogs."

"You should choose it like you do a day care," Devin said. "Drop by and check it out."

Kristen agreed.

"When you get your dog home and it's totally stressed, then something is not right. Call the groomer and ask how things when that day."

Kristen and Devin seek to improve their knowledge and skill and recently attended a seminar with Jay Scruggs and Sue Zecco in Oklahoma City.

"I'm so excited. They don't have that many around here. I'll have to close down the shop; it's a big expense but it's worth it," Kristen said.

"Every month we have a special," Kristen said, explaining that the basic cost depends on the type and size of the dog. Specials include pad scrub, teeth cleaning, nail filing. Sometimes it's a buy one get one free special.

"Call for a quote," she said.

"Every dog gets a bow and leaves smelling good," Kristen said.

The shop is busiest during the summer and holidays. Doggy day care is also offered.