Interview with Kathleen Gissing, owner/operator
How did you get involved in this business?
After moving to Kauai 10 years ago and working as a vet tech/assistant, we needed to make more money. I took grooming classes, did apprentice work and bought a mobile grooming van. I brought my husband on board to drive the rig and help with bathing, and off we went. We love the dogs we have met over the years – they are like our own, and the relationships we made with their owners ended up being the icing on the cake.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
We take pride in doing the little extras – taking time to learn about special needs for each dog and giving individual attention to each pet. And having worked with veterinarians, I am sometimes able to point out health-care needs that an owner may not be aware of. We provide a very clean, safe environment delivered right to the dog, which helps alleviate some of the stress they may incur with grooming. Because we work one-on-one with the dog, most of the time the dog is groomed in around an hour.
What do you like best about your line of work?
Certainly working with people’s pets! We enjoy giving their dog(s) a healthy, fresh cleaning (we use all-natural products) and required or requested clipping and/or shaping. Every dog has its own personality, and it is a very fulfilling experience to meet them and discover how grooming them can make them feel better. We enjoy working with special-needs dogs as well. And then there are the wonderful people who own and love their dogs. We often get to know them in a special way, sharing a common bond of caring for their pet.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Icy roads! (Ha ha!) Also, educating people that regular grooming really is beneficial to their dog, regardless of breed type. Even dogs that might not seem to need grooming regularly can profit from some type of professional grooming: Toe nails may need to be trimmed, ears need to be cleaned and/or plucked, anal glands may need to be expressed, faces may need to be cleaned and eye areas cared for. Plus, regular grooming improves the dog’s overall health and the condition of its coat, and can relieve allergies for both the dog and its owner.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
Most people are surprised to learn we moved back to Colorado from Hawaii. But this is my home, and my family is here. We love our job and are truly excited to be able to bring this distinctive care to the area we are serving. We were voted People’s Choice Award by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Kauai Midweek Magazine, and are very humbled and grateful that people liked our service enough to give us this honor. We look forward to meeting new clients and their delightful dogs and develop some wonderful relationships with both.
Business: Ponderosa Paws Mobile Dog Grooming
Address: 4117 County Road 72, Evergreen
Hours: Call for appointment
Founded: 2013
Contact: 303-816-1102; www.ponderosapaws.com
Employees: 2
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail soelrich@denverpost.com.
