A love of animals drew both Rita Percival and Charli Smith into the business of dog grooming. And on-the-job mentoring helped them both gain the skills needed to do the job well.
After 20 years of owning and operating her own business, Percival sold Coats and Tails to Smith.
Percival learned from Darlas Cook, a former groomer at a local veterinary clinic. Likewise, Smith learned from Percival. Both also got their start in the animal world as veterinary assistants.
"Once I learned it, I enjoyed what I was doing," Percival recalled. "I get along with dogs."
Every day is different; every dog is different. Learning hands-on from another groomer, they can impart the little quirks and nuances, the pair agreed.
"Every dog is not shaped the same way," even of the same breed, Percival said. "It's a lot of work; it's not all cute and loving, there's gory stuff, too."
When Percival opened the business 20 years ago, pet owners were different. She was the first in town and she mostly worked on small domestic pets or seasonal for working dogs.
"My Dad and Mom could not believe that many people have their dogs groomed," she said.
As the town has grown, so has the number of pets, Percival said.
"For many people, pets are their children," she said.
What has benefited her over the years has been word-of-mouth promotion, she said.
That's the reason she brought Smith in before selling the business, to let customers and dogs acclimate to the new person.
"The dogs like her," Percival said. "I promised my clients I would find someone good to take my place when I retired."
Percival has kept note cards for each of her client's dogs, what and when she did different services. Smith said that will be a help for the future.
Smith took over officially April 1, working 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Percival now works for Smith those hours on Wednesdays.
"I enjoy grooming," Smith said. "Once I learned, I really learned it completely.
"I'm super excited about the whole deal."
In the future, Smith would like to expand the boarding amenities for a more "luxury" experience, she said.
Appointments may be made by message on Facebook or call 573-796-8206.