The passionate professionals at Awesome Paws Pet Salon customize every grooming experience
By Patricia Nugent
These wall words that appear high above all the pampering and love at Awesome Paws Pet Salon in Medina—which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month—are the perfect epithet for its culture.
“Our approach to grooming is more holistic than you’d find at the average groomer,” says founder Denise Heroux. “We tailor each experience to our clients’ pets’ needs.”
She reports the business has grown from a one-person staff at one location to 13 staff members at two locations.
“I’m proud of this team, who are passionate professionals excelling in their career path,” she says.
“Each of the stylists has her own niche, and I encourage that. For instance, one technician, Heather, competes throughout the Midwest in grooming competitions, recently earning first place for a superbly coiffed Cairn Terrier.”
Why Every Pet Needs Proper Grooming
Denise explains that all breeds of dog, even short-haired ones, would benefit from grooming every four to six weeks.
All-inclusive grooming services include a soothing bath with shampoo, conditioner and finishing spray, a blow dry and brush out to de-shed, as well as a nail trim, ear cleaning and teeth brushing.
They also specialize in grooming cats, which is an art.
“Cats take a different approach,” she says. “They don’t like to be restrained. We get to know each cat so they are comfortable with us before working with them.”
Beyond just looking fabulous, proper grooming can prevent future medical issues as well.
“There have been many times in my career that I or someone on my staff has found a serious health concern with a pet, whether it’s a skin condition, internal bleeding or a cancerous tumor, that the owner never knew was there,” she says.
Product Makes Perfect
“We want our customers to treat their pets like VIPs at home, too,” says Denise.
“We offer a host of products, from classy bandannas made by a local artist to aromatherapy products, all-natural Pawduke dog treats, a host of odor eliminator sprays and candles, and the same brands we use for shampoo, conditioner and finishing spray.”
Innovations on Deck for 2019
Denise says she has many fun plans in the making for the year ahead.
“We are always looking to expand our services,” she says. “Several clients have asked for a mobile unit. We’re looking to add that sometime this year.”
She also plans to hold workshops for pet parents, such as how to give your pet a relaxing massage.
“Be the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are”
Denise lives by this advice. When not grooming or running the business, she works with the local pet pantry to help with donations and attends events to aid local pet charities, and she competes in Rescue Me Rodeos. Her current brood of adorable pooches at home includes Parker, a mellow 12-year-old pit bull, and Bentley, a spirited five-year-old standard poodle.
“At the end of the day, I’m a pet lover just like our clients,” she says. “That’s why we go the extra mile and educate owners on everything we do.”
Awesome Paws Pet Salon has two locations, at 3983 Pearl Road in Medina, 330-952-2733, and 25220 Sprague Road in Olmsted Falls, 440-274-5011. Hours are Monday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 am. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Denise is an active member of the International Pet Groomers Association and International Society of Canine Cosmetologists. Visit AwesomePawsPetSalon.com or their Facebook pages for Medina and Olmsted Falls to find out more.