08/06/2026
Today reminded me why I decided to start grooming again. ❤️
And a quick explanation about the pictures…
Meet my old man, Jimmy. He has my heart. His family brings him in consistently for his Nexderma medicinal soak treatments and a really good therapeutic scrub.
Jimmy gets a full hour of bath and soak time, followed by a long break to rest. After that, I groom him on the floor for his comfort. At this stage, it’s not so much about giving him a perfect groom. Jimmy is getting older, tires much more easily, and treating his skin and achy joints is what matters most.
Grooming is about a dog’s health first, and their appearance comes second. 😉
A little backstory on why it’s so important for me to share Jimmy’s story…
My business partner, Chanda Brewer, was opening an amazing pet store that would have everything you could need for your pets. I had heard she might eventually be looking for a groomer after she got the doors open and the business established.
At the time, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to get back into grooming. I mainly wanted to reach out, introduce myself, and offer any advice or guidance if she ever had questions about everything that goes into running a grooming salon. I also thought what an amazing location it would be to have a grooming salon—right inside a pet store, conveniently located off Highway 2 in Bagley.
Somehow, Chanda talked me into joining the team, and together we spent countless hours creating Tru North Pet Spa & Wellness.
I remember Chanda asking me, “Why would you add ‘Wellness’ to the name?”
When I first started grooming and worked in several different salons, I remember always thinking, “If I ever owned my own grooming salon, this is what I would want to do differently.”
I explained to Chanda that “Wellness” meant more than just grooming. It meant taking the time each dog needs, customizing every appointment to fit that dog’s individual needs, personality, and overall health.
Some dogs have experienced traumatic situations. Some are rescues who need extra patience. Others are our senior, geriatric clients who simply need more TLC because grooming has become harder on their bodies. They get tired more quickly and deserve extra breaks throughout their spa day.
Without Chanda, I wouldn’t have been able to make that vision a reality. She has been an incredible business partner. While she’s often behind the scenes with the grooming salon, I lean on her wisdom often. Many people in our community know Chanda through her lifelong passion for dogs, especially her years of sled dog racing. She brings a lifetime of knowledge, experience, and genuine love for dogs to everything we do.
At Tru North Pet Spa & Wellness, we believe every dog deserves an experience that’s tailored to them.
Sometimes that means slowing down.
Sometimes it means sitting on the floor with an old dog like Jimmy.
Sometimes it means that comfort and wellness are far more important than a perfect haircut.
Because at the end of the day, grooming is about helping dogs feel their very best—not just look their very best. ❤️🐾
