Right after Teddy's last grooming appointment in November, I received a Yelp message from Alicia B. to let me know that she left had moved on from her job at that well known and well established Mount Pleasant pet services provider and that she was now 'up the road' at Savvy-yohn. Huh? OK!
Well, three months had gone by and Teddy was looking kind of ratty. My poor furson was definitely way past due for a spa day ... but, frankly I was stalling ... and had to make a decision. Should I go back to that large, well known grooming, boarding and doggie day care business where 'everybody knows my name' or try a new salon with no website, no Yelp listing, no reviews and no Facebook content? While I had no problem with MTD as a 'service provider' I realized that my loyalty was to Teddy's groomer so I called to schedule a Saturday appointment with Alicia. Though I had the address and knew it was north of the IOP Connector, I couldn't quite place the location so rather than rely on my Map app, I inquired ... and learned it was right next store to Ladles (across from Bricco Bracco) ... in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center.
When we pulled up, I couldn't help but notice the absence of overhead signage ... only, the name, the words 'pet styling salon' and phone number stenciled on the front glass window. "Oy" I said to Teddy ... "I'm not sure about this" but, we proceeded to go inside the small, sparse storefront. We were immediately acknowledged and warmly greeted by a friendly receptionist. And, due to the size and space configuration I was easily able to see the 'action' while we were waiting for Alicia. Wow! It looked like Santa's Workshop. I recall at least two, or maybe, three groomers and a bather in action and 5 more dogs in separate runs either waiting to start or for their owner to pick up. This 'no co-mingling' set-up was perfect for my Teddy who tends to be aggressive around other dogs he does not know. Alicia came up to the reception area and we reviewed what I wanted for Teddy's spring cut. Alicia explained that she would be shampooing Teddy rather the bather which would make the turn around a bit longer for her to get in queue. This also was fine with me.
An hour and a half later, I was back at the salon and before Teddy noticed me, I was pleased to see my little guy ... not only looking spivvy ... but content as he could be in his 'big boy' run. Now, for the proverbial icing on the cake ... the price. Would you believe the same services were a whopping $20 less than what I paid 'down the street' in November? The moral of this story ... 'don't judge a book by it's cover.' I love this no frills dog grooming salon with the funky name ... and if you live in Mount Pleasant ... you will, too. read more