Groomer embraces special looks for pets

Virginia Patton understands the significance of a good haircut. She also knows the benefits that come with a day at the spa for her clients.

Patton caters to those with four legs who bark and wag their tails and whose owners also understand the importance of physical maintenance as a basic need for their pets.

Patton is a dog groomer with 14 years of experience who opened Wags to Riches salon in Spokane Valley last fall after she relocated from Lewiston. Her services include bathing and styling the coats of all dog varieties.

“My love is doing the AKC (American Kennel Club) clips – the breeds’ standard haircuts,” she said.

But she also likes to get creative. “I’m looking for someone with a slick-haired dog who will let me paint zebra stripes,” she said.

Patton is certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America and she’s just a couple of hairstyles away from being judged and elevated to her goal of becoming a national master groomer.

“I’ve done mohawks on dogs, and groomed my miniature poodle to look like a buffalo,” she said. “I want to find those people who want to do those fancy haircuts and creative grooming – poodles and bichons are so good for that.”

Aside from being bathed and blow dried before a cut and style, clients at Wags to Riches can have their nails clipped and smoothed, hair mats removed, ears plucked and cleaned, and glands expressed.

Accessories such as hair dye, ribbons, feathers, fragrance, nail polish and glitter spray are optional.

Grooming fees vary for dog size, breed and temperament, but range from a starting price of $40 for smaller dogs to a starting price of $75 for larger dogs. Patton also offers bathing with some other services starting at about $25.