Spot the Dog grooming salon is looking for a new owner - it’s on the market. Val is very sad to be saying goodbye to her clients (and their owners) but the time has come in her life to move on to new adventures. She is particularly excited that someone else will get to enjoy the rewards of working for themselves, and with animals, in a thriving, well established business. Every day, and every dog, is different. 

Val says, “It really has been a joyous way to earn a living for the last 15 years”.

Val at Spot the Dog Groomers

Val fell into dog grooming quite by accident, having just relocated to Kiama from Sydney. She had been working in the film and television industry in various aspects of costume. “I loved the creative side of the work but not the inconsistency of employment,” Val reveals.

Just after her move, she ended up caring for a friend’s dog while she was in hospital for an extended period of time, and it was in desperate need of a groom. Val bought some clippers from the op shop and launched in, and then found that she was a natural. Val enthuses, “I was thrilled that I could now combine my love of animals with my creative skills.”

She never imagined she would be running a dog grooming salon, but it has allowed her a wonderful sense of belonging and connection to this great community, supporting local charities and providing employment. Val adds, “I have been blessed with reliable and hard-working staff and enjoyed mentoring many people over the years.”

Clients have appreciated the reliability and consistency offered by Spot the Dog salon and the convenience of the shopping centre in Kiama Downs with its easy parking.

People often ask Val if she has a favourite breed of dog, but she always responds that “it’s the one that’s in front of me” but if she really had to choose, she’d have to say puppies do melt her heart.

Val says that she will really miss the ongoing relationship with the owners and the dogs, seeing them regularly hearing their news and dog antics. “It’s been an honour sharing tears and sadness when their dogs pass and a joy meeting and grooming their new family members,” Val says.

In the meantime, Val advises, “Remember brushing your dog is more important than washing.”  

It’s business as usual at Spot the Dog whilst she awaits interest from prospective new owners. All enquiries Valerie Evans 02 4237 8075.