By Kristen Miller
News Editor

DASSEL, MN – With a love for animals and 20 years experience, Brenda Johnson has opened her very own pet grooming business at her rural Dassel home.

Working with animals is something Johnson knew she wanted to do ever since she was a little girl.

Shortly after graduating from the Twin Cities School of Pet Grooming in 1991, Johnson began working for Dr. Curtis Reiter, who practices veterinary medicine in Cokato and Hutchinson.

With him, she worked for a couple of years as a veterinary assistant as well as a pet groomer, but she always knew she wanted to open her own business someday, Johnson said.

“This is my passion,” she said.

She officially opened her business, Brenda’s Grooming and Gifts, at the beginning of April, located on CSAH 21.

With a price list for each breed on her brochure, Johnson will groom any breed from an Afghan to a Yorkie. This includes bathing/drying, trimming, ear cleaning, nail trimming, among other treatments.

Prices may increase if the dog is matted, is larger than standard size, has a difficult temperament, needs extra scissoring, or medicated baths.

“I’m very fair with my prices,” Johnson said, adding that if a dog needs less work done, she will go down in price.

She also noted that not every dog can get their breed’s show cut.

“There are some dogs that come in that are beyond the point of just trying to make them look good,” she said. “I, as a groomer, really care for the dogs and want to make them feel good, not just look good.”

For example, a springer spaniel she recently groomed hadn’t been groomed all winter long and was very woolly and matted.

The best thing for the dog was for Johnson to strip him down, since removing matts can be very painful to animals, she explained.

Though she is located about eight miles north of Dassel, Johnson said the service is worth it to pet owners. For added convenience, pets can be dropped off for the day.

She also works with good equipment such as a hydraulic table and walk-in washtub, which not only benefits the animals, but also her back.

Though cats are very unpredictable, Johnson said she will give them a try. “At least to shape the matts out.”

Johnson will also be working with Misty Creek Ranch Pet Boarding down the road, on Highway 15, and will pick up and drop off for grooming as requested.

For appointments, call Brenda’s Grooming at (320) 275-2010.

Aside from pet grooming, Johnson is also looking for vendors who want to sell their artwork, crafts, or photography in an attached gift shop.