Destiny Becker and her German shepherd puppy, Radar, sit at the entrance to her new business, Muddy Paws Dog Grooming.
A new service for dogs - and their owners - opened this week. Muddy Paws Pet Grooming owner and operator Destiny Becker is ready to give the town's dogs the glow-up treatment.
Becker's story is a familiar one: She and her husband left Minnesota for a six-month stint in Wrangell but decided to stay. She wanted to find a way to get more rooted in the community, and to find her niche.
She grew up around dogs and loved taking care of her family and friends' dogs, especially big dogs. She currently has a German shepherd puppy but has a soft spot for huskies. "They are full of personality and all that hair!"
She believes Wrangell is a great community to start a small business and a very dog-friendly town, so she combed the pieces together to start providing grooming services from her location near downtown.
She and her husband gutted a camper van and refurbished it with work stations for large and small dogs. She trained with a skilled mentor to gain experience.
Becker will provide baths and blow-dries, and will offer de-shedding shampoo treatments and brushings, haircuts and nail trims. Pricing is based on the level of services, generally ranging between $60 and $180.
Becker said each dog responds differently to the grooming experience, from tolerant to sassy, often happy to show their owners how pretty they are. Some dogs are timid, while others are more confident and curious, wanting to see what is happening.
These responses are not determined by breed, Becker explained, but by the animal's history and its relationship to its family and surroundings.
In order to create a safe and measured experience for each dog, she will provide a free consultation prior to the first grooming appointment.
"This allows me to schedule the right amount of time for each dog, making sure they are comfortable. I'm happy to take it slow. An initial positive experience builds confidence for the next time."
Becker has worked to select specific natural products to use for healthy skin and fur. While she will not have products for sale, she has chosen shampoos, conditioners and sprays to address some Wrangell-specific concerns such as dogs romping around in saltwater need hydrating products to combat dry skin, she explained.
And each dog gets a stylish bandana in a complimentary color to complete the experience.
Becker will have available appointment times Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact her through the Muddy PawsPet Grooming Facebook page or call 612-741-9762.
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