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Cut N Strut: Animal boutique celebrates 1 year, expands services

September 08, 2009|By STEPHANIE SCHELL

Last year Cut N Strut made its Danville debut. Owner Vicky Vanhook said part of the reason they have stayed on the business scene is because of how she and her employees treat their four-legged clients.

"We treat them like they're our own," Vanhook said. "We are unique because we do love our animals."

Over the past year, Vanhook has expanded her business with the addition of a new groomer, Vanessa Cooper, as well as new services including small-animal grooming for cats, guinea pigs, ferrets and rabbits. She clips bird wings now, too. To groom these smaller animals, though, particularly in the case of cats, Vanhook said the cat must have either been groomed before, or must allow the groomer to do her job.

Under no circumstances, Vanhook said, will they "manhandle" an animal. They want the experience to be pleasant for both the animal and the groomer. Plus, she doesn't want the animal to fear coming back.

"If the (animal) is uncontrollable, we will call the owner and have them pick them up," she added.

Deanna Kidd, a groomer at Cut N Strut, specializes in pre-competition grooming such as hair, nail and whisker trimming; and bathing, conditioning and brushing. They offer a dirty dog whitening service, too.

Kidd can perform a shedding treatment she says works well with all short-haired dogs, not just show dogs. It prevents shedding for about six weeks.

They can get as specific as the client wants with painted nails, bows and bandanas, and an animal perfume that leaves them smelling sweet.

"We are well known to give our customers exactly what they want," Cooper said.

Vanhook added, "Or we'll make it right at no charge."

They also can expel anal glands and brush teeth. If a client's dog is there for a service that may keep him there all day while the owner has to leave, Kidd said she will take the dog on a walk.

With more than 200 clients that have used Cut N Strut at least once over the past year, Vanhook said she's happy to see her client base grow, as she knows exactly how each animal is treated while there for her services.

With the addition of Cooper as a groomer, Vanhook said they will likely add a bather to the business, too, which will help increase the number of animals they can see a day.

Vanhook said they also are planning to have Kidd start teaching basic training to dogs sometime after the first of the year.

So you know

Cut N Strut
507 S. 4th St., Danville
(859) 236-7266
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

* Walk-ins may be worked in, but appointments are appreciated.

* Cut N Strut offers a 10 percent discount if a client rebooks within six weeks.

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