Ashley Brown enjoys being able to transform the look of a dog.
Her 5-year-old business, Pup.E.Tails, was voted best pet grooming by Illinois Times readers in the 2022 Best of Springfield contest.
"I just like the atmosphere of it – just seeing what you can do with their hair," Brown said.
The Curran resident was taught by her mother, veteran groomer Carrie Brummett of Loami, who now works alongside her at Pup.E.Tails.
Brown previously operated the business, which only serves dogs, in the 100 block of West Laurel Street in Springfield. Pup.E.Tails moved about three years ago to its present location at 315 Chatham Road, Suite 116, in Springfield.
Brown said her customers and their dogs enjoy the "open-cage" setup at her shop, where the dogs are able to roam free before and after grooming sessions.
The business charges $40 to more than $100 for a session, depending on the size of the dog. The business also offers doggie day care.
Brown, 30, said she takes care to communicate thoroughly with customers to make sure they understand what grooming services their dogs will receive and what the grooming involves.
Dog owners want to make sure their dogs are safe and won't go through emotional trauma, and communication helps to ease any worries they may have, she said.
Brown said she's a dog lover, with two dogs at home – a goldendoodle named Penelope and an American bulldog named Cash.
