Dog Gone Groomer LLC

1087 E. Washington St., Sequim

683-5512

Hours: By appointment; call from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday

Over her 44-year career as a dog groomer, Deborah Kent has encountered nearly every type of canine, from fearful to fractious — and before the shampoo goes on, she’s made friends with even the most doubtful.

On the day of the interview, that included Punkin, a 7-year-old yellow labrador retriever, who’d never been blown dry. Because of the loud, scary noise, Kent calmed her by covering her head with a towel and moved swiftly but deliberately from tail to muzzle with the dryer’s hose.

By then, Punkin acted like it was no big deal and stood perfectly still for the finishing touches.

“Always I had a love for dogs and in my heart of hearts, grooming was what I was interested in,” Kent said.

The 59-year-old began her grooming career in high school, saying she’s very glad she learned a trade she could take with her wherever she went — from California, to Utah, to Hawaii to Washington.

In April, she followed longtime dog training client and friend Vicki Niederkorn from Hawaii to Sequim and opened Dog Gone Groomer LLC barely a month ago. Niederkorn is the fur-parent to Punkin and Moose, a glistening black lab, and gives Kent high praise.

“Deb has experience with thousands of dogs over 40 years and all different breeds,” Niederkorn said. “That is what she has to offer — you don’t see that very often. Also her experience is where the true art (of grooming) comes in from just knowing dogs.”

“My job all these years is to have people leave with a smile on their face,” said Kent, upbeat and energetic, about her foray into Sequim. “This community has afforded me a place to open a new business, a place to get healthy and to be able to continue showing my own dogs (Rottweilers).”

Kent remodeled the olive green building behind Las Palomas with self-service bathing and drying in mind — she installed two raised tubs and provides the shampoo, towels, dryer and supervision for owners new to the task. Owners also can bring their own products.

“The object is so that people can learn how to help their dogs in the bathing process,” Kent said. “We show you the steps, turn you loose and supervise that. Each self-service tub is set up for your breed of dog.”

Self-service also includes a nail trim and wiping out the dog’s ears. If clients opt to have Kent bathe and skillfully groom their dogs, she encourages them to observe through a security half-door so they can see what’s going on with their pets.

From toy breeds to double-coated large dogs, Kent has groomed them all in her four-decade career and she welcomes clients to try her services.

“Grooming is an art so to be able to take a dog not in the best condition and make it look appealing is somewhat difficult,” Kent said. “Coat types are completely different and so are tolerances and temperaments. Like people, they’re all individuals.”

Kent may not be “The Dog Whisperer” but she definitely channels canines with a compassionate and caring approach.

“I can pretty much read the dog by how it stands, if it’s tense or relaxed. For me, I’ll sit down and make friends because it’s very important to make a relationship between the dog, the owner and myself. It’s important, that initial trust with the dog and owner.”

Kent stressed the way to build her business is to have repeat visits from happy dogs and happy owners by tuning in on the dog’s personality.

“When the dog becomes more stable, manageable and easily groomed, it knows the exact process and what’s going to happen so it can relax,” Kent said.

“That’s my goal, to have clients and repeat clients. I strive to give people and pets a good experience. This is where my heart is.”

Dog Gone Groomer is a member of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and Kent said she has been welcomed with enthusiasm and support.

“It’s amazing! These people are here to move your business forward. I knew Sequim was a really good place for seniors and within in the community, this is a safe place to come,” Kent said.

“Come see our facility and give us a try because we’d like to make Sequim a happier place for pets.”