MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT Donna Napolitano and Carol Gardina along with two chihuahuas take in the air outside their business. Advertisement

Together, Carol Gardina and Donna Napolitano have been pampering pooches with an artistic flare for 30 years.

Both spent most of their lives in Las Vegas, but decided to leave the congestion and move their business, Artistic Pet Styling to Pahrump two and a half years ago. "It looked like a good place for our business due to the growth in the area," said Gardina.

Located at 4760 S. Pahrump Valley Blvd., Artistic Pet Styling provides a clean, accommodating, and well equipped service area. Regardless of the animal's size, the shop is set for all. "Grooming makes the dogs feel good," said Napolitano.

"Sometimes the animals are frightened as a result of a bad prior grooming experience, and will take a bit to settle down. But we are prepared for this and can usually help them through it," added Gardina.

One piece of equipment that was fascinating was an actual lift (not much different from an auto lift), used for the larger dogs. They are led on to the lift then raised to a working height. Amazing. However, both ladies have their limits.

They love all animals, but sometimes not all animals may like them, so there are some breeds they won't groom, such as Chows, Dobermans, and unless vouched for by the owner -- Rottweilers. These breeds are too unpredictable and can present a hazard to the two small women. They will do pit bulls as long as they have not been trained to fight.

Gardina advised that "many times we are able to detect potential health problems since we touch virtually every part of the dog's body. This can even include possible cancer as we had the opportunity to detect early on a dog in Las Vegas. Those folks that believe in old remedies should still take the animal to a veterinarian at least once a year."

They prefer that owners stay with the animal, especially large ones, while they are being groomed and the price will go up if you leave and then return. "Most dogs are happy to be groomed and few are difficult, but we still prefer that the owner be present in case the dog does something it doesn't normally do," said Napolitano.

One wouldn't think there are schools which teach grooming and may believe someone just decided to open up shop in their home. Well, there are schools and both ladies highly recommend that anyone thinking of being a groomer attend one.

"Opening a shop out of your home is never a good idea. There are just too many things that can happen which can harm the animal," said Gardina.

Expenses associated with opening a shop other than the lease or building ownership, include shampoos, which must be different for each animal, as well as the equipment for washing, drying, and grooming. As much as $30,000 is needed to open up such a business. But the most important thing is proper training.

"Grooming schools are available in Las Vegas and the training is completed in six months. There are also books available on how to groom," added Napolitano.

Artistic Pet Styling is available by appointment only on Mondays, and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 8:45 a.m. until all animals are done. Grooming prices begin at $28 and can go as high as $35. The ladies are professionals who have been trained at the best schools in the nation and have been known to teach as well. Visit the shop -- it can be reached at 775-751-8778.