Olive Dogs Grooming Salon: A Heartfelt Journey to Pet Care Excellence in Hastings
In the heart of Hastings, Olive Dogs Grooming Salon stands out not just for its exceptional services, but for the profound love and dedication poured into every pet it cares for. Founded by locals deeply connected to their hometown, Olive Dogs has quickly become a cornerstone of pet wellness within the community. We sat down with Crystal, one of the passionate forces behind this cherished salon, to delve into their journey, impact, and future aspirations.
Rooted in Community
"Opening our salon in Hastings was kind of a no-brainer," Crystal reflects on the natural decision to start their business in a town rich with friends, family, and potential supporters. This deep-rooted connection has been a guiding force for Olive Dogs, underscored by their first client being a friend’s parent’s dog. "I’ll always be thankful and appreciative of our friends and family for their love and support from the get-go."
Transformative Care
One of Olive Dogs' most poignant stories involves Ace, a German Shepherd with a troubled past, showcasing the profound bond that can develop between groomers and the pets they nurture. Crystal recounts:
"We have had a very special German Shepherd Dog named Ace coming to our salon almost since the beginning. When his mom first called, she told me she wasn’t even sure if he was going to be able to be groomed. They had just gotten him, and it was obvious from the scar above his eye and his dislike of anything around his neck that he had not always been treated well. It took some time to get him used to the grooming process, but eventually, he became accustomed. He came in every 5-6 weeks to help reinforce that getting groomed was just a part of life (and because he’s a heavy shedder).
Almost 2 years ago, I was grooming Ace and felt a lump in his neck that had not been there at his last groom. I mentioned it to his mom at pick up, and she set up a vet appointment. After some testing, they were told that Ace had thyroid cancer. They were told that most dogs live 3-6 months after diagnosis.
Everyone was heartbroken—myself included. Ace and I had a special bond. We worked through his issues and came out on the other side. I had always adored Ace because despite not being treated as he should have been in the beginning of his life, he was incredibly sweet.
Groomers are often times the first line of defense for odd lumps, bumps, skin conditions, etc. Sometimes it’s just a fatty tumor or a not so special wart, but on the off chance it is something more serious, we want our furiends to get proper care and their family to have as much time as possible with them.
Defying the odds, Ace is still coming to see me. And his family is still enjoying his company."
This heartfelt account from Crystal not only illustrates the deep care and attention given to each pet at Olive Dogs Grooming Salon but also highlights the critical role groomers play in the early detection of health issues. Stories like Ace's serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of regular grooming and the difference it can make in the lives of pets and their families.
Images: Ace and Crystal by Olive Dogs Grooming Salon.
Tailored Services
Understanding the active lifestyles of many Hastings pet owners, Olive Dogs Grooming Salon offers grooming solutions that cater to both the pets’ and their families’ needs. Whether it’s advising against fluffy haircuts for adventurous dogs or tackling the challenges of matting, Crystal and her team ensure that "our main concern is the safety and comfort of the dogs."
A Unique Touch
What sets Olive Dogs apart is not just their expertise but their approach to making pet grooming a transparent and inclusive experience. "Being able to see the pets being groomed is widely appreciated by our clientele. While we don’t allow pet parents to stay for the duration of the groom- as it’s usually too big of a distraction not only for their dog but for the other dogs as well- there’s a sense of security in the majority of our grooming being adjacent to the lobby," says Crystal. This openness, coupled with the salon's central location and intimate setting, fosters a strong sense of community trust and engagement.
Pictured Dog Groomers: Crystal Rego, Brittney Orr, Maddi Yates and Maddie Brostrom.
Innovative Grooming Trends
Always at the forefront of pet grooming, Olive Dogs embraces styles like Asian fusion, “think round faces and fluffy legs with shorter bodies”, and experiments with new products. "We love when clients let us have fun and experiment with their pet’s groom," says Crystal, highlighting their commitment to innovation and personalized care. “We also love trying new products and tools. We just got a new line to sample that is well liked in the industry. It’s interesting to see how different shampoos, conditioners and sprays work on different coat types. It’s exciting when we can feel how clean a coat is or when it dries faster from using new or different products.”
Overcoming Challenges
“Anytime we have a severely matted dog is a hard day. Having your hair twisted and knotted so tightly to your skin does not feel good. No matter how gently we remove the matting- it’s not a fun or comfortable process for the dogs.” These moments, though difficult, are met with compassion and expertise, leading to transformative experiences for both pets and groomers. "It’s amazing to see the attitude change," Crystal notes, capturing the rewarding aspect of their work. "They’ll kiss our hands to say thank you. A lot of times they’ll have so much more pep in their step."
A Future Built on Quality and Care
Looking ahead, Olive Dogs Grooming Salon aims to continue providing top-notch grooming services to the Hastings community. Crystal encourages local pet owners to support their mission by trusting them with their grooming needs and seeking their advice on pet care. "We love when people come to us for advice on when to get their dog groomed, how often and what they need to do at home."
Olive Dogs Grooming Salon exemplifies the remarkable outcomes possible when passion, expertise, and community spirit converge. Through their story, HastingsNow.com celebrates not just a local business but a beacon of love and care for our furry friends in and around Hastings.
