Longtime island groomer to close

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, December 27, 2016

After 15 years of grooming many of the island’s pets, Tammy Thomas is closing up shop at Pampered Paws this week.

Thomas, who has owned the business at Vashon Village for 13 years, says she is sad to leave, but physical problems — repetitive use injuries — have made the decision necessary.

“I do 200 dogs a month, and my arm says no more,” she said last week.

Although she is closing her doors, Thomas will still cater to island pets and their owners by offering in-home pet services, including pet sitting, nail trims and dog walking. She will also teach people how to groom their own dogs if they wish, providing advice on basic techniques and cuts specific to the breed of their dog. She plans to keep the business name and phone number in her new venture.

Despite her medical concerns, she said she has maintained her business because of her love of animals — and made her future plans accordingly.

“That’s why I am continuing to work with animals. I have to keep my animal fix going,” she said.

Thomas noted she tried to sell the business, but either people did not want to commute from off-island or she felt they did not have enough expertise to groom seven to 10 dogs a day — the number she said is necessary to be profitable.

In addition to the high number of dogs she has groomed over the years, her clientele also includes cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Thomas’ last day grooming will be Thursday, and on Friday she will host a party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with cake, free nail trims and a chance for customers to say goodbye to Mooshi, the shop cat.

In her shop last week, she picked the cat up and cuddled him, saying many clients had asked to adopt him. She declined all offers.

“He’s coming home with me,” she said.