HELP SAVE "Business Is Grooming!"

When Michelle Perkins and Vicky Wignall Harrison started “Business Is Grooming!” together in 1993, they were determined to change the face, perception and practices of the Dog Grooming industry by consistently providing highly skilled, compassionate canine care in a clean, pleasant, and friendly environment.

Their Mission Statement has remained as fresh and consistent as it was from day one:

“To make a difference in the quality of life of innocent, fuzzy creatures every single day, and to make a whole lot of friends while we do it!”

Over the last 30 years, Michelle and Vicky have established remarkably unbreakable and supportive bonds with multiple generations of families and their pets who greatly depend on them for the quality care they are now known for in the surrounding community (and beyond).

Sadly, “Business Is Grooming!” is now facing a financial collapse due to a perfect storm of catastrophic events beyond their control, and they desperately need your help.

The following situations are what have led Michelle and Vicky to swallow their pride, and humbly ask for your support:

-COVID SHUTDOWNS. The first one by the government in 2020, and the second one in 2022 due to a store wide infection.

-STAFF REDUCTION. Two key employees moved out of state in 2020 and then their beloved and invaluable groomer Heidi passed away suddenly at only 54yrs of age in 2021. To this day, Vicky and Michelle have been unable to find qualified applicants to fill these voids.

-ILLNESS. Vicky’s hands are suffering the toll of taking most of Heidi’s clientele on in addition to her own. Long overdue surgery is required to increase productivity (and relieve debilitating pain) but taking time off to do so has not been a viable option. Vicky’s multiple and unavoidable trips to Iowa in the last two years to care for her ailing, elderly mother have also left quite a sting.

-OVERHEAD INCREASES: Rent, utilities, taxes, licenses, shampoos, etc….You name it, it has all gone up. Doubled in some cases.

An honorable mention must be made to the exorbitant and debilitating veterinary costs Vicky and Michelle have endured with their beloved personal pets.

RIP to their 34 year old shop parrot, the famous African Gray “Congo” and also to Vicky’s boys, “Hillbilly” and “Fernando”. Requesting continued prayers for Michelle’s boys “Huckleberry” and “Archee”, who’s health struggles are continuing today.

FUNDS TO BE USED FOR:

-Catching up on overhead/bills that went upside down during Covid shutdowns and staffing losses.

-To repair/replace/upgrade failing equipment and infrastructure.

-To provide grooming school tuitions to expedite training of bather employees remaining on staff, to become certified Dog Groomers.

-To provide a financial cushion covering expansive overhead expenses during an absence and recovery period for Vicky’s hand surgeries.

Michelle and Vicky are incredibly proud of what they’ve done with “Business Is Grooming!”, and they want very badly to continue serving the community they love so very, very much.

Your financial donation of any amount would be truly and profoundly appreciated.