The Paws N’ Claws crew are happy to work with your pets.
Grooming Salon Sponsors Patriotic Pups
By LAURA ABRUSCATO
Paws N’ Claws Grooming Salon and Boutique has sponsored the Patriotic Pups brigade in the Palisades Fourth of July Parade since 2001.
Barbara Buck and Henry Marting, Palisadians since 1969, bought Paws N’ Claws Grooming Salon in 2001 from another family, its original owners. “My daughter Leslie is a groomer so she took over the grooming part and I ran the pet boutique,” said Barbara. A third generation is now involved in the family business with Leslie’s daughter, Santa Monica College student Devyn Delgado, working as a bather.
Today, Leslie is the manager of both the grooming parlor and the store, and Barbara and Henry do paperwork, correspondence and other computer work from their home, located two blocks away from the salon in the Marquez neighborhood.
The owners have had many dogs through the years, and currently have a Labrador and a terrier mix. The honorary mascot for the business is Errand, a beagle who died two years ago.
Barbara was at Blue Cross Pet Hospital (formerly located on La Cruz) visiting and giving treats to the dogs. Blue Cross owner Debbie Oliver told her she could take one of the two lost beagle brothers home for the weekend and when the owner wasn’t found, the dog stayed. His name came from the fact that Barbara would tell Henry that she was running an errand when she was actually visiting with the dog.
“Grooming dogs is a challenge,” says Leslie. “Patience and energy are definitely required.” The boutique is offering various patriotic dog clothing as well as booties for dogs that prefer footwear while walking in the parade.
“One thing that has become popular is that we have a groomer who is certified in using non-toxic color products,” says Barbara. “For Fourth of July, dogs can have their ears highlighted red, topknot blue, and tail red, white and blue.”
Another popular offering is the non-anesthesia dental cleaning on the first Wednesday of the month. Dogs can have their teeth scaled and cleaned, and a mobile van with a vet on board gives a free health wellness exam prior to the cleaning.
The shop also collects donations for local animal shelters several times a year, including donated blankets and dog beds at the West L.A. Animal Shelter.
“Our business was and is the only grooming shop in town, so it seems logical to put the two together,” Barbara says in regards to sponsoring Patriotic Pups since 2001. “For me it’s the high point of the year.”
Paws N’ Claws Grooming Salon and Boutique is located at 16634 Marquez Ave. Contact 310-459-2009 or visit pawsnclawspacificpalisades.com.
Paws N Claws is located on Marquez Avenue with easy parking available.