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There comes a point in every dog’s life when he must confront an uncomfortable reality.
For me, that moment arrived when I realized I could no longer adequately manage my personal grooming needs.
The problem, as many readers know, is that I lack opposable thumbs.
This puts me at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to operating shampoo bottles, trimming nails, brushing out a Newfoundland coat, or scheduling appointments. As a result, I have been forced to delegate these responsibilities to trusted staff.
Chief among them is Tray Johnson, my longtime Gal Friday, who attends to my comfort, grooming, transportation, scheduling, and occasional emotional support needs. Without Tray, I would probably resemble a damp haystack with paws.
Fortunately, Tray discovered a place called Wet Ur Paws Dog Wash & Grooming, located in the Crestmont Shopping Center in Hopewell Township. Since then, my personal appearance has improved dramatically.
Not that I was ever unattractive.
I was simply embracing a more rugged aesthetic.
Wet Ur Paws offers professional grooming services, self-service dog washing, nail trims, baths, and enough shampoos and conditioners to make a Westminster show dog weep with gratitude. The business has earned a loyal following among local pet owners, many of whom praise the staff’s patience and willingness to work with dogs of every temperament—from nervous border collies to opinionated doodles.
The salon is owned by Mary, who is spoken of in local dog circles with something approaching reverence. One neighborhood commenter described her as “the best groomer around,” which, among dog owners, ranks somewhere between sainthood and winning a Super Bowl.
For those wishing to investigate further on behalf of their own four-legged family members, Wet Ur Paws is located at:
2489 Brodhead Road
Crestmont Shopping Center
Hopewell Township (Aliquippa mailing address), PA 15001
Phone: (724) 203-4557
According to the information provided by the business, current hours are:
• Monday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
* Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
* Wednesday: Closed
* Thursday: Closed
* Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
* Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
* Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
As a Newfoundlande I regard bathing with mixed emotions. I enjoy swimming in rivers, puddles, mud holes, and anything else containing water. Yet the moment a human introduces shampoo into the equation, I begin to suspect a conspiracy.
Still, one must maintain standards.
A gentleman dog cannot simply show up at a business luncheon smelling like the remnants of a goose chase.
So if you happen to see me looking particularly handsome—and several people have remarked upon it recently—the credit belongs not to me, but to Tray Johnson and the good folks at Wet Ur Paws.
I merely showed up and tried not to sit on anybody.
Which, given my size, is a contribution in its own right.
