ELEVEN months ago Ramshaw-based Carolyn Foody set up her dog kennel and dog grooming business, The Barkary, to give her something to focus on as she recovered from a serious horse-riding accident.
Ms Foody said she was able to arrange the initial set-up and build of the business, which is based at her home at Haggerleazes Farm, while she was still on crutches and had hoped that business would be brisk this year.
However, the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown that followed saw bookings diary the kennels empty overnight and she took the decision to keep them closed for the safety of residents and neighbours.
She said: “I could have kept the kennels open and running as there is still a demand for dogs to be kennelled by owners who are key workers, but I did decide for the safety of my neighbours to keep them shut.
“When I got my health back I did think this year would be great and the kennels would be busy, but it went a bit Pete Tong (wrong).”
Last month, the easing of some restrictions meant Ms Foody was able to start offering a limited grooming service to clients at the purpose-built salon.
Initially, pets were picked up and dropped off from clients’ homes, but with further easing of travel pets and their owners are now able to visit.
However, as part of the strict protocol Ms Foody has in place, owners are required to wait outside while their pooches get pampered.
She added: “I qualified last year as a dog groomer and am fully accredited but I never pushed the dog grooming side of the business before as I work on my own and there is only so much you can do.
“I’ve got contactless payment in place and I wear full PPE when I’m working.
“The dogs have to go straight in the bath when they arrive and the salon has to be fully washed down after each one, which all takes time so I’m only accepting two a day.
“I could squeeze three in, but there are 333 other jobs I need to get done on the farm as well so I’m trying to keep to that limit.
“It’s been busy and it’s mainly dogs that don’t shed and need to be clipped that I’ve had coming.”
The Barkary is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays with two client slots available each day. For more information contact 07949 277893.
