Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Whether you’re in need of pet supplies, want to get your dog bathed, want training for your pooch or just need someone to watch your pet for an hour or a day, For Paws Grooming & More is the place to go.
Located at 141 Caribou Rd., Presque Isle, the business has been open since January 2009, offering a wide range of services designed to make life for you and your pet pleasant.
“I bought the business in October 2008 and opened at the new location Jan. 6,” said owner Tracy Ayotte.
“The site was zoned for this type of business; it’s perfect. We provide full-service pet grooming, doggy daycare and a wide variety of pet foods. Carol Allen teaches dog obedience classes,” said Ayotte.
The shop also carries a variety of grooming products, combs, flea products, tooth brushes and pet food.
For pets with pampered pallets, Ayotte said special orders are a possibility, preventing the need to make trips south, saving time and gas.
“People need to realize you don’t need to travel south. We can order just about anything — have items shipped here. Shopping local saves time and money and is good for the local economy,” said Ayotte.
Ayotte said she already has about 800 customers on her client list, from as far away as Van Buren and Madawaska to Houlton.
“A vet technician from Fort Kent even travels here regularly to buy food,” said Allen, who also works as a groomer, in addition to other duties at the facility.
“We have customers from all over,” added Ayotte. “If I can get products through my suppliers, I’m willing to order. All I need is a deposit on the order before it’s placed.”
“People will do without to provide for their pets,” noted Allen.
Ayotte said Allen has a wide variety of knowledge and has attended seminars and training sessions over the years that aid her in her daily duties at the shop.
“We also take pride in the fact we don’t use drugs to calm animals. Pets aren’t cage-dried; we do it all by hand. We also offer daycare, for socialization and behavioral training,” said Ayotte.
Ayotte said Allen’s extensive knowledge and experience enhances her ability to work with a variety of dogs, from large breeds to the smaller variety. The women know firsthand what it means to be a pet owner, often bringing their own dogs to the shop.
“Riley, the big guy, serves as our door greeter,” Ayotte said. “We welcome all dogs, provided they’re on a leash. But services aren’t limited to dogs. We also work with cats and other animals — trim guinea pig nails.”
John Powers is a regular customer and likes the variety of products available.
“I have a 4-year-old shepherd named Sheba. She’s been on the same food since she was a pup. They have great products here at affordable prices,” said Powers.
Ayotte said keeping a clean facility is a top priority.
“Sanitizing is extremely important. Pets have accidents when they’re nervous. We disinfect areas regularly,” she said.
The structure, according to Ayotte, went up quickly, thanks to her husband, Bernard Ayotte, and several others who built the building, located north of the Aroostook Centre Mall on Route 1. She said family owned the property, which was in the agricultural zone, making for an ideal location.
“It took a lot of work when we moved the business. Mike and Josh Martin of Earthworks Inc. broke ground here in November. Ayotte’s Construction, my husband’s business, worked on the building. I’d also like to thank Kelly Hubbard, Shawn Johnson, Estey’s Water Well, Bob’s Plumbing and Heating, Troy Theriault, Chad Tompkins, Jeff Beaulieu of Extreme Granite, Junior Bouchard and Rathbun Lumber. If it wasn’t for all of them — they made it possible to break ground and open in six weeks,” said Ayotte. “I’d also like to thank my parents, Reynold and Priscilla Daigle.”
Ayotte said the doggy daycare aspect of the business is doing great as well.
“Duncan, a Westie owned by Cindy Thibodeau, is one of our regulars. Cindy tells me he gets upset if he misses his day here. He likes to come and looks forward to Bernard getting done his construction work. When my husband gets done work for the day, he’ll stop and play with Duncan. They’re buddies,” said Ayotte. “He and I find the shop relaxing.”
“I enjoy coming to work every day. I used to be a hairdresser. Now I tell my friends and family I went to the dogs,” said Allen. “It all depends on the dog. They all have different personalities.”
Ayotte is taking lessons from Allen, learning the various aspects of dog grooming.
“I’m a groomer in training, learning the tricks of the trade as I go,” said Ayotte.
Business hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 760-9501.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
KEEPING THE CUSTOMERS HAPPY, both four-legged ones and their owners, is a priority at For Paws Grooming & More, located at 141 Caribou Rd., Presque Isle. Here, owner Tracy Ayotte’s husband, Bernard Ayotte, plays with one of the regulars, Duncan, in the activity room. In addition to pet supplies and grooming, the business also offers “doggy daycare.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RILEY, pictured here with owner Tracy Ayotte, serves as door greeter at Ayotte’s new business, For Paws Grooming and More, located in Presque Isle.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CUSTOMER SERVICE — Carol Allen, a grooming technician and pet trainer, makes change for John Powers, a regular customer at For Paws Grooming & More, located on Rt. 1 just north of the mall.
