Photos by David Becker/ViewTop, Pooh Bailey appears puzzled as groomer Carmen Gonzales trims his feet at the recently opened pet grooming salon and boutique, Tail Waggers Club at 3251 W. Craig Road. Bottom, Jack and Nathalie Mathews, owners of the Tail Waggers Club, recently opened the pet grooming salon.
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Occasionally, even pets deserve some pampering.
Former food and beverage manager Jack Mathews and former banker Nathalie Mathews have held whole-heartedly to that belief for a number of years, and with the October opening of a Fido-friendly day spa, Tail Waggers Club, 3251 W. Craig Road, the pair plan to share it with other pet enthusiasts.
"There are a lot of pet lovers in North Las Vegas," Jack Mathews said. "We saw this as an opportunity to do something that would be fun but also create the kind of business we would want to take our pets to."
The Mathews are the proud owners of Ripley, a mix-breed rescue dog, and Charlie, a pregnant rat-terrier mix that was deserted in a local parking lot.
"We took her home," Nathalie Mathews said. "I just couldn't stand to see that she was abandoned like that. It is our love for our pets that prompted us to open the shop in the first place. Love for animals in general is the entire concept behind what we're doing as a business. I think that's how we're different."
According to Jack Mathews, the salon is primarily focused on grooming, but a full line of pooch clothing and sweet doggy delicacies also are available.
The Tail Waggers line of gourmet-baked confections includes birthday cakes, holiday-themed treats, brownies, cupcakes and cookies.
All of the ingredients used in the baked goods are 100 percent natural and safe for dogs to eat, Nathalie Mathews said.
According to Jack Mathews, the salon's two professional groomers have more than eight years of experience.
"I've been very impressed with the gentleness with which they handle the pets," he said. "It is so important to us that when you leave your pet with us, you're comfortable and you know that we will do all we can to make the puppy comfortable."
Before grooming, Jack Mathews said that each animal has a play session with the groomer in an effort to build a bond.
"We want them to know they are in a safe place where they will be cared for," he said.
The salon offers nail trimming, polish, manicures and massages, along with the more traditional shampoos and blow-drying services.
"Our grooming prices are really competitive," Jack Mathews said. "I think we offer a great service for a great price."
The shop's clothing line features everything from bunny slippers to ballerina outfits for large and small dogs. Costume prices start at $5.
The pair said they plan to bring a special line of holiday-inspired clothing for pets to the store beginning in late November.
"We're making plans to have Santa visit the shop for photos," Jack Mathews said. "We don't have a concrete schedule yet, but it's in the works."
For more information, call 997-7271 or visit www.thetailwaggersclub.com.
Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.
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