Local Groomer Celebrates 35 Years of Servicing Pets

For 35 years, Grrs ‘n’ Purrs Grooming has been more than a salon for pets; it has been a trusted business in the Deer Park community. The business officially celebrated its 35th anniversary on Aug. 5, marking more than three decades of building relationships with both pets and the people who love them. Founder Leslie Stansbury said she never set out with a grand plan to own a grooming business. Instead, the opportunity presented itself at just the right time. "A local pet groomer was leaving the industry and wanted to sell her equipment and client list, so it was really a matter of being in the right place at the right time," Stansbury said. She opened Grrs ‘n’ Purrs Grooming on Aug. 5, 1991, welcoming just five clients on her first day: an old English sheepdog, an American cocker spaniel, an English springer spaniel, a Rottweiler, and a lhasa apso.

She still has her original appointment book from that first day. Stansbury said she had recently moved to Deer Park to be closer to family after leaving a job with an accomplished show groomer who became an influential mentor. "She not only taught me the art of professional grooming, but she also taught me the fundamentals of running a successful business," Stansbury said. From the beginning, her philosophy extended beyond making pets look their best. "I knew that a clean pet was a pet someone was going to love on when they got home," she said.

"I also strongly believed groomers are part of your pet's health care team, noticing small health issues before they became huge problems." That philosophy helped shape the business and educate pet owners on the importance of regular grooming. "Probably our biggest obstacle in our early years was educating clients on the importance of grooming," she said. "How it not only improves the lives of their pets considerably but also the clients' lives as well." Over the years, Stansbury said the grooming industry has changed dramatically.

Equipment has evolved from stationary tables and tools borrowed from the human hair industry to electric lift tables, specialized tubs, cordless clippers, and grooming equipment designed specifically for animals. Professional education has also expanded through industry trade shows and seminars, allowing groomers to continually improve their skills. As the business grew, so did its facilities. After purchasing the former Roberts Dairy Supply building in 2006 for what is now Ruff ‘n’ It Dog Day Camp and Cattery, Stansbury said she always envisioned expanding onto the adjoining property. By saving over time and cash-flowing much of the project, that vision became reality with the construction of a purpose-built grooming salon that tripled the business's square footage. Stansbury said the additional space created a more comfortable environment for pets, customers, and staff while improving ventilation and temperature control, features, she added, that are essential for providing safe, healthy pet care.

Grrs ‘n’ Purrs Grooming offers full-service dog and cat grooming, walk-in nail trims, ear cleaning, and Soft Paws applications. Ruff ‘n’ It Dog Day Camp provides supervised daytime play for dogs, while the cattery offers spacious overnight boarding for cats. The business employs seven people at the grooming salon, along with one employee at Ruff ‘n’ It Dog Day Camp and Cattery. Perhaps the greatest measure of the business's success isn't found in its longevity, Stansbury said, but in the relationships it has built. "That, right there, is every- thing," she said of serv- ing multiple generations of pets from the same families. "Building trust is the most important thing."

Stansbury also said helping clients through the loss of a beloved pet and watching them even- tually open their hearts to another animal has been one of the greatest honors of her career. Threeand-a-half years ago, ownership of Grrs ‘n’ Purrs Grooming and Ruff ‘n’ It Dog Day Camp and Cattery transitioned to Danielle Prosser and her husband, Isaiah Prosser. For the Prossers, purchasing the business was a natural next step after spending 25 years working alongside Stansbury. "I worked for Leslie for so many years, and Grrs 'n' Purrs was already a huge part of my life," Danielle Prosser said. "We planned to buy and take over several years prior. I knew the business inside and out and had learned so much from Leslie and Dan that I knew Isaiah and I would be a great fit." She said preserving the business's reputation was a top priority.

"We wanted to preserve the reputation and relationships we had built over the years while continuing to provide the same quality care our clients and their pets have come to trust," she said. Maintaining Stansbury's legacy has remained central to that mission. "After working for Leslie for so many years, I understood what made Grrs 'n' Purrs Grooming so special," Prosser said. "For the past three-and-a-half years, we've continued that tradition of quality, trust, and genuine care while investing in our team and future." Looking ahead, Prosser said the goal is to continue strengthening services at both the grooming salon and Ruff ‘n’ It Dog Day Camp and Cattery while investing in employee education and development. "My vision is to continue being one of the most trusted," she said.

"I want Grrs 'n' Purrs Grooming to remain a place where pets receive exceptional care, clients always recognize familiar faces, and our team is passionate about what they do. If we can continue serving our community with the same level of care for another 35 years, I'd consider that a success." For Stansbury, the passion that inspired her in 1991 remains unchanged. “A great groom isn't just about looks – it's about the pet's comfort, health and happiness," she said. As Grrs ‘n’ Purrs Grooming celebrates its 35th anniversary, Stansbury credits the Deer Park community for making the milestone possible. "To our incredible clients, thank you for your support, trust, and loyalty," she said. "Your support has made our journey possible, and we look forward to caring for your pets for many years to come. Thank you for being a part of the Grrs 'n' Purrs and Ruff ‘n’ It Dog Day Camp and Cattery family."