Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Lyn Lancaster)  Jaimie enjoys one of her regular clients, an adorable Shih Tzu named Gizmo Hively.

By Lyn Lancaster

It is a vision straight out of the finest salon - clients anxiously waiting their turn, a chance to receive customized primping and pampering designed just for their breed? 

No, you won't find any humans at this salon. 

Well, only if they're dropping off Bumper, Bianca, Gizmo, Sophie or Sidney.   You see, Fancy Feet is all about dogs.  Oh - and an occasional feline, too.
On one particular day, a room full of Shih Tzu's awaited their turn, while a calico cat tried to enjoy the toasty air flowing over him from a drying fan.
You see, cats don't like a bath, and this kitty was doing his best to be a good sport about it.  His fellow canine companions did not seem to mind, however.  For many of them, coming to the home of Jaimie Bauer for a morning of styling is a regular occasion.
Bauer is the sole owner and stylist at Fancy Feet, a home-based business she opened in November of 2007. She trained to be a groomer in Fort Wayne and has been grooming for the past 11 years, always having a desire to open her own grooming salon.

When her family moved to their current residence at 2140 West Lincolnway just outside of Columbia City, it provided the perfect opportunity for Bauer to further pursue her passion.   Bauer, her husband Peter, and their two children worked diligently to convert a garage into a full-scale pet beauty parlor.
Since opening the business, she has continued to see her client base grow. Currently, she works in her salon three days a week and averages 5-8 clients each day.   Despite the gloomy economy, Bauer has not seen her business affected too much, which she feels is a blessing.  She stated clients may space out their visits a bit more now than previously, but they are still dedicated to her services.
"People love their animals and still want them groomed.   That's what I'm here for," she said.    She is content with the size of her business right now, although she may consider expanding it one day.
You won't find any extreme doggie grooming such as color services or canine couture (stylish wardrobes) at Fancy Feet, but Bauer does add that extra special touch by finishing off her clients with bows, ribbons or bandanas.
She does special themes for the holidays, too.
"I try to deck them all out for Christmas and for Easter I'll do something with some spring colors," she said.   She does offer doggie manicures, including painting a complete set of nails.   Her most unusual styling came several years ago when she was asked to do a mohawk on a Shih Tzu for a college student.  She complied with the request, adding "It was the cutest thing I've ever seen."
It's hard to imagine one could get lonely with so many clients in the salon, but Bauer said it can get a bit lonesome on occasion with nobody to talk to that provides a meaningful conversation outside of the occasional tail wag and bark.   Regardless, she truly loves what she does, saying she enjoys working on all kinds of dogs and meeting their owners.
"Canines are definitely more cooperative than felines," she adds, smiling and giving a glance to her only feline customer of the day who is still trying to enjoy the hum of a heated blow-dry.
Fancy Feet is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment at 244-6882.   Prices range from $20-$45, depending on services.   So as you plan that new hairstyle for yourself to welcome spring, you might consider a trip to Fancy Feet and treat your four-legged friend to a new look, too.