When indoor dawgz smell like outdoor dawgz, entrepreneur’s on point

By Shari Goldstein Stern

Minan Hamer followed an instinct to try something new. She knew it was an experiment that could wreck her future. She’s proud to say, now 14 years later, that it’s been worth the risk. “I was a school teacher for many years and decided to move from children to dogs. I loved my own dogs,” she said, “and thought working with others would be fun.”

She opened Dirty Dawgz on East Mockingbird at Abrams, “a self-serve dog wash and spa/grooming,” in 2004. The business did so well that she opened a North Dallas location in 2015.

Dirty Dawgz has four experienced groomers available along with the self-serve opportunity. With four tubs, some people are happy to bathe their own pet. Having tubs about waist-high makes bathing more convenient for owners than tackling it at home in a tub or sink. If they need some help, though, staff is nearby to assist. Regular shampoo and special needs shampoos are provided, along with hair dryers and towels. Grooming is available six-to-seven days a week by appointment. No appointment is needed for self-serve bathing.

It’s not unusual to have dog owners in for a bath after an afternoon of fetch at White Rock Lake Dog Park’s Dog Launch. Since most of Dirty Dawgz’ promotion is by word-of-mouth, being near the lake is an advantage for everyone. “We frequently hear that people have learned of us from the dog park,” Hamer said.

Julianne Monroe works with Hamer, and estimates the salon sees anywhere from 20 to 110 dogs a day. She said, “When we host a fundraiser for a local dog rescue, the number goes up.” Monroe added, “Approximately 90-95 percent of our business is repeat.”

Hamer said: “We have seen people with new puppies and watched them grow into mature dogs and grieved with the families when they pass on. We receive many rescues that come in after they are saved from local shelters. Some are covered in ticks and need a lot of urgent attention.”

Monroe added: “We see people bring their little bitty babies in and we find ourselves educating them to keep their puppies at home and to not expose them to any public place until they have received all of their vaccinations. After they are fully vaccinated we will welcome their business.”

Dirty Dawgz sometimes sees dogs with many allergies. Most seem to result from their food. Monroe said: “We try to educate the owners that just because food is advertised on TV doesn’t make it good. A general rule is: If you can buy it at Walmart, Target or the grocery store — don’t buy it. That doesn’t mean that all the food at the pet store is good, but you need to educate yourself.” Monroe recommends this link for dog food grades: elkcountryanimalshelter.org/GradeDOG%20FOOD.html.

Dirty Dawgz has partnered with Operation Kindness, DFW Lab Rescue and DFW Husky Rescue on fundraisers. Hamer explained: “We designate a day for volunteers to bathe dogs with a 50 percent discount on self service. At the end of the event, the rescue receives a portion of the proceeds and all of the tips.”

Located 6454 East Mockingbird Ln., Dirty Dawgz is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and closed on holidays. Self-service baths are $17 including tax and do not require an appointment. A complimentary toenail trim and ear cleaning are included. Full-service dog grooming is by appointment at 214-827-3470.

Hamer has three rescues of her own: Indy (6 years old), Nike (10 years old) and Joey (16 years old). Both women enjoy interacting with clients and their dogs. “It has been a successful experiment,” Hamer said with a grin.