Published at 19:40, Thursday, 08 May 2008

MARYPORT pet lovers no longer need to leave town to get their dogs groomed.

Town woman Gemma Best has opened a dog grooming service and pet boutique in Crosby Street.

She is also qualified to microchip animals.

Muddy 4 Paws has been open for three weeks and Gemma, 23, said: “Before I opened, people had to travel to Workington for the nearest dog grooming service. I think dog owners really appreciate having the service here,” she said.

Gemma is also selling a range of “designer” clothing for pets.

She said: “I was doing these as a sideline but they have been more popular than I imagined. A range of football strips for dogs is particularly popular.”

Gemma, of Hillside, completed a diploma in animal care at Newton Rigg College, Penrith, with the ambition of being a veterinary nurse.

She said: “I did work experience for a vet for a while and found that I was doing a lot of secretarial and reception work when I really wanted to work with animals all the time.”

She took a summer job with the Glendale Kennels in Workington and was taken on full-time when she finished college.

She said: “I decided to open my own business because I wanted to make something of myself. I also felt that it would be a service that would be welcomed in Maryport.”

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk