Spalding mum and son set to offer TLC with their new dog grooming venture

A Spalding mother and son are set for a dog’s life after studying together ready for a new business venture.

Donna Eggleton and Andrew, 21, the youngest of her three sons, have spent every Saturday since September studying the art of dog grooming at Grantham College and are set to take their final exams next week.

The pair will then be NVQ 2 trained and will be offering a weekend dog grooming service to owners, while they continue with their day jobs at Addo Food Group in the town during the week.

Donna, a single mum, said the idea of setting up a dog grooming business began after their beloved Labrador Rudymental (known as Rudy) suffered a spinal injury.

Rudy had to undergo specialist surgery to repair the damage caused when he misjudged jumping onto a bed and landed badly, causing his spine to compress.

“Fortunately he is able to walk now, although he does still have a problem with his left leg. He was very lucky.

“He underwent surgery and nearly died, and then needed further surgery – but just three weeks later he was home,” said Donna.

But the injury has left Rudy with special needs, including the need for ramps around the family home, and it is that which got Donna and Andrew thinking about other special needs dogs.

She said: “We decided it would be great to set up a dog grooming business that specialises in dogs with special needs.

“We are calling it TLC Dog Grooming and we have installed some specialist equipment. We already have ramps in the house for Rudy but we have portable ramps in the parlour, which has been set up in our conservatory.

“We have built a floor shower so dogs can just walk in. We have a free-standing bath with a ramp so dogs can walk up and a hydraulic table which can lower to the floor.

“We are used to dealing with a dog with special needs, which could be daunting for other groomers, who may not be comfortable dealing with a dog that has a spinal injury, or has undergone surgery.

“There are other dog groomers in the town, but they are always booked up, so there is room for another.”

On her college days with Andrew, Donna, 56, said: “I suppose it is a bit unusual for a mother and son to study together but we had a blast.

“We work well together, but we had a laugh taking the Mickey out of each other, and we were also competitive. Andrew thinks he’s better than me, and to be honest he is.

“I can see him becoming a master groomer in the future.

“We are both really excited about the new business and my other sons, Nicholas and Christopher, are both really supporting us.”