The dog days have returned to Jackie Oltman’s workplace, and she couldn’t be happier—or busier.
In March, businesses considered non-essential were ordered to close as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced last week that pet groomers, nurseries and greenhouses would be able to reopen.
The pet grooming industry, as expected, is in great demand following the hiatus.
“We are booked up for at least the next week-and-a-half,” said Oltman, who manages Tailwaggers, a dog grooming business in Edinburgh. “It’s very humbling and overwhelming at the same time. People will text me to make an appointment, some will leave a Facebook message and others will call.”
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Holcomb wants to gradually open sectors of the economy, his first phase permitting businesses that can be conducted safely in the current conditions. Additional sectors will reopen Monday.
“It’s very nice to come back to work and get out of the house,” said Lindsey Manford, who manages Bath & Beyond Pet Salon in Greenwood. “We are very busy, and the phone is ringing nonstop, which is a very nice problem to have.”
Safety measures being taken at Bath & Beyond include all six employees wearing masks made by Manford’s mother, Tracy Potter, who owns the business. Only one customer is allowed in the lobby at a time, and Bath & Beyond secures the dog with its own collar and leash.
The dog owner will then take their animal’s own collar/leash with them as they leave. Bath & Beyond customers are also being asked to wear a mask, if possible, during drop-off and pick-up.
Pattie Berard, owner of Poodle Clip Shop in Whiteland, makes certain to wear a mask while dealing with clients, some of whom have been coming to her since she moved her business to Johnson County in 1972.
“I make everyone wear a mask. My customers and me,” Berard said. “We trim the dogs, bathe them, fluff dry them and make them beautiful. It’s been nice being back at work because staying at home is boring. I enjoy my work and love my customers.”
Berard and Oltman are the lone employees at their places of business.
Oltman wears a mask to go outside and pick up the dog from its owner. She typically grooms between eight and 12 dogs a day, the number depending on the size of the animals and how busy she is booking future appointments.
Nancy Cardwell, 66, owner of Furry Friends pet grooming in Whiteland for eight years, said having to temporarily close her business due to the coronavirus pandemic could have a long-term effect.
“Unfortunately, because I’m a small, small business, I have to consider some things because of the expense of staying open,” Cardwell said. “It’s sad, but I have to make decisions that are right for me and my family. You have to have your faith, and I definitely have that.”
“It’s another chapter of my life I have to deal with, understand and move forward.”
