by Terry Trahan, Jr.

“It’s just a little something extra,” Stephanie Benoit says as Jackson, the salon’s watchdog, barks in agreement. “Most people think of their pets as children. To do that little extra means a lot to them. We form a relationship with the dogs.”

Six years ago, Stephanie welcomed local pet lovers and their tail-wagging companions to Classy Canine grooming salon. The salon has evolved over the years and now functions as a luxurious pet spa, complete with facials, massages and professional photography. Always a fan of pooches and pets alike, her concept for trendy grooming was birthed from her understanding of these animals’ emotions.

“I had a dog I had to bring to a groomer, and I could tell it wasn’t as happy as it was with me,” she explains while demonstrating proper brushing techniques. “Our goal is to teach a dog how to get groomed.”

Stephanie enrolled at K-9 Designs School of Pet Styling in Gulfport, Miss., for eight weeks to better her connection with these animals. She vowed to become a groomer who would provide pets and their owners with a comfortable atmosphere and unique services. Dedicated to her goal, she drove the extended drive daily to learn the tricks of the trade. After completing the school, she opened Classy Canine and offered full grooming services along with daycare and boarding options. Space limitations eventually forced her to scale back to grooming only, but her love for dogs and their furry friends created a new vision.

Recently, Stephanie moved her salon’s location down a few blocks to offer services she has dreamed about for years to her nearly 100 weekly clients. It’s now a place where dogs can become divas. Local pooches soak in a luxurious strawberry milk bath as their nails are manicured and painted. The salon’s signature blueberry facial remains a healthy option as the conditioner and moisturizer help to fade tear stains around the eyes. After being primped and pampered, Fido can also pose for glamour shots captured by a professional photographer.

Pet parents can take classes to learn to groom their own animals. They can also drop their pets off and pick them up later as a daycare option. In
addition, the salon now sends dog walkers to owners’ homes to parade their dogs around the block.

Aside from offering man’s best friend a true dog heaven, Stephanie just wants the animals to be comfortable during the grooming process. She understands their fear of unfamiliar territory and aims to reduce their stress.

“Dogs were never taught how to be groomed,” she says. “Every dog has something he doesn’t like. Some dogs come in from cruelty cases. It’s sad, but we know if we don’t do it, no one else will.

“There’s nothing that’s come through my door that I didn’t take,” Stephanie continues as a cat covered in motor oil arrives at the salon and is promptly cared for. “We don’t turn away an animal. We’ll even do goats if we have to.”

Stephanie’s vision is constantly evolving. She travels to pet fairs to remain trendy and educated in her techniques. She meets groomers from all over the world to learn what’s working in their shops. She and employee Wendy Potter are also working to become certified master groomers.

“I thank God every day I’m a dog groomer,” Wendy says after ironically explaining her conquered fear of dogs.

Along with her fellow employees, Stephanie takes pleasure in knowing her clients are satisfied and enthusiastic about their experiences at the salon. She believes cleanliness has a lot to do with a groomer’s reputation.

“We want people to come in, and their nose will let them know if they will stay here or not,” she says as she inspects the floor and counters for hair and accidents. “It’s what I’m hardest on my employees about.”

Stephanie wakes up each morning and looks forward to visiting the salon. She enjoys working with people and animals and hopes to establish a franchise in Louisiana to share her unique grooming with fellow pet lovers. As an owner of five dogs, Stephanie sees to it that they are soaking in a tub and enjoying the comforts of a deep tissue massage. She would have it no other way.

“I’ve seen people crying when they leave the salon,” she says with an accomplished smile. “To see their dog happy is worth it.” PoV