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WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Pet Groomer In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- This week: Best of Minnesota is going to the dogs -- literally.

We asked for the best pet groomers in the state, and you came through in droves. The topic gave the biggest variety in nominations we've ever received. Nonetheless there can only be one winner, and that's Pet Perfect Grooming in Lonsdale.

For these dogs, a trip to the dog groomer is more like a day at the spa -- no bones about it. Garci Crouch is the owner of Pet Perfect Grooming in Lonsdale.

"They get their hair cut first. Then we do nails. They go back, get their bath and brush the teeth. ..."

She has a passion for pooches, and she's grown a loyal -- and massive -- following.

A self-proclaimed non-risk-taker, Garci came into her vocation through a series of meant-to-be moments.

"I had gone to cosmetology, so I knew how to cut people hair," she said. "And I had worked at the vet clinic for so many years, so I thought I'll combine the two."

The stay-at-home mom was looking for a way to work and still be with her kids.

"I converted my spare bedroom in my house and started a grooming room," Garci said. "It allowed me to stay at home with my girls. From there, it just kind of grew."

By Garci's third year in business, her husband Rusty -- who used to own a pet store -- left his job to join Pet Perfect. Now they have a shop on Main Street in Lonsdale stocked with all the amenities: A huge doggy tub, dryers for glamour, a place to run and play and of course, a hydrant for when nature calls.

"Every dog is different," Garci said. "You have to figure out what makes them tick. You have to figure out what works for them."

Some dogs come in a little "ruff" around the edges, and others giver Garci "paws" for concern.

"No dog likes a bath, and no dog likes to get their nails trimmed," she said.

But the grooming always ends with a tail wag, and the proper accessories of course.

"Usually by the time they leave they are pretty happy and excited," Garci said. "They feel proud because they look good, and I think dogs know that."

Garci's always worked with animals in some way, and it's fascinating to watch her fast bonds with man's best friend.

"You could be having a bad day and start working on a dog -- they always sense when something's not right," she said. "They'll come up and kiss you."

Afterall, the pups are her clients.

"The sad thing is that I know them by the dog, not the owner," Garci said. "I'll see people in the grocery store and I'm like 'Oh, it's Fluffy's mom!"

She says taking care of the dogs can be foster personal connections, too.

"You get to know them and their lives," she said. "These are their babies."

As Garci says, you just have to have patience.

"I always think of it: How would I want someone to handle my own dog?" she said.

And that's just what she does -- every pup gets one-on-one attention, plus a lot of love. And they give it right back.

"There's just something about working with animals that's so rewarding," Garci said. "Dogs are man's best friend. They were put on this earth to please. And they do please. They please us every day."

Garci plans to expand Pet Perfect Grooming to an even bigger space next month. She also does pet pick up and delivery.

Your other favorite spots for grooming are Ma and Paws Pet Grooming in Forest Lake and Fancy Paws in Lakeville.

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