Percy's Grooming & Pet Spa to open

Rachel Brix had a dream, and with her husband, Ryan, she is making it come true. On Aug. 14, the Brixes will open Percy's Grooming & Pet Spa at 188 N. Main St.

"Percy was my husky/beagle mix, and he was my inspiration for a career change," said Rachel, who taught English for 11 years. "Ryan and I moved down to Galena, Mo., three and a half years ago from north Chicago, and we visited Eureka Springs and loved everything about it. So I've spent the past three years training and grooming full time. Now it's what I do."

Husband Ryan had family in Galena, a fact that allowed him to work while Rachel learned her craft. "My cousin has an electrical service company, and I worked for him until recently," Ryan said.

Both have spent the past weeks painting and refurbishing the building that will house Percy's in Eureka's North Main Street Arts District. They say they have both been happy with their reception in Eureka Springs.

"Everyone has welcomed us with open arms," Rachel said. "Everything from putting out our business cards to advice and actually helping us with the building."

"It has made the process a whole lot more enjoyable," added Ryan.

Percy's will offer grooming, obedience training, and dog boarding. "We are planning to segue into daycare and overnight boarding as well," Rachel said.

Sadly, Percy did not live to see the premiere of the business he inspired. "Percy left us last July," she said. "But he inspired me to want to do this. What we are really doing here is trying to help promote the relationships between dogs and their owners by being a resource, giving advice, or anything else we can do to nurture the bond between us and our pets. So we're glad to be here."

Percy's Grooming & Pet Spa can be contacted at www.percypetspa.com or by calling 479-253-9393.