Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 11, 1991 TAG: 9104120118
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON/ SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Since June 18 when she opened the pet-grooming establishment on U.S. 220 south near Tanglewood - where Gary's Poodle Salon formerly was located - her efforts primarily have been those of a doggie beautician: bathing, combing and clipping coats and trimming toenails, with some retail of pet products on the side.
But once she develops her clientele, she hopes to expand the retail operation, add boarding facilities and publicize a service now available but not promoted - pet photography.
Although Jackson graduated from Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands as an X-ray technician, her love for animals steered her toward veterinary school at Virginia Tech. After taking preliminary science courses at Virginia Western, she learned she should have some experience working with animals before enrolling in vet school.
A "friend of a friend" gave her a job as an assistant in a dog-grooming business, prompting her decision to change course again and pursue that career. After attending the New York School of Dog Grooming, she worked awhile in Roanoke, then moved to Atlanta. After six years assisting others in the business, she decided to return to Roanoke and start her own business.
What effect has the slow economy had on that decision?
"That's hard to say," she said. "Since things were slow when I started, I can't compare. It hasn't been easy, but winter is a slow season in this business. And the people who were here before didn't do a lot of business."
Even so, customers from Washington, D.C.; Beckley, W.Va.; and the Smith Mountain Lake area, as well as people in the vicinity, bring their pets to Canine Complex for grooming.
"We do cats as well as dogs," Jackson said, "but 95 to 97 percent of our business is dogs - mostly small dogs - poodles, terriers and cockers."
Her own dog is not small, however. Deni, a 6-year-old sleek Doberman, is Jackson's companion and security dog. She greeted a reporter's knock with such fury that a brief wait for her to be secured in another room was more than welcome.
Later, friendly and cooperative - after a bit of hesitation - she posed for a picture.
"She sees me put on my apron and thinks I'm going to clip her nails," Jackson explained when Deni jumped off the table after obeying her command to jump onto it.
Jackson gave the dog a shortened form of her own name, Denise. "Denny" also happens to be her father's nickname.
Why does Jackson prefer to use her initials instead of her given name?
"When I was in Atlanta I found that people were not interested in hiring a female photographer, so I used my initials. When I had business cards printed for Canine Complex I kept the initials," she said.
Jackson has developed a reputation for being customer-service oriented. Four times a year she sends literature to her customers giving them pertinent information related to pets during that particular season. She also checks her file cards periodically, studies the needs of each breed and informs the owner when care is recommended.
by CNB