KANDYS PUPS ‘N’ STUFF

By John Wease

AS YOU ENTER, THE RECEPTION DESK is about what you would expect at a high-end spa. Except, of course, this spa is for pooches (they do take care of cats, too). To the right is a well-stocked boutique. Pet clothing, bling, strollers, and just about every kind of accessory imaginable. In the same room is the pet café. Made with peoplegrade ingredients, there are freshly baked treats, donuts, cupcakes, birthday cakes, and more. When I mentioned it was a shame she didn’t have coffee because the treats looked delicious, she told me that was coming soon. West of the building is a large concrete pad they currently use for dog training. They are planning on fencing it in and using it for dog events, something like the “Mommy and Me” events at parks, except this will be for dogs and their owners. While the dogs have fun, the owners can enjoy coffee and croissants. The sales of coffee and croissants will help fund the animal rescue. Kandy has been actively doing animal rescue for twenty years. She has a nonprofit in the works now that will include a pet food pantry program, free or low-cost vaccination services, as well as rescue and adoptions. She actively assists other animal rescue groups now at public events, or by providing grooming services to make adoptees look their very best. They have an over-sized stroller-type cart she calls her trolly and they give trolly rides to handicapped dogs as well as other services to help disabled pets. And for the senior owners, or others unable to drive, they do free pick up and returns.

To the left of the reception area is the pet hotel. They provide both day care and overnight pet hotel services. They have luxury suites, mini suites, and econosuites, depending on just how spoiled your dog is. The luxury suite has a queensized bed, TV, room service, and includes a wash and blow-out (or massage). The mini suite has TV, room service, snacks, and playtime. Both the luxury and mini suites have small windows so the occupants can look out and see what the economy class kids are doing. The econo suites are more open, have no TV, but do include room service, snacks, and playtime.

Past the hotel is the spa and grooming area. The full groom service includes a blueberry facial, five-minute massage, bath and blowout, haircut, ear cleaning, nail trimming, gland care, sanitary trim, and pet mist. Upgrades include nail polish, hair dye, paw pad trim and moisturizing, and thirty minute CBD oil massage. If any of this sounds excessive, Kandy believes that for the love and joy our dogs bring us, as well as for the emotional and physical health benefits they provide, they deserve to be pampered. They also will groom any dog in any condition, and they get all kinds from the rescues.

If you want to purchase a dog, Kandy is an AKC breeder and breeds Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Yorkie-Poos, and Shih-Poos. She is also certified in canine CPR and first aid. She opened her first pet spa and hotel

December 4th, 2021 on East Main Street, but quickly outgrew that location. She is now at 204 N. 3rd Ave. Suite D and E. She is quite successful, and was recently nominated for the Barstow Business of the Year award. To call for appointments, or for more information, her number is 760-912-5260, or760-979-2002. Their hours are 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. every day. Stop in and check them out. I think you will be as amazed as I was.