Calling All Dirty Dogs

Slush Puppies

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Chomping at the bit to get a clean dog but dreading the hassle and mess of doing it at home? Gator’s Barks n Bubbles has a high-tech solution. Banish the stench of wet dog from your home by instead washing your fur babies at the easy self-serve dog wash station, Gator’s Barks n Bubbles, which recently opened in the Burnt Hills Café Plaza. “It’s so easy, so simple, and I’m always there to help,” said shop owner Voula Paravalos.

SEE WHAT’S PAW-SIBLE

Paravalos has three pups; the shop’s mascot, Gator, a twoyear-old pit bull; and two Pekinese dogs, sisters, Gidget and Gigi. Like every dog-owner, Paravalos knows how stressful giving them a bath at home can be. Now, there’s no more bending and wrestling with wet dogs since she introduced the self-serve iClean dog wash system – the first of its kind - to the Capital Region. Any size dog, from Yorkies to Great Danes, can hop up into the stainless-steel tub (lined with a nonslip mat) while their owners insert payment and choose from a variety of spa-like experiences. Organic shampoos and conditioners, even flea treatment and disinfectant, spray out already mixed in with the water, from the easy-grip nozzle.

PUP-ARAZZI PREPPED & READY

When the washing is done, a hand-held blow dryer gets dogs looking gorgeous. Then, finish-up with a spritz of a comforting sugar cookie scent or try grapefruit spray for a sweet-smelling pooch. “They all leave happy and smelling good,” said Paravalos.

RESULTS YOU’RE GONNA LOVE

Sofas inside and a bench outside, as well as smocks, towels, and treats are available to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish. For about a quarter of the cost to go to the groomer, you’ll be in-and-out, with a dog you’re just going to want to hug. “Even the little kids are loving it because it’s something neat and different. Everyone is really enjoying it.” Gator’s Barks n Bubbles, 800 Saratoga Rd, Burnt Hills, is open Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Washes are $10/each. Buy 10, get 1 free. Gift token available. For more information, call 518-956-4145, and find them on Facebook. SF

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