Dogs relax at The Barking Lot

Tick season is early this year. Kim Kolden of The Barking Lot in Cambridge is offering spot-on flea and tick treatments for $10 if you mention this story. "I've already found ticks on my dogs," Kolden noted. "It's really early this year. I don't usually have to worry about it until the end of May/early June." She pointed out that flea and tick collars protect merely the neck and head, leaving the rest of the body exposed. Because of that, she recommends spot-on treatments which treat the whole body.

Kolden offers a variety of pet grooming services from teeth brushing, nail grinding, and haircuts. "We do everything," she said. While many grooming salons close by 6 p.m., Kolden is open until 9 p.m. Monday to Friday. She also takes appointments on the weekends.

The benefit to using a smaller salon is that dogs are generally more relaxed while they're there. "I don't have that busy grooming salon atmosphere," stated Kolden. "It's quiet." She's noticed a behavior change in the dogs she groomed previously that followed her to the new location. "They're a lot calmer," Kolden said.

A self-proclaimed animal lover, Kolden has three cats and three dogs. She spent a year researching labs before getting her first one three years ago. Joey was joined by Skyy, a black labrador, and Rainy, a Fox Red lab. Kolden is training the black lab to be a therapy dog. Persian Gizzy also enjoys her time as a therapy cat while visiting GracePoint Crossing. The Persian was severely malnourished when Kolden adopted her; she's grown from two pounds to six and one-half over the last two years, and now has a beautiful, full coat. Kolden also adopted Munchkin, who suffers from seizures. Cat Kassie rounds out the mix. For awhile, Kolden also fostered cats. "They're a lot of fun," observed Kolden. "As long as you're good to them, they are good to you."

Kolden always knew that she wanted to work with animals. She considered becoming a veterinarian, "but I can't do the needles and put them to sleep," she explained. Instead, she began working with a woman who showed Bichon Frise dogs. From there Kolden moved on to a grooming salon. In January 2010 she and her husband decided to make the jump into being small business owners, and she opened her own salon. While some people, including her past employer, do more show cuts, Kolden focuses on pet-friendly cuts. Currently operating out of her rural Cambridge home, Kolden intends to someday construct a facility that's just for the business. At that time, she plans to begin offering boarding services, as well.

"I want to run a nice grooming salon where people feel comfortable dropping their dogs off and know they will be treated well," Kolden remarked.

Call 763-689-3770 or 651-354-5748 to set up an appointment, or email BarkingLotGroom@yahoo.com. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Barking Lot is located a few miles west of Cambridge at 761 327th Ave. NE.

Discounts

• Mention this story and receive $5 off your first grooming at The Barking Lot.

• Pay just $10 for spot-on flea and tick treatment.

• Refer a friend and you'll get $5 off your next grooming after the friend books an appointment.

*These offers are not valid together.