Community Spotlight: Nancy Guthrie
Q: You are owner of Beach Pet Grooming at 2450 Estero Blvd. Tell us how and why you got into the business.
A: “I was a bartender on Fort Myers Beach and my son convinced me that as much as I enjoyed the fast pace of bar tending I needed a fulfilling day job. I have always loved animals and challenges. This just all came together for me.”
Q: Did you ever consider being a hair stylist for people?
A: “I thought about it briefly, during the mullet craze.”
Q: What is the most unique request you’ve received?
A: “One of my favorite challenges was creating a “muscle dog” look for a 10-pound white poodle. That was fun. I had everyone in the shop giving me advice. By the time I was done, that little boy looked like he was on steroids. The owners loved it – especially the husband.”
Q: Which breed tends to be most obedient during grooming? And which is least?
A: “That is difficult to answer. Dogs are like toddlers – it’s how they are raised and the have their own personalities. Some are shy and scared, some love all the attention, some just tolerate it. But all of the pups prance out to show off.”
Q: Your large front window is at point-blank range for many a pedestrian. Do people ever watch you do your thing?
A: “I purposely put my breeding tables, and the houses for the pups, up front so people can watch. My backroom was created with a large window so my clients can see every step their pet goes through. If a pet salon or boarding kennel doesn’t have an open-door policy, they don’t deserve to care for your doggie or kitty.”
(Community Spotlight features a resident each week who has an interesting occupation, activity, or story to tell. Please submit subjects you feel are worthy of some recognition to editor John Morton by calling 765-0400, ext. 102, or by email at jmorton@breezenewspapers.com)