A Dog’s Life Pet Salon & Boutique

Eventually Fellbaum grew tired of dog-show circuit traveling.

“I decided that the dog show, vagabond lifestyle was a little bit hard, so I went into the pet-grooming side of it,” Fellbaum said.

She picked up a passion for pets from her parents, who raised dogs and participated in dog shows.

Today, Fellbaum and her 10 employees have carved out a business that offers hair trimming, bathing and nail clipping from what was once a niche industry. The dogs and cats that visit the salon can also receive other services, such as blueberry facials, colored nail polish and oatmeal shampoos.

Most of the grooming options at A Dog’s Life take less than two hours unless the animal requires a complete haircut, Fellbaum said.

Customers can find high-end sweaters, treats, dog-themed paintings and umbrellas at the boutique. Fellbaum said it is a retail outlet that includes products that cannot be found in big-box stores.

“Our industry—the grooming industry particularly—has really stepped up its game,” she said.

Fellbaum has not completely abandoned dog shows. She occasionally competes in grooming competitions with her two dogs, Keno, a 14-year old bichon, and his 4-year old daughter Minnie. Last year, Fellbaum said she won Best in Show at the 2015 Houston World Series of Dogs and also traveled to Las Vegas to compete.

Despite three back surgeries caused by constantly picking up dogs and spending nearly three decades in the industry, Fellbaum said she still enjoys working with her four-legged clients.

“They’re always happy, and they never talk back,” she said. “It’s that unconditional love—no matter what kind of a day you’ve had.”