It wasn’t only doom and gloom to come out of the hard lockdown period. In fact, many people finally found the time to follow their passions. Collar & Comb owner Vicky Lingley is one such person. She shares her journey with us.
“Collar and Comb was born from my absolute love for dogs. The world came to a standstill and I found myself with the time I needed to put my dream into motion. They say that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life … and to me this is the best job in the world!”
Collar & Comb is a Ballito-based dog grooming boutique and accessory store, offering a variety of services to suit different breeds, coats and skin types … and that’s not where it ends.
Vicky, determined to expand her knowledge and services, is currently completing courses in dog psychology, dog nutrition and dog first aid. “I want to give my clients the best advice. As a proud fur-kid mom of two, Egor and Ted, I felt that Ballito needed a pampering parlour for pooches.”
With a focus on ensuring their fur clients are comfortable, Vicky and her team are patient and kind and give the dogs lots of TLC. “From the moment we receive them to when they are fetched, we groom them, love them, walk and feed them yummy natural treats to make them feel at home.
“We offer specialized scissor cutting and are aware that each dog breed has a different coat and skin type and not all can be shaved down to the bare skin.”
Collar & Comb uses the best hypo-allergenic shampoo and grooming products and their team of six friendly staff members, Jeff, Happy, Darlene, Kimmy and Pearl (and Vicky) are ready to welcome you and your fur kids with a warm smile and loving care. They have large open-top play pens (with astro turf for comfort) in the holding area at the main entrance floor. “Dogs are calm in the play pens and don’t feel ‘caged’ as they can see the activity from other doggies and owners coming in and out. The movement in the parlour reduces separation anxiety and them feel relaxed.”
There is a large walk-in wet room wash bay for the bigger dogs and those with health concerns or who should not be lifted into baths. The ‘groom room’ is open so customers can see what is being done at all times.
For the humans, Collar & Comb has a seating area, wifi and cappuccinos on hand if you wish to wait! They also have a loyalty system that generously rewards customers with discounts and prizes for ongoing bookings.
A true one-stop-shop, Collar & Comb has a wide range of treats, food, beautiful toys and accessories. Brands include, amongst others: Kingsley and Gray, Ruffined, True Love, Royal Canin, Mimi and Munch, Vets Choice, Montego, Loki’s Collars and Leads, Doggy Lish, Yap treats, Wolf and Women, Cool Dogs, Canna Cure, Pannatural, River Hound and many more. A doggy Day Care and Grooming Pick up and drop off service is also being added to their services soon.
DETAILS: Collar & Comb, Unit 3 Preash Park, Garlicke Drive, Ballito, 031 942 3291, 082 319 3437, v[email protected]
WIN
Name Collar & Comb’s new mascot statue who guards the front entrance to the shop (a black labrador) and you could win a YEAR of grooming for your pooch!
To enter: Like their Facebook page @CollarandcombZA, follow them on Instagram @collaracombza, tag a friend and tell them your suggested mascot name. The competition runs from 1 May to 1 July and the winner will be announced on Facebook.
