RIVERSIDE

(This story was published in The News on Thursday, May 4, 2023.)

In the heart of downtown Riverside lies Dixie’s Doggie Spa, the number one doggie spa destination in town that gives your dog the spoiled treatment they deserve.

Jennifer Schluttenhofer opened the spa in May 2020 and operates it almost exclusively by herself. This is why Dixie’s Doggie Spa is currently not able to handle new clientele as Schluttenhofer’s current “amazing” clients more than keep her busy.

Schluttenhofer loves this line of work.

“I have always loved pets. When I moved farther [away] from my job as a vet assistant, the plans for Dixie’s Doggie Spa started to gain traction,” Schluttenhofer said. “The business is named after my princess of a pit bull named Dixie who loved the color pink and being pampered.”

Schluttenhofer works hard to offer a full-service grooming facility with a smalltown focus. She specializes in dogs but does take care of cats as well. She offers baths, full grooms, and options for quick in-and-out nail trims to help aid those with a tight schedule.

Opening at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dixie’s was affected like so many other businesses. However, the pandemic did not affect Dixie’s in a negative way.

“I’m not sure COVID made a difference here; pets need to be groomed either way,” Schluttenhofer said.

Because of COVID-19, more people began to adopt pets, spending more time at home. This meant there was a higher influx of pets in need of a spa day, which helped aid businesses like Dixie’s since it is secluded work that needs to be done.

Being a pet groomer when you already love animals is a fulfilling job, says Schluttenhofer.

“I always love the kisses and snuggles from loving pups, and seeing the transformation from everyday looks to fresh blow out is very satisfying,” Schluttenhofer said.

Despite the love she has for her job, there are tough days. Not every pet understands a spa day is meant to be relaxing, and they might be stressed out when visiting the spa. 

“Stressed pets are most definitely the worst part for me. They don’t understand what we do is in an effort to help,” Schluttenhofer said. “The only solution is to move slowly and keep them as calm as possible. Every pet is different and requires different methods to help with calming, but we do our best to figure out what works for each pet.”

Schluttenhofer’s favorite moments are just living in the now and enjoying the experience of being with each and every pet that waddles through the door in anticipation of a nice haircut.

Schluttenhofer is continuing to expand her knowledge about pet care. In March 2022, she gained her certification as a certified canine esthetician, which expands her knowledge on skin care for pets, making her an even more trusted friend of your furry snuggle-buddy.

Dixie’s motto is, “Here at Dixie’s, we believe the spa experience is not just about looking good but feeling good as well!”

Dixie’s Doggie Spa is located at 31 E W First St, Riverside, and can be contacted at 319-648-2894.  Keep track of their progress on Facebook and Instagram for all the spa-tastic transformations.