A LOCAL woman has given up a lucrative city-based career as a senior human resources professional to fulfil a life-long dream.

In May this year Clare Jones, a dog owner herself of six years, launched Bark Canine Services, which gave her the perfect work-life balance she sought and the opportunity to work from home with man's best friend.

Prior to launching her new business Clare undertook an intensive, industry-recognised qualification in dog grooming, which ensures she offers the highest standard of service which has already been appreciated by dogs and their owners.

This has resulted in around 85 per cent of repeat bookings.

Bark Canine Services offers a unique range of professional dog grooming services, which are as tailored and as individual as the dogs themselves.

Shampoo and conditioning products are carefully selected to enhance the skin and coat type and Clare begins each session by thoroughly grooming out to remove knots from the dogs' coats and carries out well-being checks.

The dog is then bathed in the most appropriate shampoo for the type of hair, such as coconut shampoo for silky, long-haired breeds, or tea tree oil for problem skin. If a vet has prescribed a special medical shampoo, this will be used instead.

The dog will then receive a blow dry - which can take up to an hour on long-haired breeds - and the pet is then groomed and styled.

To finish, the dog is perfumed with a special finishing spray and given a bow to wear, ready for a grand reunion with its proud owner! Grooming and a collection and delivery service are available by appointment only to maintain customer service levels.

Clare recommends puppies are groomed regularly from eight weeks old, as it helps them adapt to being handled at an early age and assists in their socialisation.

Grooming also helps identify medical conditions which may need veterinary care.

For an appointment, ring Clare on 01562 745747 or 07816 509764.