August 2006

Funky People skirt, $54, Lela, Third Ward; Pet accessories by Target

We’ve all seen that show on Bravo. The one where a team of stylists and coaches ambush a slovenly shmuck, buffing and waxing him to runway perfection.

So has Rover been smelling a little ripe? Is Lassie feeling lonely? No worries: Milwaukee is brimming with kind, creative types who have dedicated their lives to doting on the city’s most fetching pets.

It’s time to have your best friend preened, primped and purring away. Meet the Fab Five of the four-legged set:

The Dog Sitters: Jackie Jordan and Anne Hicks of Central Bark

When Jackie Jordan and Anne Hicks worked in the pharmaceutical industry, they always felt a little guilty for leaving their dogs behind for long stints.

After discovering a secret business plan for a doggie daycare business at Jordan’s home, Hicks asked to join the fledgling venture. She was, after all, sitting for Jordan’s dogs at the time.

Jordan launched Central Bark in 1997 with a single location at 60th Street and Good Hope Road. Hicks soon joined the venture as general manager. The business caters to an elite crowd.

Puravida skirt, $54, Lela, Third Ward; Pet accessories by Target

"We provide frozen doggie ice cream, birthday parties, and after work ‘yappy hours’ with live music for dogs and their owners to enjoy together," Hicks says.

Doggie daycare runs $20 per day. Dogs must pass a behavioral evaluation, be spayed or neutered and commit to a minimum of one day per week. Daycare charges are also eligible for overnight boarding.

The business has grown into a national franchise with locations in Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois. There are seven locations in the Milwaukee area, including one just south of downtown at 420 S. 1st St.

Dog lovers take note: the team’s next venture is a camp for "dogs and their people" near Stevens Point called "Dog Days of Wisconsin."

•Check out www.centralbarkusa.com and www.dogcamp.com
 for more information.

The Pet Stylist: Helena Buettner of Madra Pet Styling

Helena Buettner’s two-year-old Madra Pet Styling, 2427 N. Murray Ave., offers full- and self-service dog and cat grooming.

Buettner sees 80 to 100 pets per week. Prices depend on breeds and services but the typical appointment is $40. Frequency of appointments range from weekly to annually, but she typically sees pets every four to six weeks.

About half of the dogs love being groomed while the other half hate it, says Buettner, who has been grooming professionally for 12 years and has a degree in equine management.

Puravida skirt, $42, Lela, Third Ward; Pet accessories by Metropawlis (Third Ward) and Target

Milwaukee is a fairly conservative town, judging from grooming trends. Buettner has given Mohawks and died poodles pink. "But most people want the utility cut: short and clean," she says.

•For more information, check out www.madrapetstyling.com

The Pet Concierge: Susan Kerwin-Hagen of Midwest Airlines

As an accomplished shower and breeder of Irish Setters, marketing programs specialist Susan Kerwin-Hagen saw a great opportunity to throw animal-loving animals a bone.

In January 2004 she helped launch the Midwest Airlines’ Premier Pet Program, a frequent-flyer program for animals. The company’s pet travel has increased every month since, and the program has generated international media.

"It was a customer need not being met in the industry. It’s a great way to show that our value for brand follows through from passengers to pets to baggage to everything we do," Kerwin-Hagen says.

Since the program’s inception, baggage handlers have been specially trained to maintain the safety and comfort of animals from check-in on. Small dogs never have to leave their owners’ sides, because they can travel in special soft carriers tucked below passenger seats. Most animals travel in hard carriers below the cockpit.

The service is available for $150 or 15,000 miles for below-cabin travel and $200 or 20,000 miles for the on-cabin travel. Every fourth trip is free.

Above: Pet accessories by Target

"Our passengers have really embraced the program and we’ve been lauded around the world," Kerwin-Hagen says.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Midwest Airlines if special carob-chip dog cookies weren’t served to the furry fliers — mimicking the trademark warm chocolate chip cookies served to two-legged travelers.

•More information is available at www.midwestairlines.com

The Pet Phone Psychic: Robin Williamson

There will always be skeptics, but Madison’s Robin Williamson is convinced that animal communication is headed for wide mainstream acceptance.

"Animal communication is where chiropractic medicine was 40 years ago. In the next five years, it will be a lot more common," says Williamson, who describes her job as acting as an interpreter between animals and their families.

"I receive information from words, images and feelings," says Williamson. "If an animal has a sore hip, my hip will feel sore."

Funky People skirt, $54, Lela, Third Ward; Pet accessories by Target

Typical gigs include preparing animals for their owners’ vacations. "That’s huge, especially with rescued animals. They need to know that mom and dad are coming back," she says.

The communication goes both ways and works even after the pet has "crossed over," Williamson says. "Some people just want to let their dog know they are proud of them for staying in the carrier."

Williamson, who says she has always had the gift, charges $15 for a 15-minute appointment and conducts nearly 90 percent of business over the phone.

•Williamson can be reached at www.animalinstincts.us

The Dog Whisperer: Chas Rooney of Dog’s Best Friend

Chas Rooney says "dog whisperer" is just a fancy name for a dog trainer.

"It sounds more mystical to call oneself a pet whisperer," he says.

Rooney has been training dogs full time as Milwaukee’s "Dog’s Best Friend" since 1985. He learned the ropes working as an apprentice to another trainer, but says much of what he does can’t be taught.

"You have to have the right personality to work with animals, but a lot of it is common sense," he says.

"My guarantee is that when we train a dog, we will prove it is trained."

Classes range from $195 for a small package of private and group lessons to $750 for a package of 11 private lessons and 10 group lessons suited to vicious dogs.

Rooney can be reached at www.dogsbestfriend.net