AN ANIMAL enthusiast plans to be groomed for success with her new business.

Cerne Abbas resident Wendy Oakes has set up Barker’s dog grooming salon in Middlemarsh.

Wendy, 25, decided to start up her own business after completing an animal care diploma at Kingston Maurward College. She also has two dog grooming qualifications.

Former waitress Wendy said: “I’m feeling optimistic although it’s hard starting out on your own and building up customers.

“I had been trying to find a premises to start my business on and I found a place called The Old Sawmills which had a derelict unit that needed building back up.

“I spend a lot of time doing the inside. I got a business loan out to buy equipment.” Wendy said she realised how much people rely on dog grooming salons when she did work experience at a salon while she was doing her diploma.

She said: “I think people like to keep their dog looking nice and clean.

“It takes a couple of hours per dog but it depends on the breed.

“I do mostly West Highland terriers and spaniels.”

For more information on Barker’s, call 01300 345774 or email barkersdoggrooming@ hotmail.co.uk.