PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Lexi Theriault has always loved dogs and knew from an early age she wanted a career that allowed her to surround herself with her favorite furry friends everyday.
Lexi Theriault, certified dog groomer and owner of Paws & Relax Dog Spa in Presque Isle, grooms her Irish Setter, Ivy, on Friday, April 26. Theriault opened her business in April after completing certification from the Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star-Herald)
For nearly a month, Theriault has been the owner of a new dog grooming business in Presque Isle called Paws & Relax Dog Spa that offers hair cuts, nail clipping, mud baths, standard baths and hand stripping, the process of removing dead hairs from a dog’s fur. Although Theriault is thus far the only groomer at Paws & Relax, she hopes to hire another groomer by the end of summer and begin offering hair coloring.
Theriault, who is now 19 years old, graduated from Caribou High School within three years and earned her degree in business administration from Northern Maine Community College in May 2018. She went on to become a certified dog groomer and stylist through the Nash Academy of Animal Arts based in Lexington, Kentucky. While studying at Nash, Theriault learned techniques from certified master groomers and also earned certification in canine CPR.
Lexi Theriault, certified dog groomer and owner of Paws & Relax Dog Spa in Presque Isle, grooms her Irish Setter, Ivy, on Friday, April 26. Theriault opened her business in April after completing certification from the Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star-Herald)
“The dogs have definitely been the best part of this business,” said Theriault, who officially opened Paws & Relax on April 9. “I’ve been super busy and have appointments booked until mid-June.”
At Paws & Relax, Theriault also sells dog toys, treats, collars, bandannas, rain coats and beds. She typically accepts four to five clients per day and allows dog owners to either drop off their pets in the morning and pick them up after work or wait at the spa during the appointment.
Lexi Theriault, certified dog groomer and owner of Paws & Relax Dog Spa in Presque Isle, grooms her Irish Setter, Ivy, on Friday, April 26. Theriault opened her business in April after completing certification from the Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star-Herald)
In the future, Theriault said she would like to open dog spas in other towns to help fulfill the need for dog groomers in those communities.
“I’ve gotten great response from everyone who’s come here. People love that they have another option for their dogs when there’s a waiting list at other groomers,” Theriault said.
Paws & Relax is located at 36 North Street in Presque Isle and is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
