By Jennifer Tangeman
There is no doubt Dianna Blake is all about dogs. Dedicating a home business to her furry friends has been a life long dream, she says.
“Opening this business has been my dream for many, many years,” Blake said. “I’m so stoked. I’m so excited. This has always been my passion.”
Blake is opening her grooming, breeding and retail business All About Dogs today at her 903 W. Miami Ave. residence.
She became interested in dog breeding and training about 20 years ago, when she worked as a bailiff in Pulaski Circuit Court. Blake explained she worked with a lot of the local police officers at the time they were starting their K-9 program.
“I went to training with the officers and just got absolutely hooked,” she said.
Blake completed a training course for officers and civilians at the Edelheim Police K-9 Academy in Bunker Hill. From there, she began breeding large dogs.
After marrying her husband David and moving to Logansport, breeding large dogs was not feasible.
“A house full of German shepherds is just not practical,” she said.
And so a primary function of her business will be the breeding of small, designer dogs. Designer dogs are bred from two desirable small breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzu and poodle. The combination of two of the breeds creates a designer breed puppy.
“They are very popular,” Blake said. “These types of dogs are adaptable to any type of environment and are great in apartments or in the country.”
Blake explained the types of dogs were originally bred and designed to be lap dogs.
“They make great little house pets,” she said. “They are affectionate and very, very smart dogs. Most are good with kids.”
The entrepreneur said a benefit of mixing two breeds is eliminating most of the health problems that predominate with one of the breeds.
“For example, Shih Tzus are prone to skin allergies, but Maltese are not, so the offspring is not as likely to have the issue,” Blake said.
The designer breed dogs have a base price tag of $450. They are registered through the Continental Kennel Club. Blake said because of regulations on the number of dogs she can own in her city residence, she has many co-breeders placed in different homes.
Blake, who owned The Hair House in Winamac for many years, is also a certified dog groomer and will feature a full-service grooming salon at All About Dogs. For full grooming services, Blake said she prefers customers call ahead to make an appointment, but simple fixes like nail trims can be performed on a walk-in basis.
She will be retailing items like dog cologne, toys, beds, collars and some health products. Blake said she will fill special orders for clients and hopes to expand her retail section.
One product she said she is excited to sell is Plaq Clnz. The product is a non-aesthetic teeth cleaning system.
“They products have no alcohol and are tasteless, so even real finicky dogs will not have a problem tolerating this product,” she said.
Plaq Clnz is all-natural and is made with a zinc complex.
Another product Blake’s business will use and sell is “The FURminator,” which she described as “the Cadillac of deshedding tools.”
“I have a unique opportunity to retail these much below the price at Petco or any place that would typically retail them,” she said.
Instead of paying a normal $36 to $85 for the tool, All About Dogs will retail the brand for $24 to $45.
Other specialty products include NuVet Plus, an immune system booster, and home-made, all-natural gourmet pet treats.
Blake said the gourmet treats cost $5 for a half-pound bag. The treats range from peanut butter to dog-safe chocolate herb mint to pineapple to chicken and bacon.
For holidays and other special occasions, Blake plans to sell treat baskets, with dog-safe chocolate, festive suckers and toys.
“It will be something just really fun with suckers in cute shapes like harts and paw prints and I will put it all together in a cute little container,” she said.
As part of the designer dog trend, Blake will also sell Canine clothes.
“I have the most adorable Easter dresses for your dog,” she said. “They are just darling. I have some boy clothes too, like T-shirts and sweaters.”
The business will be open Monday through Saturday with flexible hours.
“I have the flexibility since I’m in my home,” Blake said. “The only time that is non-negotiable is Sunday mornings for church.”
Although the business is called All About Dogs, Blake will also groom cats and other small pets. She said the objective of her business is to provide a place that animals like visiting.
“Our slogan is, ‘Where your pets are a part of our family too,’ and they are absolutely a part of our family,” she said. “I’m very focused on I want the dogs to be excited to come back and not start to shake when they get out of the car.
“It’s a gift from God and a passion to work with the dogs and be their advocate and their friend.”
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 or jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
New business
All About Dogs
903 W. Miami Ave.
574-737-PETS
