08/22/2026
Message from 'the owner'.
I'm not sure where to start...other than to ask for patience and understanding...
My business is a family business, as many of the small businesses are, in my great Barboursville. My Father was a 'Silent Owner'. You could call me the 'brains' of the operation, but my Wonderful Daddy was the spine that supported it. He had the biggest heart for animals and adopted many that came through Dukes. He adopted and sheltered Dogs and Cats and helped place them too. He truly believed that every child on earth NEEDS a pet. He believed them to be healing, especially for little kids who feel like the under dog.
Friday, I was forced to unexpectedly say goodbye forever to my Father, my best friend, and business mentor. Devastation is an understatement. I don't know when I can safely pick up shears again...My team will be amazing as they always have been, but you will not see me for a while. Not as much. I have much restructuring and legal things to deal with now. I promise though, that I won't give up on the under dogs...I will just be in the back ground for a while. I'm sorry, I just can't lift the clippers right now...
Molly and Payton are our receptionists.
Chelsea and Destiny know how I like things to be completed. Bruci is the back bone in the bathing room. Keaton is swiftly becoming an excellent groomer and she and Bobbie can help pick up appoinments until I come back...
I've always been very open and transparent in this grooming world. Some love it, some hate it. But, I don't know how to operate any other way... People drive by and see a business sign but may forget that a human with a heart put it there...This is the very raw and transparent explanation for my absence...
I have to say goodbye to my Daddy, my hero.
Please be patient with me and any hiccoughs in the business for now...I am learning how to go on with out him in business and life.
Sincerely Debbie.
