McDONOUGH COUNTY/HANCOCK COUNTY — Elyse Strange of Head to Tail Grooming always wanted to work in a vet clinic.
Twenty-five years ago she got her wish: while taking her horses to the vet, they asked if she'd like to work for them as a dog groomer.
Seven years went by and she opened her own grooming studio in her basement, keeping clients in Hancock County.
“This is one of the blessings in my life,” she said.
It wasn't long before she was contacted by Lisa Sweeney called and asked if she'd like to open a dog grooming studio and self dog bath wash. She has been in her location behind Sweeney's for 12 years. She still grooms dogs in her home as well as grooming for the McDonough County Humane Society. Elyse also travels to groom dogs who can't be brought into the studio.
“I'm truly blessed. I get to take my children to work with me and get to work with my clients and people that bring in their clients that want to take care of their babies.”
Elyse has several dogs, cats, horses, black angus cattle and other animals on her ranch, “Sun in the Sky.”
“Everyone has a story. Everyone has been adopted,” she said.
One of her dogs, Joey, was given to her by a lady who went into a nursing home about five years ago. She wanted Elyse to take care of him.
Elyse has been to several countries on missions trips. She has tended to animals in Uganda and Ecuador, and her ranch is open to many.
“I've had the Tennessee Walkers; mission trips come out to the ranch; women from Lydia's House (women in crisis in Keokuk). People I met on a mission's trip in St Louis came up for horseback riding and a barbecue, the Wellhouse Women. WIU students came out one time and Walk to Emmaus is coming this spring to ride.”
Part of her mission statement reads: “Having a healthy coat benefits your dog in so many ways. By maintaining good grooming habits you are doing far more than just showing that your dog's beautiful. You are also giving your dog the gift of good health!”
Elyse will pick up your animal for $5, bring them in for a grooming, and return them. Nails can be trimmed for $5 per animal. Elyse offers a discount of $5 for each dog for multiple dogs needing grooming. Senior discounts are also offered, and she is available by appointment only.
“I'm not doing this to get rich. I just want to help the community,” she said.
Head to Tail Grooming can be reached at 309-333-1246.