Kathy Eaton prepared a resume a few weeks ago — her first in decades.
The owner of Kathy’s Klippers, an Everett-based pet grooming and boarding business, drafted the resume right after mailing a short but poignant letter to customers.
“Due to the economy, we will be closing; our last day conducting business will be Friday, January 8,” the letter began.
Eaton explained in the letter that she prayed for a small miracle. But knowing miracles are hard to come by in a down economy, she started preparing to close.
“It’s sad for me, and I knew it would be hard for my customers,” Eaton said last week at the close of one of her last days in business.
But she didn’t know how hard until the calls started coming in from once-loyal customers who had to cut back on doggie daycare and grooming expenses when the economy took a nosedive last year.
“I understand why they’re not coming in,” Eaton said. “I understand completely, as heartbreaking as it is.”
The first dip in business came in late 2008, the end of an otherwise banner run for the business. Kathy’s Klippers moved to a larger facility on Grand Avenue in Everett two years ago when business was still booming.
Then came rising unemployment and the slashing of household budgets. And Eaton’s 12-year-old business, which employs three people and several disabled volunteers, took a fatal blow.
The still-new facility is a work in progress cut short. Eaton’s voice wavered last week as she showed off the lines of large kennels, the play area (complete with large windows and steps for dogs to stand on so they can see out) and the grooming tables.
A cat slept on a washing machine, not realizing it was her last week at Kathy’s Klippers.
Eaton talked about many of the animals like old friends. She knows their ages, their likes and dislikes, their personalities.
She has a special place in her heart for old or abandoned animals. She’s placed several homeless dogs in homes, and worries about customers whose dogs are deaf or blind due to age.
“I have dogs that no one else has ever groomed,” she said. “My husband says, ‘They’ll find another groomer.’ I say, ‘No, that’s not it.’”
Her customers have been calling and coming in to voice sympathy since Eaton’s closing announcement was mailed Dec. 16.
“Oh, it just sickens me,” said Jackie Williams, a longtime customer. “But everybody cuts back, and I suppose that’s one of the things. The dog doesn’t need to be groomed as often.”
Eaton said she isn’t sure of her next move. She’s considered opening up again at a less expensive location, but wonders if a big move would mean forfeiting her customer base — essentially starting over from scratch.
“I keep thinking that there’s another plan for me,” she said. “I’m not panicked.”
Then she smiled. “I should be. But I’m not.”
Read Amy Rolph’s small-business blog at www.heraldnet.com/TheStorefront. Contact her at 425-339-3029 or arolph@heraldnet.com.
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