Small Business: Veterinarian and groomers combine animal care and rescue

photo Groomer Cu Peterson delicately clips Damon, a Yorkshire terrier mix, on his hind legs at the newly-opened The Village Pet in downtown Dayton, Tenn. The clinic provides preventative health care and educational programs to pet owners, as well as grooming and veterinarian treatments.

Name: The Village Pet, LLC.

Location: 283 First Ave. in Dayton, Tenn.

Owner: Ashley Eisenback.

Services: Veterinarian clinic with preventative health care and education programs, not surgical or X-ray services; pet grooming; a retail shop with pet food, toys, collars and treats. The clinic will offer adoptable spayed and neutered outdoor cats for free, along with indoor cats for $35 which have had additional precautionary treatments.

Inspiration behind the name: Eisenback, 31, was a house-call vet for Village Veterinary Services for the past three years and said she wanted to offer downtown convenience in Dayton to pet owners, including training and "whole-listic" educational topics. The mobile business, she said, contributed to the store front's name. Eisenback used her profits from the mobile business to pursue this venture she hopes will "fill the niche not in Rhea County."

Price range of services: $1 for pet toys, up to $65 for grooming.

Biggest hurdle: Eisenback commended the building's manager, Jenny Nevans, for helping to make the usual hurdle of finding a location less stressful. "It's really falling into place," she said.

Biggest reward: "We've had a great response and a lot of anticipation" for what they plan to offer," she said.

Five-year goal: "I hope this whole combination venture goes well," Eisenback said.

Contact: 423-567-3565 for vet clinic; 423-567-3567 for grooming, www.TheVillagePetTN.com.

- Compiled by Kimberly McMillian, who may be reached in Dayton at kdj424@bellsouth.net.

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