By Anonymous Dog Mom
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
On your way east to the post office through the village of Crestline on Lake Drive, you may or may not have paid much attention to the little two-story cabin on your right with the proverbial white picket fence tucked in between the laundromat and Trinket Trader and just before the liquor store.
The name of the busy little shop has always intrigued me. I assumed that the inventor of the name Doggie Styles must have a terrific sense of humor and might well be an expert on satire. Thus, six years ago, I slammed on the brakes, parked in front and dragged my newly rescued 9-year-old Maltipoo-terrier Lilly Rose inside. We were greeted by an assortment of creatures, including two out-of-the-box, charming, kind and crazy animal lovers, proprietor Patti Barry and her assistant Josie Kirkland.
Barry was raised in Arcadia. Before relocating to Crestline, she worked in studio at KROCK radio in Los Angeles, working with such well-known personalities such as Insane Darrell Wayne and Dusty Street. She began grooming school in 1995, earning $3.00 per hour for three years, and became a fully qualified groomer, State of California certified. She opened Doggie Styles in 1998.
Josie Kirkland (left) and Patti Barry groom dogs, cats, rabbits and even an iguana.
Kirkland traveled from the United Kingdom with her three German Shepherds in 1995 and then to Lake Arrowhead in 1997. In 2015 a mutual friend introduced Kirkland to Barry who was in need of a bather/brusher. Previously in the U.K., Kirkland was a qualified German shepherd trainer for almost 20 years.
Doggie Styles is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Crestline at 23833 Lake Drive and, yes, you can still spot Santa up in the tree in front of the shop.
Hours are 9:30 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Appointments are necessary. But here I must stop and say that the ladies have never turned me and Lilly Rose away when we have interrupted their work day with a request to, perhaps, trim a nail or gently shave hair away from her eyes. Pet care advice is given freely. Barry and Kirkland have saved me a few unnecessary trips to the veterinarian. Thank you!
Prices range from $40 to $70 depending on the breed, size of your dog and the condition of the coat.
Grooming includes ears, nails, bathing, hand drying (no crates), brush and style or deform, which is removal of loose hair and undercoat, coat oil, flea spray, teeth and anal gland expression, if needed. Coat oil is used if the hair is dry/flaky. Teeth cleaned upon request at no additional charge. Lilly Rose is toothless, so I’m bummed out over this one!
They also groom cats, rabbits and the occasional iguana.
Their love of all animals is a given. Barry cares for five dogs, two cats and two chinchillas; all are rescues. Kirkland has three dogs and four cats, also rescues. The two women will treat your pet as their own.
As Kirkland says, “The time spent at the salon won’t be fast, but it will always be done with love.”
Pamper your pet and make an appointment now by calling (909) 338-5329. Watch your step upon entering for you may be greeted by sleeping big boy Dallas, Barry’s devoted and loyal Chow Chow shop dog.
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