| The Village Groomer & Pet Supply Now in our 41st year of business! 508-668-9516 800-439-PETS |
| A Family Tradition Since 1969, The Village Groomer & Pet supply has been "Caring for pets and the people they own" in the community around our hometown of Walpole, Ma. Founded by David and Kathy Salzberg, the VG is now operated by their daughter Missi and her skilled staff of professional groomers. With a commitment to excellence in grooming and dedicated to the truly loving, respectful care of your pet, we invite you call and make an appointment. Your pet will thank you! |
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Our Founder
David Salzberg
Simply “Dave” to a legion of pet owners and friends - started The Village Groomer in
1969 in a small shop in downtown Walpole, MA. A former school teacher who had
mastered grooming while moonlighting during school vacations, he soon became a
familiar figure with his long flowing hair, silver jewelry and colorful clothes. He was the
town’s first hippie and proud of it.
Those who looked beyond these symbols of his individuality knew Dave as a kind and
compassionate man who delighted in caring for their dogs. He knew each dog by name
and was never embarrassed to get down on all fours to play with his canine customers.
He referred to them as his “kids” but the customers who became friends knew that Dave’
s interests were varied. On any given day, he could be seen and heard holding forth with
restaurant reviews, book swaps, recipe exchanges, political discussions, jokes which
made us hide behind the cookie bins, kind words and honest tears when the lives of
those precious pets drew to a close.
Once wife Kathy came into the business in 1976, Dave returned to school to get his
nursing degree. He worked in several area hospitals but still found time to be a guiding
presence at the shop. After a devastating fire burned the first shop down in 1983, The
Village Groomer moved to larger quarters and Dave planned to return “for a while” to get
the retail shop going. He never left. Although he loved nursing, the shop won out in the
tug of war for his heart. A man of strong opinions, he became a popular speaker at
grooming seminars around the country.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991, he battled the disease for five years. Missi left
her career in investments and fund raising without hesitation to keep the shop going
during her Dad’s illness so Kathy could care for him. One rainy November night in 1995,
250 clients and friends turned out to donate blood for him in a makeshift donor center set
up at the carpet shop next to the facility we now call home. Dave was present for this
outpouring of love but he passed away three months later, on Feb. 10, 1996.
His memory is honored annually with the David G. Salzberg Memorial Scholarship
awarded at Walpole High School and The David Salzberg Humanitarian Award given to
an out standing member of the grooming industry by Cardinal Laboratories of Azuza, CA,
at Intergroom, the international grooming convention held annually in New Jersey.
As we strive to follow in his footsteps, we know those paw prints he cherished will help
lead the way.
David Salzberg
Simply “Dave” to a legion of pet owners and friends - started The Village Groomer in
1969 in a small shop in downtown Walpole, MA. A former school teacher who had
mastered grooming while moonlighting during school vacations, he soon became a
familiar figure with his long flowing hair, silver jewelry and colorful clothes. He was the
town’s first hippie and proud of it.
Those who looked beyond these symbols of his individuality knew Dave as a kind and
compassionate man who delighted in caring for their dogs. He knew each dog by name
and was never embarrassed to get down on all fours to play with his canine customers.
He referred to them as his “kids” but the customers who became friends knew that Dave’
s interests were varied. On any given day, he could be seen and heard holding forth with
restaurant reviews, book swaps, recipe exchanges, political discussions, jokes which
made us hide behind the cookie bins, kind words and honest tears when the lives of
those precious pets drew to a close.
Once wife Kathy came into the business in 1976, Dave returned to school to get his
nursing degree. He worked in several area hospitals but still found time to be a guiding
presence at the shop. After a devastating fire burned the first shop down in 1983, The
Village Groomer moved to larger quarters and Dave planned to return “for a while” to get
the retail shop going. He never left. Although he loved nursing, the shop won out in the
tug of war for his heart. A man of strong opinions, he became a popular speaker at
grooming seminars around the country.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991, he battled the disease for five years. Missi left
her career in investments and fund raising without hesitation to keep the shop going
during her Dad’s illness so Kathy could care for him. One rainy November night in 1995,
250 clients and friends turned out to donate blood for him in a makeshift donor center set
up at the carpet shop next to the facility we now call home. Dave was present for this
outpouring of love but he passed away three months later, on Feb. 10, 1996.
His memory is honored annually with the David G. Salzberg Memorial Scholarship
awarded at Walpole High School and The David Salzberg Humanitarian Award given to
an out standing member of the grooming industry by Cardinal Laboratories of Azuza, CA,
at Intergroom, the international grooming convention held annually in New Jersey.
As we strive to follow in his footsteps, we know those paw prints he cherished will help
lead the way.
Hours
Tues, Wed, Fri: 7:30-6:00
Thurs: 7:30-7:00 Cat Night
Sat: 7:30-4:00
Closed Sunday & Monday
Do We Groom Cats?
YES WE DO! Every Thursday
Night with Anne and Eric!
Tues, Wed, Fri: 7:30-6:00
Thurs: 7:30-7:00 Cat Night
Sat: 7:30-4:00
Closed Sunday & Monday
Do We Groom Cats?
YES WE DO! Every Thursday
Night with Anne and Eric!
| Hey Friends! My mom is living with my brother, getting stronger everyday! She just contacted one of her publishers and will be back to work writing for thedogchannel.com any day now. For anyone just tuning in, my mom, who founded The Village Groomer with my dad over 40 years ago, suffered a burst cerebral aneurysm in August 2011, and her recovery has been nothing short of a miracle! Thank you to the hundreds of customers that wrote, called, emailed and sent flowers. Your prayers and love lifted her up and she and my entire family are grateful beyond words. Love, Missi |
| Miss Evangeline welcomes you to The Village Groomer's home on the World Wide Web! Take a look around... Get to know us. You and your Best Friend will be glad you did! |