Oh! You Dirty Dog! self-serve dog wash takes the mess away from home
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Mary Anne Laughlin is assisted by Stephanie Forbes, 8, and her sister Tatiana, 6, at Oh! You Dirty Dog! at 5732 Main St. in the Village of Williamsville as they give Ninja a bath. The large tub fits all dogs and offers a ramp to reduce back pain for owners.

Whether it's water splashing everywhere or hair clogging the sink, washing a dog at home is not an easy task, but now dog owners have an alternative.

Patricia Forbes of Snyder has opened Oh! You Dirty Dog! a self-serve dog wash at 5732 Main St., at North Ellicott Street, in the Village of Williamsville.

"This is a new idea that started at the beaches in California," said Forbes, who lived in the Golden State for 15 years while working in the music industry.

Moving back to Western New York to be with family, she launched a new business adventure that makes life a bit simpler for dog owners.

"Basically, it's a lot easier," she said about washing a dog at Oh! You Dirty Dog! "People complain about hurting their back at home. Here you don't have to lift a big dog."

The business has four large tubs with ramps. The water temperature is already pre-set with a pull-out spray faucet. Each station has shampoo, a blow dryer and an apron for the washer.

With the tubs, owners don't have to bend over, and the tubs fit any size dog, even as large as a Great Dane.

Forbes said owners also don't have to worry about the hair clogging their sink or making a mess in their home.

A wash is $12.99, plus tax.

The business also has accessories, including high-end, "unusual" pet jewelry and tags from a designer in California.

She stocks spa supplies for pets - speciality shampoos and treatments - and is also planning to carry a line of pet clothing.

Forbes designed the business to be cozy and homey, not sterile and cold, making the experience pleasant for human and beast.

The owner of two dogs herself, Forbes said she and everyone who has used Oh! You Dirty Dog! love the facility, because most dogs hate baths, and this makes it a lot easier.

Appointments can be made for dogs with special needs, and Forbes will assist owners if needed.

The business is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and is closed Friday and Sunday.

Forbes opened her pet wash in December and held a photo session for pets and Santa Claus. She plans to hold a similar event for the Easter holiday.

She is also planning a plaster paw print craft for owners to have as a keepsake. Forbes is even considering a cocktail hour for pet owners.

For more information, call 633-1134.