by Kaia Monroe Rarick

Eniko McBrien thinks that pets are awesome. Or in this case, “Pawsome”.  McBrien is the owner/operator of North Haven’s newest dog grooming spot, Pawsome Pets, located at 311 Washington Avenue.

“I’ve always loved dogs,” McBrien said recently. “But I saw a movie when I was young where one of the characters was grooming a dog and I immediately thought: that’s what I want to do.” Opening in mid-July, Pawsome Pets will be a full-service dog salon offering grooming, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, brushing out, and anything else customers might need to keep their pup looking and feeling spiffy.

Originally from Romania, McBrien completed three years of veterinary school before moving to New York in 2002. “I wanted to finish vet school in the states but couldn’t afford it,” she revealed. So instead she went for her grooming certificate at the American Academy of Pet Groomers, finishing in 2004. At her first grooming job, McBrien was closely mentored by her boss in all aspects of the business, including day care and behavior training. Then she met her husband Ronan and moved to Hamden in 2014. After taking a break to have two children, McBrien is ready to get back in the grooming business and set up shop. The new site for Pawsome Pets on Washington Avenue is both quaint and practical and offers excellent parking – important for dropping off and picking up the pooch. And with her husband’s construction expertise, McBrien has been able to retrofit it to her exact needs.

“We’re going to make it look posh!” McBrien laughs.

Pawsome Pets will have their Grand Opening on July 15. Stop by with or without Fido for food, wine, treats for the dog and an insider tour of the business. There will also be a raffle for one free dog grooming and more!

Starting July 4th appointments can be made at 203-234-6787. All grooming services are 10% for the month of July, so book yours soon!