Financial Advantage w/ Douglas Marion – Fall Preparation: Back-to-School Tips
- The Financial Advantage
Mooresville residents who travel down Brawley School Rd (with Food Lion, Shoal’s and Ace Hardware on the right) might be moving too quickly to see the cute, cozy building nestled between Blume Rd and Charlotte Ski Boat – Lake Norman.
The “Classy Critters” building is small but its reputation in the community is HUGE with multiple, positive accolades.
Classy Critters is a fabulous “pet resort and spa” — a wonderful place to take your dog – especially if your pet needs a bath, professional grooming, nails trimmed, teeth and ear cleaning or anal gland expressing (if needed.)
There is also “Doggie Day Care” as well as overnight and extended boarding.
Daycare is either full day or half-day (which is 4 hours or less.) The facility has artificial turf play areas. Each yard is attached to an indoor playroom. The dogs are able to go inside or outdoors as they please.
Boarding is also offered. The dog is given a 4’ x 6’ floor kennel. During the day, the dogs go outside for ‘play time’ in small groups.
“We set out to create a place for owners to leave their precious pets and be confident that they will be well cared for and loved.”
This facility is so incredibly popular — grooming (haircut) appointments are booked through December of this year. However, do not give up hope for getting your “paw in the door.”
If your pet needs his or her nails clipped or a bath – owners can easily make an appointment without a long wait; plus, the cost is reasonable.
Ginny Minarik raves about her pup’s experience. “I have taken our dog Cooper to Classy Critters for nail trimming. The staff and owner are always so kind and accommodating. Plus – he is in and out in minutes,” states Ms. Minarik. “My observation is that everyone at Classy Critters cares deeply for every animal that is there. Obviously, it is a popular place because it is always busy!”
When you take your pet to Classy Critters, the first thing you see is the doormat. It sets the tone – dogs are loved here!
There are four full time and three part employees. All of them are animal lovers with hearts of gold, steadfast patience and skillful professionalism.
The motto at Classy Critters is “You leave ‘em – we love ‘em!” This gives the pet owner great confidence in leaving their beloved fur-baby in the hands of someone else.
Classy Critters has a large customer base. Of course, first time pups may be apprehensive – but after one visit – the dog and the owner become loyal and longtime patrons.
“Our puppy was apprehensive about his first trip to Classy Critters, but left with a gigantic smile on his face – and a great haircut.” Roger Jones
“We had a wonderful experience with them! They groomed my mom’s giant Schnauzer Moses after he lost a leg to cancer. They were wonderful with him. They kept him all day and would work on him a little bit at a time so he wouldn’t get too tired out.” Taylor Lena
“I have been taking my dogs to Classy Critters since it opened eleven years ago. We absolutely love Pam and my dogs can’t wait for their regular visits.” Janet Eleazer
“We love Classy Critters! Pam has always been so helpful with watching our bulldog. It gives me comfort knowing she has a background as a vet tech and understands bulldog’s needs.” Kara Turnbull
With decades of experience behind her, Pam Byars opened Classy Critters in Mooresville and is the sole owner.
“I have always had a passion for animals. I grew up in the country (in Georgia) and was constantly bringing home strays,” admits owner Pam Byars.
As a young adult, Ms. Byars was a factory worker (in Georgia); however, there was a 6-week company layoff at which time a local veterinarian asked her to come work for him. She stayed ten years during which time she learned a great deal about animals including the skill of grooming.
In 1987, Pam Byars opened the original Classy Critters grooming business in Georgia. In 2011, she retired and moved to Mooresville. Her retirement latest approximately a year before she opened her current Classy Critters.
“I was back at it again,” Pam chuckles. “I missed it too much!” Her love of animals exudes from her. She often says, “I didn’t pick this business – this business chose ME!”
Pam Byars and Classy Critters radiate the sentiment that all dog lovers know – beloved pets remain forever in our hearts.
“I have had a lot of tragedy in my life,” says Pam Byars. “I was blessed with two children – a boy and a girl. However, the 1990s were not very good to me. I lost my brother to an aneurysm, then my father, then my daughter in a car accident, then my son from a drowning accident . . . then six months later, my mom died from liver disease.” Pam paused before adding, “So – in a matter of ten years, I lost my whole immediate family.”
To help her cope with her enormous loss, she decided to harness her love of animals and use that emotion to give her strength to move forward. She put ‘all and everything’ into her business.
Pairing cute pups with Winston Churchill’s famous quote spotlights the passion and love for animals that kept Pam Byars moving forward in life.
But God had an additional plan for her. Pam was given custody of her two grandchildren (her son’s children.) One was 2-years-old and the other 2-months-old. And the rest . . . she claims . . . is history!
“I am truly thankful for my beautiful grandchildren — Justin and Stephanie — and for my business. This is what kept me going –gave me a purpose to wake up every day — kept me occupied and productive.”
Pam Byars’ life journey has been riddled with tragedy; however, she did not allow it to take her down. She is not only a fabulous grandmother – parenting two kids who are now young adults – she is also a successful business owner with a talent she chooses to give back to the pet loving community.
Pam Byars is an inspiration — and an incredible role model. She is the epitome of how a person can rise above adversity by using determination, tenacity, and a never-give-up attitude to turn tragedy in one’s life around — move forward and claim joy again.
Owner Pam Byers proudly states, “I just truly love what I do. My customers are amazing and the animals are precious! I have the best job in the world and I thank God every day for it!”
For more information about Classy Critters
Classy Critters website: classycrittersnc.com
116 ABJ Way, Mooresville, NC 28117
704-663-0055
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book and contact her via:
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