Originally Printed: Bucketville News, Issue 289, April 2025
Taking care of your dog’s coat is more than just grooming—it’s a way to show your pet how much you care. Just as we humans enjoy a bit of pampering at the salon, our furry
companions appreciate the same. That’s the passion behind Hickory’s Paws and Grooming Salon, founded by Shelly Hescock in Newfane, VT.
Shelly’s journey as a business owner had a “ruff” start when she opened her doors in 2020, just as Covid-19 disrupted daily life. Forced to shut down temporarily, she persevered,
building a loyal client base from all over the valley. As one of the only groomers willing to welcome dogs during uncertain times, she gained the trust of both longtime locals and
newcomers who found themselves in need of pet care in a new area.
Although Shelly didn’t attend college for grooming, her passion for dogs led her to spend years training and showing them. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her
expertise. She later worked as an in-house groomer at a local veterinary hospital, where she spent more than a decade honing her craft before deciding to open her own business—thus, Hickory’s was born.
Shelly’s appointment system is unlike most traditional grooming salons. Instead of taking walk-ins or staggered appointments, she operates on a structured drop-off schedule. Between 7:30 and 8am, all scheduled dogs arrive at once. While this may seem unconventional, it creates a comfortable, social atmosphere for the dogs, allowing them to keep each other (and Shelly) company throughout the day.
This system also gives her the flexibility to provide the best care for each dog—some may take longer and some are quicker. Having all pets on-site for the full workday allows her to manage her time efficiently, ensuring every dog receives the attention it needs. Shelly begins her day at 7am, returning calls and emails before welcoming her furry clients. From 8am onward, her full attention is on the dogs. At the end of the day, owners return to pick up their freshly groomed companions.
For some time, Shelly’s books have been full, making it difficult to accept new clients. However, she is now open to new customers. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to book an appointment, now is the time. New clients must schedule an interview to discuss their pet’s needs, temperament, and receive an estimate for services.
When asked what advice she would give to dog owners, Shelly’s answer was simple: “Comb them daily.” While a brush is helpful, she highly recommends using an Andis Steel Comb for the best results. Additionally, she suggests regular grooming every six weeks to maintain your pet’s coat and overall well-being.
To ensure a safe and professional grooming experience, Shelly has a few key policies. All pets must be fully vaccinated, not just for rabies. This protects both pets and people from
transmissible diseases. If your pet has extensive mats, shaving is the only option, as it is far more humane than attempting to cut or comb them out. If you’re bringing in a cat, you must be
present to hold them during the grooming process.
Shelly’s dedication to providing quality care in a calm, structured environment has made Hickory’s Paws and Grooming Salon a trusted name in the community. Whether you’re a
returning client or a newcomer, your pet is in expert hands. The shop is located at 720 Route 30, Newfane, VT 05345. You can reach her 802-365-0021, hescockshelly@gmail.com, or find her on Facebook. She is open Monday-Thursday.
Last modified: June 21, 2025
