The Norfolk Groomshed in Swaffham is run by a team committed to keeping alive the memory and dream of its late founder

Business partners at a Swaffham pet care and grooming parlour are continuing to the run the operation in memory of its founder who died suddenly last year.

The Norfolk Groomshed was started by David Moore and Vickie Austin almost three years ago. However, following David's sudden death, his two former partners, Sean Collins and John Wainwright, now work together with Vickie to run the business and keep David’s memory and dream alive.

The Groomshed is a complete one-stop care and beauty parlour for dogs and cats. But it is not just about aesthetics, but also the internal and behavioural health of people's pets.

This started when David’s dog, Nelson, suffered stomach illness and some behavioural problems.

Not only does the Groomshed offer a grooming and clipping service but also gland treatments and a hydrotherapy bath. People can also drop their dog off while they spend time visiting the other shops, boutiques, cafes and hairdressers in the town.

Said Vickie: "We are happy to keep the dogs for a few hours if people get carried away spending their money locally."

A range of treats are stocked sourced from suppliers of healthy foods, since many leading brands have a range of additives, preservatives and high sugar levels that are thought to lead to behavioural problems as well as other health issues.

The treats are all natural, free of preservatives, colourings and are gluten and sugar-free. Vickie said that people keep coming back for more as they have proved so popular.

The shop also has an online store and now ships these countrywide and abroad.

It also stocks toys, leads, coats and harnesses. Toys are all natural rubber or made from upcycled plastic and they also have a range of eco-friendly hemp bowls and dishes plus compostable dog waste bags.

The Groomshed team also hold details of therapists, vets, breed specialists and social dog classes which they can share with their customers.

They have been allowed to continue operating in the second lockdown as approved by DEFRA. Also they were impressed that at the start of the pandemic, Breckland Council was pro-active in approaching local businesses in Swaffham to ensure that they received all help and grants that they were entitled to.

For more details about The Norfolk Groomshed, visit https://www.thenorfolkgroomshed.com/