Photos: Chris Emeott
A doggie boutique offers expert grooming and gourmet treats for your furry friends.
Ashley Thompson and her puppy, Finn, were among the first to visit Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming during its soft opening last October. Now, the duo are regulars at the dog-focused boutique. “[It’s] a great, community-oriented, small business [that] puts in the extra effort,” Thompson says. “When you go into Woof Gang, you get so much attention and care.”
Finn’s go-to treatment? The Luxury Bath with a Blueberry Pie Facial and sometimes even the Diamond Dog upgrade, all of which add up to one delicious smelling, squeaky clean, incredibly happy pup. “Finn hates baths when we give them to him,” Thompson says, but since his introduction to Woof Gang, he’s been a huge fan. “He absolutely adores going there and comes out super soft and clean every time.”
Thompson also likes Woof Gang’s selection of treats and goodies. “You’ll see unique brands and themed tables like birthday or Gotcha Day,” she says. “[It’s] farmers market sections give you great bulk options. As a new dog mom, it’s invaluable.”
This Woof Gang location is co-owned by Rebecca Wilson. She says she never considered working in the pets industry. In fact, dogs were out of the question until about six years ago when Nala (a Coton de Tulear) came into her life and changed it forever. “It’s so satisfying to take care of something that gives me such joy,” Wilson says. “I enjoy being there for her … I feel like I’m giving back and helping her as much as she helps me.” And although pleasantly surprised by the companionship of her pup, Wilson was shocked by the “high grooming needs” of Nala’s breed. On a mission to find a fantastic groomer, Wilson says she found her options to be disappointing. “I was frustrated with other groomers’ processes with lots of waiting and kenneling,” she says.
The bakery is full of all-natural and oven-baked treats.
Wilson and her partner, Jim Cigelske, met when their dogs (Nala and Bear) had an encounter outside their building one day. “We kept running into each other and would walk our dogs together,” she says. From there, a relationship and then partnership bloomed. Cigelske, an entrepreneur, had been drawn to the idea of franchise ownership, and while Wilson was hesitant, once Woof Gang came into view, they were enamored. “I love their philosophy,” Wilson says. She says Woof Gang prides itself on treating pets like family. It prioritizes the relationship between groomer and dog with an emphasis on wanting all pups in their care to feel safe, confident and loved. “We schedule one dog per groomer at a time,” Wilson says. “We want them to have the amount of time they need to do their best work.” Unlike other salons that schedule upwards of 10 dogs per day for each groomer, Woof Gang groomers often see five or six at the most. “When the groomers feel better, the dogs sense a calm environment,” she says.
A Woof Gang groomer tends to a pampered pup.
The doggie spa menu is stacked with soothing shampoos that smell and feel great, and recently Woof Gang added coloring to the options for those looking to add a new hue to their hound. “We’ve got hair coloring made for dogs. The results from which vary depending what color you’re starting with,” Wilson says. All of the nontoxic dyes are temporary, even several that are marketed as permanent. Wilson says the permanent ones just last longer. The salon also offers a short-term color option with a shampoo product that stays on closer to a week. “The shampoo would be good for dogs that are white or have white or creamy areas on their coat,” Wilson says.
The salon also hosts educational seminars, such as brushing techniques for certain coat types, ways to help maintain a coat at home in between grooming sessions and more. It even has themed events like Yappy Hours, photoshoots and giveaways, to draw the community in and together. Because at the end of the day, the boundless love and connection to our furry companions are worth celebrating.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
7151 France Ave. S.; 952.444.1088
Facebook: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Edina
Instagram: @woofgangedina
