An innovative dog grooming and training company has expanded following a £20,000 investment into new premises.
Happy Henry’s! has been based at Amerton Farm, near Stafford, since its launch in April 2021 and is now preparing for a grand opening event to celebrate moving into a bigger place at the attraction’s Old Farm Courtyard this weekend.
The move will allow owner Victoria Shepherd to offer more workshops and create online video workshop content so that more dogs and their guardians can benefit from her work.
Happy Henry’s! has a consent-based approach to dog grooming – with a focus on a dog’s mental and emotional well-being – and has grown quickly since its establishment.
Victoria’s holistic approach to grooming incorporates games-based training techniques to help dogs become more comfortable with grooming and handling. A self-service dog wash is also available, as are bespoke training packages for puppies and dogs who struggle with things such as fireworks.
Victoria, who hopes to create extra jobs within the business soon, said: “I’d been testing out my idea of combining games, grooming, and guardian education all in one place and realised I’d need more space if I really wanted to see my dream could come to life.
“I ran a few test workshops at the end of 2023 and early 2024 and knew that in order to make it work and be financially viable over the long term, it made sense to secure larger premises rather than renting hall space.”
Victoria has taken over two units which used to be leased to a hot tub business. The company’s office has become her retail and workshop/teaching space, whilst the old stable that used to store the hot tubs has been completely renovated to include a floor-level shower as an alternative to a raised tub.
The grand opening event on Sunday, 19 May will feature a variety of activities including demonstrations and workshops explaining the firm’s consent-based approach to grooming and how it helps to reduce anxiety in dogs.
There will be health professionals on site to answer questions and provide tips on pet health and wellness, as well as games, activities and stalls from other local vendors.
Money raised on the day will be donated to several dog rescue organisations.
The event will run from 10am until 4pm.
Eunice Finney, Managing Director of Amerton Farm, said: “As a business, we have watched Happy Henry’s thrive and grow since Victoria Shepherd started her business at Amerton Farm three years ago.
“Victoria’s success has been very exciting to watch and we are very pleased to be able to offer her a much larger unit to trade from here, at Amerton Farm.
“Her customer base are extremely complimentary regarding the work Victoria does with very nervous dogs and her practices are now recognised far and wide across the country and her appointments and advice are very sort after by many dog owners.”
- Amerton Farm recently opened its own artisan hall featuring goods from around 40 local businesses. Click here to read more about it.
I know the new look Happy Henry’s will be a great success. You have worked so hard Victoria and have so much experience with nervous dogs. You come highly recommend. All the very best for your growing business.
It couldn’t be happening to a nicer more committed dog professional
Victoria is an absolute inspiration to all of us who work with dogs and should be congratulated for working with such dedication and commitment
The new space will be an amazing opportunity for her to grow her audience to support more dogs and those guardians – the impact of this will be phenomenal
We wish you all the love and luck 🍀 in the world Victoria and look forward to seeing the new environment
What an incredible opportunity not just for Victoria but all the dogs and families who will benefit from the numerous services Happy Henry’s offers. Wish we had one closer to me!