Pride and groom

MILLERTON — Maya, a Pomeranian with a cheerful disposition, stands unusually patient on the counter as the snip-snip-snipping of scissors trims her long, golden hair. A blow dryer sends the loose hairs billowing around the room.

Maya, about an hour later, will leave trimmed, neat and with perhaps a slightly proud spring in her step. It’s just another satisfied customer for Rosie McMorrow, who operates her business, Rosie’s Grooming, out of Ledgewood Kennel on Smithfield Road.

Before McMorrow found a partnership with Ledgewood, about a year ago, Kirby Barrett, who co-owns the kennel with her husband, Chip, was grooming dogs on a part-time basis.

“We were looking for someone to step in,� Chip explained. “A good groomer is hard to find. And we absolutely found one.�

McMorrow comes from New York City, where she worked for 14 years at Le Chien, a high-end grooming salon in the Trump Plaza. Rosie and her husband, Bill, moved up to Stanfordville five years ago, looking to offer the same quality services to local residents. A home business wasn’t the right fit, but McMorrow feels at home at Ledgewood, which renovated a section of the kennel to provide Rosie’s Grooming with the space it needs.

McMorrow, who is certified in dog training and behavior from Mount Ida College outside Boston, has been in the grooming business since 1992. Being from the Dominican Republic, she can speak both English and Spanish, a plus for Hispanic residents.

“I love the artistic aspect of grooming, but I also love the people/animal relationships,� she explained, laughing. “All the customers have been very happy. I’m all about customer service, and I’m a very persuasive person.�

Good with both dogs and people, Rosie’s Grooming prides itself in professional hand-scissored grooming with organic and natural products. Prices vary and are dependent on the breed and the service requested.

“Once people get to know the job I do, they know they are getting their money’s worth,� McMorrow said confidently. “And whether it’s a house pet or a service dog, I provide the same great service.�

Rosie’s Grooming is located inside Ledgewood Kennel at 639 Smithfield Road in Millerton. She is available for half-days on Wednesday and full days Thursday and every other Saturday. McMorrow may be reached at 518-789-6353.