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Cindy’s Smiling Sammy Grooming and Boarding provides quality service for your furry family members

By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com 3 min read

AVIS -- After over 30 years, Cindy's Smiling Sammy Grooming and Board continues to make improvements, as it offers quality services to your furriest members of the family.

The latest work will involve improvements to the grooming stations at the facility, located at 400 Fox St., Avis.

For almost 31 years, Cindy's Smiling Sammy, owned by Cynthia "Cindy" Harkey, has provided bathing, grooming and boarding for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Harkey said the business's kennel facility can house between 65 to 70 dogs on average -- particularly during the summer and holidays when families may be traveling and need a place for their furry pals to stay.

The facility also features a play yard for your pups to get out their energy and socialize.

In 2024, Harkey updated the play area with astro turf, new fencing and a variety of new toys such as tunnels, climbing toys and even a fire hydrant decoration.

Renovations aren't through at the business, with Harkey setting her eyes on improving the grooming facilities.

"I'll be renovating and remodeling the grooming stations," she said.

Currently, two rooms house two grooming tables each. Harkey said she intends to take down the wall between the two rooms to allow a more open space.

In the process she intends to put in new cabinet space at each grooming station to allow employees to store their supplies and add a fifth table she can take care of dogs at.

"All the girls will have their own station," she said.

Harkey explained an open concept would give her the opportunity to help new groomers in their training while giving her the ability to work as well.

The space will also see a new paint job with a gray, black and gold color scheme.

Outside of these improvements, Harkey said she hopes to provide a few other opportunities for clients. This includes a doggy daycare to give young puppies the chance to socialize and potential training.

"I'd like to get into daycare for socialization and I'm hoping to set up obedience classes," she said.

Harkey said she has no intention of slowing down with her business.

"As long as I'm healthy and I can do it, I'm going to keep doing it," she said.

Outside of the services provided for dogs, Harkey noted she also has a cat room that can keep about eight or so kittens, depending on if a bonded pair may be kenneled at the facility.

The front counter also features variety of Diamond, Diamond Natural and Taste of the Wild dog foods, treats and a variety of treats and toys.

She noted puppies that come to the business for their first grooming get a free nail trim and a toy.

"It can help acclimate them to grooming," she explained.

The facility has just gotten into its summer hours, with kennel reservations already coming in for the summer.

"Spots are filling up fast so anyone interested in kenneling their dogs during the summertime should call now," Harkey said.

Cindy's Smiling Sammy Grooming and Boarding is open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.

They can be contacted by calling 570-753-5887.

Cindy Smiling Sammy Grooming

and Boarding, Inc.

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400 Fox St., Avis, PA 17721

570-753-5887

Starting at /week.