Lucky Dog Grooming Spa unleashes fur-tastic services in Brewster

BREWSTER - Every dog may – or may not – have its day. But every lucky dog has its special day when it schedules an appointment at the new Lucky Dog Grooming Spa now open for business at 105 Bridge Street in Brewster. Located centrally between grooming shops in Chelan to the south and Omak to the north, Lucky Dog is close for Brewster, Bridgeport, and Pateros clients.

Owners Marlee and Shawn McAfee were double-teaming a little black and white Shih Tzu dog while being interviewed for this story. The Brewster transplants moved to the area in September 2022, found a spacious street-level spot to rent on the corner of Main Street in the heart of the city, and opened the door for business last July.

By October, the multi-talented Marlee had completed painting the lettering for the new business sign, and Shawn, with the help of a couple of friends, hung the shingle in an afternoon.

Marlee, who attended Maser’s Academy in Kenmore, is an experienced hand at pet grooming. She spent the past three years working for All For Paws Chelan. Her Brewster shop is currently open three days a week, and she continues to help out in Chelan until the first of the year, when Lucky Dog Grooming will be open five days a week.

The McAfees lived in Lake Stevens while their children attended and graduated high school there. They then followed a period in Lynden before the couple purchased property near Brewster and relocated there. Both McAfee siblings own property near their parents. Jaelynn, 27, works at Ace Hardware in Brewster. Son, Griffin, 25, is employed at Les Schwab in Twisp. Marlee’s mother lives in Pateros. Dog owners themselves, the McAfees have two Great Danes and a Shih Tzu. 

“Nails, bathing, grooming…we do all of it,” said MacAfee, who estimates a typical session to take between one and two hours, including breaks for the pet during the process. She picks up on signs when intermissions are helpful.

“You can sense when they’re not happy,” said MacAfee about her canine clients. “You can feel their muscles tense up and things like that. Mostly, they’re just afraid.”

Shawn, who describes himself as “kind of retired” from the metal recycling business, also helps control and groom the pets.

“I knew when I got busy, I would not be able to do it myself,” Marlee said.

Displaying an apparent affinity for her canine clientele, Marlee applies a pleasant and practiced touch to some final snipping and clipping around ears, eyes, and muzzle. By the time the owners arrive, their Shih Tzu looks ready for the dog show promenade.

Lucky Dog Grooming is located at 105 S. Bridge Street in Brewster. Call or text 425-466-4848, or email 509luckydog@gmail.com.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483, michael@ward.media