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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n01)
Grooming champion makes home in village - Friendly atmosphere and spa-like pet treatment brings champion show clients to Broad Ripple doggie heaven
posted: Jan. 12, 2007

By Ashley Plummer
Nestled in a neighborhood corner on the south end of Cornell Street stands a doggie haven with an owner who has 15 years of experience behind his work.
Fur-Bee, a paradise for dogs and dog lovers alike, is owned by Ted Lee, a former dog show champion and current dog show judge and groomer.

Fur-Bee owner Ted Lee and poodle friend work together in his grooming room to become dog-show perfect. Fur-Bee is located at 911 Main Street in Broad Ripple.
Fur-Bee owner Ted Lee and poodle friend work together in his grooming room to become dog-show perfect. Fur-Bee is located at 911 Main Street in Broad Ripple.
Quan


"I had been grooming dogs for years, but I was also showing," Lee said. "I didn't have time for a shop of my own. I just recently became a judge, and that freed me up a bit time-wise. When this place opened (his current Broad Ripple location), I knew that it was just too perfect."
The opportunity arose in early 2006; Lee moved to the house at 911 Main Street last July. He explained that he has always been in Broad Ripple, so he knew he wanted to stay in the Village.
"I did not want to lose the clients I already had," he said. "So I made the move with absolutely no planning."
"I just think it is the perfect location-there is the traffic on the Monon and people walking their dogs."
Currently, Lee said that he relies on word of mouth for his advertising outreach. However, the fact that the Fur-Bee store is unlike most other dog grooming shops seems to be a strong enough pull to keep regular and first-time clients coming back for Lee's services.

A view from Main Street: Fur-Bee owner Ted Lee and Ozzie stand in front of the store's display sign. For reservations call (317) 259-9498.
A view from Main Street: Fur-Bee owner Ted Lee and Ozzie stand in front of the store's display sign. For reservations call (317) 259-9498.
Quan


Upon entering the shop, the client and her/his dog are greeted by a modern decorated waiting room with comfy chairs and hot coffee. Lee pointed out that he had hoped to create a "spa-like" atmosphere for the dogs.
"When I opened this shop, I didn't want it to be just another grooming shop," he said. "I wanted it to offer some things that the other places don't, and the customers really seem to appreciate it."
While the main service offered at Fur-Bee is grooming, the shop also offers massages, wellness counseling, behavior counseling and day-care services. A complete grooming service includes bathing the dogs, cleaning their ears and giving them a pedicure.
"It can obviously change from breed to breed," Lee said. "But I do like to see most dogs every four to six weeks to keep up their grooming."
Another special offering found at Fur-Bee includes Lee's background knowledge of herbs and natural products-and how those substances can affect a pet. He said that he obtained this information while working at the Georgetown Market.
"People seem to be a lot more open to using herbal and natural products for the pets than for themselves," he said. "I think it is strange, because people will go to the doctor themselves, but they want to treat their pets with these specific products instead."
Lee did point out that while he finds the benefits of using such items for animals "fascinating," he does not push the products on his clients.
"People are either looking for these kinds of treatments or they are not interested at all," he said.
Currently, the cost of a basic grooming procedure at Fur-Bee is between $40 and $60, depending on the breed. Lee has worked on all breeds of dogs, and has finished nearly 100 show dogs, mainly poodles, terriers and toy breeds.
When asked if there was a specific breed he preferred working with over another, Lee laughed and said that he "likes all the breeds."
"I enjoy the differences," he said. "It just would not be fun anymore if I had to work with the same breed everyday. It would just be like factory work."

Grooming champion makes home in village - Friendly atmosphere and spa-like pet treatment brings champion show clients to Broad Ripple doggie heaven
Quan


Grooming champion makes home in village - Friendly atmosphere and spa-like pet treatment brings champion show clients to Broad Ripple doggie heaven
Quan




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