Although Lorraine Rees has sold her thriving dog grooming and kennel business, dogs and cats and their owners will continue to be served by a new entrepreneur at that location. Callaghan Glass (Cally) operates Cally’s Clippers & Kennels and is happy to be taking over the well-established business just minutes north of Miniota.
Glass is a dog owner who has been grooming for some years and working under Rees, so the opportunity to buy the business when Missed-A-Bit needed to close was a timely opportunity for both parties.
Just under a decade ago, Lorraine Rees established Missed-A-Bit on their farm property at the junction Rd 81 North and Hwy 83, four miles north of Miniota. Her business quickly became a going concern. Dog groomers are few and far between in rural Westman, and kennels even more so.
Rees had years of experience and knew how to work with dogs. She was kept very busy.
But nearing their retirement years, Lorraine and her husband Eion Rees began to deal with health issues and knew it was time to make some changes, “to have some me time,” Lorraine said. And that is what the couple is doing, moving from their Miniota property to an acreage in southwestern Manitoba.
As things unfolded with their busy dog service, Lorraine found she needed a capable employee. To her surprise, a neighbour filled the bill.
“I come from just six miles up the road,” says Glass with a bright smile. She took over the reins of the grooming and kennel business with her first day on March 23.
Originally from Winnipeg, Cally and her husband Iain are residents of Prairieview Municipality. With two little dogs of her own that required regular grooming, Glass found that Lorraine at Missed-A-Bit was her go-to groomer.
She began working with Rees over the past couple of years. With her interest in dogs, and her experience grooming her own, Glass was who she called on.
Rees said, “I took her on to do my dog kennels and when I had appointments, she stood in for me. She knows what she’s doing.”
Reese is very pleased to see her business go to someone with experience and love for the work.
“I think a home-based business is good,” says Rees. “You can work it around your kids, your personal appointments,” she says.
Glass agrees, saying she is happy to be her own boss, responsible for her own business.
Callaghan and Iain have seven children, Addison, Duncan, Isla, Logan, Alice, Sophie and toddler Jasper. The older kids enjoy working around the kennels and happily pitch in when they aren’t in school.
Glass is still operating under the Missed-A-Bit Facebook page where she greets customers saying, “We are both very excited for this new chapter in our lives. Can't wait to meet you all and I hope to continue to give you the same level of service that Lorraine has been providing throughout the years!”
You can contact Cally’s Clippers & Kennels at: 204-512-0406
