It’s been proven by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the use of pesticides and high-VOC cleaning products can have harmful effects on human health. But have you ever thought of how these types of pollution could affect animals? Mary Jo Nieson has, and that’s part of the reason she started Delicate Paws LLC.
For the past two years, Delicate Paws has been a place in Metro Detroit where dog lovers can take their pets to receive grooming in a green environment. Delicate Paws offers pet grooming as well as massaging therapy, photography, communication, pack leadership training, adoption counseling and nutrition and herb information.
As an owner of five rescued pets, Nieson takes great care when grooming her clients. She considers herself to be green, and this affects the way she treats the animals she works with. “I’m an organic gardener, and I eat mostly organic foods. So that lifestyle transfers to my pets,” she said.
In addition, Nieson uses green cleaning products in her household in Livonia, where the business is based. She also said the shampoos and cleaning products she uses for the pets are all natural. She even uses the lavender from her organic herb garden to calm her clients while grooming or massaging them.
Nieson’s diverse career background shows that she is more than qualified to work with animals in such a caring way. After graduating from Wayne State University with a degree in Anthropology, working as a lifeguard and also gaining 23 years of experience as an engineer, she retired and decided to start her own business working with animals because of her passion for them.
Nieson is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, is certified in pet first aid by the American Red Cross, and received training from the American School of Dog Grooming.
Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer and Public Relations, GreeningDetroit.com
Jennifer is pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a Contributing Writer for The South End.