What started in 2007 as a hobby in her backyard for full-time registered nurse and animal lover Debby Garrett is now a dream come true. Garrett started grooming dogs several years ago. “It kinda got out of control,” she said. “I kept saying we need to go big, we need to go big.” And that’s just what Debby and her husband Rick did. The Garretts saved money and planned for about five years. Finally they opened late this past year in their new location at 1005 16th Road, about one mile east of Ellsworth along Kansas Highway 140. Since Garret works as a registered nurse at the Ellsworth County Medical Center, she needed an extra set of hands. Enter Susan Dittman, who has been grooming dogs for about five years. “Susan holds down the fort,” Debby said. Dittman agreed, in a way. “Some days the dogs are in charge,” she said. Dittman enjoys grooming golden doodles the most. “They are just happy easy dogs,” she said. On an average day, Star Barks does seven to eight grooms. With many services to offer — from just a nail trim to full grooms — they stay busy. This past month Garrett and Dittman performed a total of 136 dog grooming services. But soon that won’t be all. Rick and Debby have plans to open a motel and day care for fur babies this spring. “Somewhere around April or May” Garret said. Star Barks is equipped with a heated flooring system to help keep the “kids” warm and cozy. With lots of attention, toys, treats, and other playmates, the goal is to make sure dogs aren’t lonely or bored. The Garretts will start with smaller dogs before they expand to larger breeds. “Your dog will need to be up to date on all vaccinations and have a temperament test done to ensure the health, safety, and well being of all the other dogs and employees,” Debby said.

The motel and day care will have a more “open concept”.

“We want the dogs to be able to play, run around, and enjoy themselves,” Debby said.

In addition to the inside area, an outdoor space will also be a fenced in for bathroom breaks and play.

For questions or to set up an appointment, you can call or text Star Barks at (785) 472-4557.

They also offer gift certificates and have a Facebook page.

“The dogs well being and happiness is what’s most important and rewarding for us,” Debby said.

Chubs, an apricot toy poodle owned by Holly Fries of Salina, sits pretty while posing for a picture after his grooming session at Star Barks.