If there is one thing a dog cannot abide, it's being cooped up in a dark, distant cage while waiting for a bath and a haircut. Those little rooms filled with crying dogs simply ruin what should be a relaxing and luxurious experience.

That's why Sarah Watkins, owner of The Studio, Middleburg's Boutique Dog Salon, refuses to cage her clients at all, and allows them to roam freely while waiting for their turn to be beautiful.

"No one would be happy if they were cooped up in a scary place when they went to the groomer," the pretty young newcomer to Middleburg explains. "I want my customers and clients to enjoy total transparency with no dark corners while they are with me. You wouldn't expect any less from your own hair salon."

As Sarah tosses back her shoulder-length brown bob to better comb out a nervous King Charles Spaniel, she tells a story of her arrival in Middleburg that will be familiar to many.

"I grew up with horses and dogs and always loved animals. Among our many dogs, my parents had a very difficult Cockapoo who needed a personal groomer to come to the house. At ten years old, I was fascinated with how gentle she was and how much confidence she inspired in this frightened little dog. She kindly taught me about grooming and, when she retired, she gave me her mobile practice after I completed grooming school."

Becoming a professional dog groomer is a five-day-a-week, eight-hour-a-day, ten-month endeavor. All breeds must be groomed to satisfaction before one graduates, and every aspect of coat, paw, ear and eye care must be learned thoroughly.

"I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and I operated a mobile grooming business for three years before I decided to go to college." Focusing on real estate, finance and economics at the University of Mississippi, Sarah investigated all her options for her future career. But she missed animals much too much to forego her original instincts.

"My finance degree has been invaluable," explained the owner of a successful grooming business in Silver Spring, "especially in the current economic climate."

"I moved to Middleburg for my horses, and was really surprised that there was no dog groomer in the Village."

Now, at a crisp, colorful address on Federal Street, Sarah offers her services to address the lack of a Middleburg groomer.

"I hadn't intended to open so quickly, but the first weekend my sign was mounted on the building, customers began knocking on the doors asking if their dogs could be groomed while they had lunch at The French Hound… I could not have been happier to comply."

Owners are welcome to stay with their dogs while they are being groomed, and customers may enjoy the cookie bar.

Sarah specializes in trims for geriatric dogs and puppies, and welcomes dogs who are recovering from surgery. She hand scissors poodles, hand strips, plucks and cards terriers of all types and offers a monthly de-shedding service for Golden Retrievers and other full coated breeds.

"If owners will keep to a regular, monthly de-shedding, they will be amazed at the difference in their furniture and carpets," Sarah emphasizes. "It is absolutely stunning what a difference a regular de-shedding makes in both the animal's life and the life of your possessions!"

Half-groomings, baths and brush-outs are also available with prices reflecting the time invested by the groomer providing the service.

Full grooming for Corgies is $60; for Labs, $50; for Miniature Poodles from $75-90; for Schnauzers, $60-$75; for Cockers $75-$90 and for Goldens, $65-$90.

"Yorkies and Maltese require great care," Sarah continues. "Their skin is so delicate and fragile that we must take extraordinary care with their grooming. If one is very careful and delicate, the dogs always leave feeling terrific."

Now offering appointments 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Studio offers upscale grooming in a cage-free environment. Only natural products are used and every customer is fluff dried by hand for a high quality finish.

Please telephone 540-233-1416 or 540-687-5119 for an appointment at The Studio for your dog.