By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – The 7th Street Car Wash in Parsons has gone to the dogs – literally by opening a new Dog Washing Station that opened for business a few months ago. Owner Jerry Hardy said the idea came from one of the companies he purchases supplies from.
“My son and I were looking at it when we were deciding to add a touch less automatic car wash in one of the bays here,” Hardy said. “We ran across the equipment for the Dog Wash and did some research and thought it would be a good idea.”
Hardy said the next closest dog wash is one in Oakland, Md.
“The installation of the equipment only took about a week to install,” Hardy said. “Lots of people are using the Dog Wash.”
Hardy bought the old Parsons Car Wash about four years ago and built the new car wash in its location. He said besides the Dog Wash and the touch less automatic car wash, he is adding an upholstery cleaner and vacuum in the open bay.
“I get people that come here when it is raining, so we thought it would be nice to have an area offering a roof over their heads,” Hardy said.
Hardy said the Dog Wash area is closed in for safety and includes a bay to wash the dog as well as a two speed dryer. Also for sale in the Dog Wash area are dog treats and a disposable poncho to help keep the owners dry.
“I went to other dog washes and people had dogs that were a little bit rowdy – one person held the dog while another washed it and they got really wet,” Hardy said. “That’s why I put the ponchos in the vending machine. There are towels and dog treats available as well.”
Hardy said he hopes folks will enjoy the Dog Wash. “I am the type of person who wants to do things right or not do them at all,” Hardy said. “It has been well received.”
The 7th Street Dog Wash located at 101 7th St. in Parsons and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information is available on Facebook or by calling 304-478-2891.