Meet Your Local Business Owner: Janet Reeser Leitao of Dirty Dog

Janet Reeser Leitao, owner of Dirty Dog Do It Yourself Pet Wash and Pawstry Shop on Mill Street, grew up in Naugatuck and graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury and Central Connecticut State University.

After graduating from college she worked as a Residential Manager managing a Supported Living program for adults with developmental disabilities for 10 years in a non-profit agency. 

After those 10 years, Reeser Leitao decided she wanted a change. 

"What made me take the leap to open Dirty Dog? I wanted a change from my job," she said. "I sold my house after getting engaged and had some money to invest. I did my research on self-serve dog washes and thought it was worth a shot.

"My fiancé, now husband, was extremely supportive of my decision and helped me in so many ways including doing the build out of my store. Without him I'm not sure I would have believed in myself enough to go through with it. I also had a partner for the first year in business. My dear friend Patty Miele helped Dirty Dog get through our infancy. She and her husband worked hard to get us off our feet in the first year. However, with four young children at home, it was difficult also meeting the demands of a new business

So what is the best part of owning her own business?

"I love the type of business that I created," she said. "Everyday I get to interact with great people and great dogs. We've been open for six years now so I've become close with many of my customers and their dogs. Another great part of my business is my awesome staff. My groomer Rebecca has been with me almost from inception and I couldn't ask for a better groomer. My mom and dad have been nothing short of spectacular. My dad is our dog treat baker and my mom helps out with everything from running the register to laundry."

"I am very fortunate to have such a great team and support. We've also hired another groomer recently. Sue has proven to be a great addition to our Dirty Dog family."

But there are also tough days owning her own business. 

The ever increasing costs of running a business in Connecticut is becoming difficult," she said. "Between taxes, insurance and utilities it can make you lose sleep. Another tough thing is creating a healthy balance between work and personal life. I struggle with that a lot."

So has there been one moment when she thought she had finally made it and definitely made the right decision?

"Maybe not one moment but a couple," she said. "I get warm fuzzy feelings whenever I get a great review by my customers and it makes me very proud of my shop. Having Scot Haney do a 'Better Connecticut' segment on Dirty Dog was a big highlight.

"Another great feeling happened when we won 'Best of Hartford Award' for 'Best Place to pamper your Pet in Hartford Runner Up.' We didn't even know there was such an award and it was based on votes. People now know we exist; they love our shop and are spreading the word about us. That makes you feel successful."

So what has made Dirty Dog a successful business?

"I think a combination of hard work, great customer service, a true love for what we do, a super clean facility, unique retail and talented people," Reeser Leitao said. "People love to come to our shop because it's fun. It's unique. We carry retail that you can't find at your Petsmart or Petco. Unique collars, guaranteed toys, wholesome dog food and treats. The list goes on. I also think customer service is what sets the small businesses apart from the big box stores. The extra touches. We know our customers by name and they know our names. I have to admit that I remember the dog's names better that their people's names. We are knowledgeable about dogs and can answer questions that you may have. If we don't have the answer we will lead you in the right direction. Also, our self-serve is easy to use, clean, affordable and a great place to bond with your pet. If the thought of bathing your own pet doesn't interest you then use our professional grooming service. We cover it all. 

"I think just sticking with it. You can't start a business thinking you are going to make money right off the bat. And since we were a unique business it took a lot of time and hard work before the word started spreading about us. But I was determined to make it and had a lot of support from my family and friends."