Antioch dog groomer finds kindness, reopens after fire

An Antioch business owner credits a friendly, small-town atmosphere for her dog salon reopening a week after fire damaged the downtown building where it operated.

Fire officials are still investigating the blaze that erupted early morning Nov. 17 at Barker Shoppe Dog Grooming Salon and two apartments above the business. Officials said the salon was gutted and heavy damage was caused to the apartments.

On Monday, Barker Shoppe reopened in the rear of the Hairaphernailia salon at 935 Main St., across from the damaged structure at 928 Main St. Hairaphernailia owner Kathi Thompson said a wall in the 2,000-square-foot space separates the dogs from her human clients.

Barker Shoppe owner Peg Sennett said she knocked on Thompson's door shortly after seeing the fire damage.

"She said, 'Here you go, have the back of our shop,' " Sennett said.

Antioch village officials quickly issued necessary permits allowing Barker Shoppe to operate in the same building as Hairaphernailia, said Sennett. She expected to handle about 20 canine clients Monday.

Sennett the kindness she's received since the fire shows an old-fashioned, small-town atmosphere still exists in Antioch.

"Everything that everybody has given us to get going is amazing," Sennett said.

Thompson said it was easy to help Sennett.

"I would want somebody to do this for me," said Thompson.

Thompson said she plans to move Hairaphernailia across the corner from its Main Street location in three weeks or so. She said Barker Shoppe then will take over the entire space.

Sean Roby, Antioch's special events supervisor who also works in economic development, said he was happy to learn the groomer reopened on Main Street.

"They're a very successful business in town and they bring a lot of people into the downtown area," Roby said.

No one was injured in last week's blaze at Barker Shoppe and the two apartments. Village fire officials said the adjacent Antioch Trains and Hobby sustained smoke damage.