Charlie Noodles, owned by Deb Izzo of Ballston Spa and winner of the 2017 Holiday Pet Pageant sponsored by Romping Rovers Pet Salon. Photo by Angela McFarland; and Mayor John Romano (second from left) stands with Romping Rovers owner Melissa Syzdek as she cuts the grand opening ribbon to her business at 2100 Doubleday Avenue in Ballston Spa. Pictured with them are board members from the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA), hosts of the Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 ceremony. Photo by the BSBPA.
BALLSTON SPA - Mayor John Romano and board members from the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association weathered frigid temperatures to welcome Melissa Syzdek and Romping Rovers Pet Salon this month to Carousel Village at 2100 Doubleday Avenue in Ballston Spa.
Syzdek started working with dogs in high school.
"My local vet let me shadow him, then it led to a part-time job as vet assistant," she said. "After graduating I received my certificate in applied animal behavior in 1999. For almost 10 years I traveled to people's homes and did private obedience lessons."
Certified in Applied Animal Behavior through Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, Syzdek is also a certified groomer through a corporate pet retail chain.
"My clients who have followed me over the years have said they trust my abilities. I treat their dogs as though my very own and I’m known for being very gentle with them," added Syzdek. "The pet owners are the best. Not only do I love animals and helping them but I love educating owners and watching them get excited over how their dog looks."
Romping Rovers Pet Salon offers full-service grooms including breed standard haircuts, full baths and de-sheds. The pet salon features walk-in nail trims, grinds and even tooth-brushing upon request. Some feline services are available, as well.
Grooming since 2006, Syzdek chose Ballston Spa for Romping Rovers Pet Salon based on her experience living in a small community and said she wanted something similar to that feel. As part of her opening, Syzdek gave away a grand prize package worth over $350 as the main sponsor of a Holiday Pet Pageant.
The winner, chosen by popular vote, was "Charlie Noodles," owned by Deb Izzo of Ballston Spa.
"I love local businesses and cute little villages," said Syzdek.
The event featured an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. with additional prizes including a free groom, giveaways of $3 to 10 off a grooming service and $10 nail trims. All proceeds were donated to Grace's Closet, a nonprofit organization that helps struggling families and the homeless throughout the Capital District (https://www.facebook.com/pg/gracesclosetny/about/?ref=page_internal).
Romping Rovers Pet Salon is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m.; and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays feature free walk-in nail trims.
Syzdek is planning Sunday hours and online booking in the near future.
New customers can find the shop on Facebook, or by calling 518-878-9486.
