Bob and Tess White stand beside the sign located in front of their building easily seen on Vistula Street (SR 120) in downtown Bristol. (Photo by Laurie Eads)
Tess and Bob White, owners of T & B White’s Groom and Board at 310 E. Vistula Street in Bristol, continue to stress their individual attention to each pet and its owner in the business they both enjoy.
Tess and Bob are pleased to be called a “Mom and Pop” operation, where personal service is a priority and treasured pets are known by name. Prices remain today where they have been since 2005. All payment is by cash or check; neither credit cards nor debit cards are accepted.
The Whites’ recently constructed building provides a separate area for cats, in which each cat has its own room, not just a cage. This aspect of their business has grown to the point that they were filled to capacity over the Christmas holidays.
Whites provide all supplies needed by the cats (except food), including water bowl, litter box and litter, and a blanket. To avoid dietary problems, owners must provide food for all cats and dogs. Minor medications are “no problem,” says Tess, inviting cat owners to inquire about this service.
Tess and Bob continue to board dogs in their 26 state-of-the-art kennels, each of which has access to a covered outdoor area. The kennel floors are heated in the winter, while air conditioning provides comfort in warm weather. Air filtration, piped-in classical music, and daily back rubs are standard treatment for the Whites’ pampered canine guests.
The Whites are impressed that, even in a sluggish local economy, many owners continue to provide good care for their pets. Tess and Bob invite any member of the public to drop in for a free tour of their facilities between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Bob and three other groomers handle 15 to 30 dogs each day Tuesday through Saturday. One of the staff members grooms all the cats, numbering about 75 in total. Reservations for grooming can be made by calling 848-4043. Pets can be dropped off for this service between 6:45 and 8:00 a.m.
Reservations are also required for boarding a pet with Tess and Bob, and the owner must be able to provide written proof that all annual shots are up to date, including bordatella (kennel cough). Written documents and instructions can be FAXed to the Whites at 848-1571.
Hours for dropping off and picking up boarding pets are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Pick-up only is offered on Sunday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Tess and Bob are available by phone (848-4043) from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week. In spite of the daily demands on their time and attention, Tess and Bob continue to enjoy their constant contact with animals. Tess never tires of saying that “we are still having fun after all these years in business.”
