Big Town Services with a Small Town Flair

Posted by – VeRonica Mitchell, Auburn Hills Planning Commissioner

You know you live in a great town when your local dog groomer knows everyone’s name – even if it’s just a nickname.

I’m talking about Emmy’s Pampered Pooch located at 3273 Auburn Road in Downtown Auburn Hills.  If you’re a dog owner – you’ve gotta check this place out.

Let me explain.  In November of 1998, I became the proud owner of a Jack Russell Terrier rescue dog named Cubby.  It was my first experience as a pet owner and I am still amazed at the emotional connection I have with this animal!  Cubby is perfect in every way.  Well, except for the fact that he has a wire coat that is not very smooth.

Shortly after I obtained Cubby, I was picking up clothes from the dry cleaners and noticed a flyer for a dog groomer.  I thought to myself, if I had a groomer shave Cubby I bet he would be even more adorable.  But Cubby has one other slight imperfection … he is great with humans, not so much with other animals.

I telephoned the groomer to ask a few questions. Emmy answered the call with a smile in her voice. I explained my concerns with his social skills and she replied, “Oh, you have a typical Jack Russell bring him down, I can handle him.” 

When we met in person – it only got better.   Emmy scooped up my little guy, he licked her face, and they bonded.  She turned to me and said, “I’ll call you in about 45 minutes.”  When I picked him up, I nervously asked how things went.  She said all was well.  I thought WOW!  He looks better than ever and HE CAN COME BACK!

As I turned to depart, she called out to me, “Hey” …  uh oh, I thought … “Yes,” I said nervously, “Did anyone ever tell you that you look like Downtown Julie Brown?  You know, the girl from MTV a few years ago?”  At that moment, the nickname stuck.

Emmy knows my real name, but whenever she sees us out for our walks she will toot her horn and wave, shouting “Hey Downtown Julie Brown … Hey Cubby.”  I feel like Norm from that old TV sitcom Cheers where everyone knows your name.  Well, I guess they know Cubby’s name and my nickname.

You see, this type of thing only happens in a ‘little big town’ like Auburn Hills.  It’s what makes our community so special and why we love it.

Note: VeRonica Mitchell is a member of the award-winning Auburn Hills Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission is a nine member panel of residents appointed by the Mayor (and confirmed by the City Council), which is charged with guiding the City’s land use and development.  The Community Development Department provides expertise to the Board.