Dog washing
the holistic way

Chien Zen uses aromatherapy, mud baths,
massages and more to primp your pooch

by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Melanie Davies

Age: 33

Occupation: “Zoo cosmetologist” at Chien Zen (3805 Jean-Talon W., chienzen.blogspot.com)

Bio: This über-garrulous, über-dedicated TMR gal shares a passion for dog grooming and canine nutrition like few others, able and willing to discuss doggie health issues long after the eyelids of even the most attentive have begun to shutter. A native Montrealer, Melanie recently returned here from Toronto after divorcing her longtime gal pal, a chick she’d tied the knot with in one of Ontario’s first legally recognized same-sex marriages. Not just a fervent animal groomer but a talented businessperson who once represented a European company, Yves Saint Bernard, that sells “cosmetics for dogs,” as of October, Melanie’s been operating an “eco-boutique/pet spa” called Chien Zen with her current life/business partner, Suzanne, a “Zen Shiatsu therapist.” While it remains to be seen if they’ll be in their current location for long, as the Town of Mount Royal apparently has a few zoning issues with the gals that might well end up forcing them out of the ’hood, if you’re looking for a groomer who is likely to love your pet even more than you do, Melanie is definitely the person to see. To support them in their tiff with TMR, go to new.ipetitions.com/petition/chienzen.

The Chien Zen sales pitch: “This is a Zen place. We believe in the concept of balance and are dedicated to the holistic approach of pets’ needs—whatever they may be at the moment. I don’t just shampoo your dog. We take a holistic approach devoted to your dog’s overall well-being. Every minute, I’m evaluating your dog from head to toe. Each animal always gets a complete skin and coat assessment, it’s never just a bath. We offer everything here: pedicures, mud and clay baths, massage, Therapeutic Touch [TTouch], Shiatsu, raw foods, acupuncture, supplements, pain relief, allergy treatments, dental work, the list goes on. And we sell only eco-products. Even our store has been put together with re-salvaged materials. We’re basically an eco-boutique and therapeutic spa with a strong set of values and mission.”

Something else Chien Zen offers pooches: Aromatherapy.

Is it safe to assume fecal matter is an important element to dog aromatherapy? “No. Every grooming involves TTouch and massage, while aromatherapy is incorporated throughout everything we do, utilizing natural scented oils that can be beneficial to a dog’s mind, body and spirit.”

What a basic grooming will cost you: “For a small dog, it’s about $50—and that includes a full massage and nail service as well.”

Something the Chien Zen chicks are pursuing that will either make you proud or horrified to be Canadian: Fostering a child with the intent to adopt.

How many hoops two local dykes have to jump through in order to score their very own bastard infant: No more than any straight couple. “Batshaw is a wonderful agency, cool and open to gay families. So far, it’s really been quite effortless. We’re hoping we might receive this wonderful Xmas gift from them.”

Last book read: Guerrilla Marketing for Consultants, by Jay Conrad Levinson and Michael W. McLaughlin.

Musical preferences: Ani DiFranco, Brazilian Girls, Vampire Weekend.

Words of wisdom: “Strive to succeed and always believe in yourself.”

Comments: dimwit@hdot.net