We all look forward to spring break, but someone else in your life deserves some TLC too. Your pet doesn’t give you the third degree when you come home late, he or she loves you no matter what mood you’re in and they’re always there for a warm, furry hug after a long day.

Kim Smith recognizes that pets deserve pampering. Smith put her 22 years of grooming experience to use when she opened her store, Fancy Pets, 1592 DeKalb Ave. Sycamore, on Oct. 1. Smith offers pet toys, treats, baths, cat and dog grooming and a self-serve pet wash. Customers put on an apron, wash their pet in a tub and then place their pet on a table to blow dry them.

Smith sympathizes with those who would rather drop their pets off with her when bath time comes around.

“I thought back to when I tried to wash my dog,” she said. “It’s hard to stand back up when you’re bent over the tub so long. Plus, you get drenched a lot of the time. The dog’s trying to get out of the tub and you’re trying to get it back in.”

Baths at Fancy Pets last about 10 minutes, but for a nail clipping, ear cleaning and blow dry, customers should allow a couple of hours. A hair cut with a bath and other services, such as a trim of the fur around pads on the paws, will last about three hours.

Smith likes to add a special touch for each of her furry friends. Few pets leave the shop without a red bandanna around their necks.

“There’s something about those bandannas that adds style,” she said.

Smith plans to offer snapshots for her guests and their pets, but still needs to brush up on her skills with the digital camera. She hopes customers can view their picture on a computer, pick what size they want and their picture will be ready.

For now, Smith is content with making pets look and feel happier and healthier.

“It doesn’t seem like work because it’s something I like to do,” she said. “I’m not watching the clock like at other jobs.”

But not every aspect of Smith’s job pleases her.

“When people have neglected their pets for so long and they’re nothing but a mat of hair,” she said, “it takes a while to brush it all out.”

Sycamore resident Charlotte Atkins was impressed by Smith’s ability to calm her tenacious tabby, Maya.

“This gal has done beautifully with her. I didn’t think we’d get past the nails,” Atkins said. “If she can handle my cat she can handle any cat.”

Smith gives pets plenty of attention and aims to provide the best customer service.

“I treat the pets like my own,” she said. “Customers don’t have to worry because their pets are in good hands.”