For Cheyanne Bentley, dog grooming isn’t just a profession — it’s a unique calling that encompasses patience, trust, and the unwavering belief that every animal deserves compassion. Her love of animals began early. Growing up, she was surrounded by dogs and cats, and she was drawn to the ones that seemed lost or in need of extra care.
“‘Woof’ was one of my first words,” Bentley recalled with a laugh.
Now 29, Bentley is the proud owner of Boot Scootin’ Groomin’, a mobile dog grooming business she launched in December 2021, after nearly a decade in the industry. Her service packages include premium baths, hand fluff drying, and complete grooming treatments. Each morning, she loads up “Gretchen,” her fully stocked work van, attaches “‘ole reliable,” her trusty trailer, and hits the road, determined to bless and beautify the dogs of the day from the inside out.
“Every day is a new adventure,” Bentley said.
Her work is so much more than cute aesthetics.
“I’m not just cutting hair. I’m on the lookout to see if the particular dog I’m grooming swims, runs through the woods, or plays with kids all day in their natural home environment. I take all of that into account when I groom. Every detail matters.”
A Tennessee native raised in the greater Nashville area, Bentley credits her upbringing for keeping her grounded. Raised by her beloved family, including “Nana and Pap,” she discovered her passion for grooming at age 12. That’s when her grandparents let her adopt two long-haired Lhasa Apsos — on the condition that she maintain their coats herself. Armed with brushes, a breed guidebook, and fierce determination, she and her younger sister spent Sundays brushing and bonding with the puppies.
“Those moments taught me what unconditional love means. Dogs are the best!” Bentley said.
The loss of her grandparents was a turning point.
“When I lost my Nana and Pap, I felt lost. But instead of letting it break me, I let it motivate me. My family taught me resilience.”
When work gets challenging, Bentley still draws strength from her grandfather’s advice: “Get mad-dog mean and handle it.”
When she was 18, Bentley began working as a bather at PetSmart, where her natural talent quickly caught the attention of her manager. Encouraged to train as a groomer, she strengthened her skills in Nashville before relocating to Manchester and launching her own mobile business.
Her philosophy is simple yet profound: treat animals as innocent beings who reflect the energy of their humans.
“If the person is anxious, the dog usually is, too,” Bentley said. “They feed off your energy. If you stay calm, they usually will, too.”
She emphasizes patience and positive care with every dog.
“A little goes a long way.”
Her mobile setup is especially beneficial for elderly pets or those with high anxiety. Meeting dogs in their own environment allows her to tailor each experience to their unique needs.
“No two dogs are the same. They get far more attention with me than they would in a busy salon,” Bentley said.
Still, the work isn’t without its challenges. She admits the hardest part is when fear or past trauma makes it difficult to build trust.
“Sure, I could hold a dog down and get the job done. But that’s not going to fix the problem. Overpowering them just makes it worse. Somewhere along the line, humans failed them — so I ask God to help me help them.”
Today, Bentley is known locally for her gentle touch and her ability to soothe even the most nervous pets. While she enjoys grooming all breeds, she has a special fondness for poodles and a soft spot for pit bulls, a breed she believes is often misunderstood.
“Every break I give an elderly dog, every moment of patience with a fearful one — that’s what makes this work matter,” Bentley said.
Her guiding mantra: “Treat animals as the innocent beings they are, but provide clear guidance. Your dog mirrors your behavior.”
Looking ahead, Bentley is committed to mastering every aspect of grooming, from technique and behavior training to health standards.
“I want to push myself to the next level.”
With her family values forever alive within her, she knows she can face anything.
For Bentley, grooming is never just about scissors and shampoo. It’s about listening with her hands, noticing when a dog tenses, and offering space instead of pressure. It’s about patience, prayer, and remembering her grandfather’s words: “Get mad-dog mean and handle it.”
In her world, that doesn’t mean forcing an outcome — it means finding another way forward with grit and grace. Each wagging tail and calmer heartbeat is proof that compassionate care changes lives, one groom at a time. GN
To learn more about Boot Scootin’ Groomin’, visit www.bootscootingroomin.com or visit her Facebook page, which can be found under “Cheyenne Bentley Mobile Dog Grooming.”
