A dog groomer who started a business in her garage twelve years ago has shared her delight at being nominated for an award.
Maureen Grant, a former police officer, swapped criminals for pooches after looking for a career change in 2012, with the idea coming after enjoying grooming her own dog.
She fell in love with the idea of making dogs look "their best" and soon launched her own business with the help of her husband - which was named Lovedog Grooming.
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Speaking about the start of her career, Maureen said: "This business started in my garage twelve years ago before moving to the High Street (in Johnstone).
"There are so many great dog groomers now, with fantastic businesses around about us but when we first started there were hardly any.
"It all started when my husband got me a dog years ago and I wanted to learn how to groom my own dog.
"And that was where the love for it began."
Maureen took courses to become a fully qualified trainer, and she said that ever since starting Lovedog Grooming it has grown and grown.
And she has also recently completed a diploma in dog behaviour at The British College of Canine Studies
Last year, the business moved into the old registry office in Johnstone with Maureen saying that it was a place she "always wanted" to move to when she had that chance.
Now, 12 years on since the start of her journey, Maureen's grooming dream has almost reached her fairy tale ending after being nominated for an award.
Lovedog Grooming is a finalist in the Salon-based Dog Groomer of the Year category by the Local Pet Awards.
Maureen said: "We are so delighted.
"We were nominated last year as well and the night itself is always phenomenal.
"The girls are all looking forward to getting dressed up and having a nice dinner.
"It'll make a change for the hairy dinner we are all used to!
"The fact that our customers have nominated us makes it even more special.
"I am still cutting hair for some dogs that came to me when I first started and that means a lot to me that people are still coming back."
To find out more and vote in the Local Pet Awards, click HERE
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