Dirty Pups And Paws: Jenks Teacher Takes On A Business Of His Own
By: Emma Nelson
Kevin Hurst’s eyes filled with joy as he told me his new business name, Dirty Pups And Paws. Hurst is the head of the highly-recognized Jenks High School Drama Department, but what some might not know is his love for dogs, especially his own poodles; they’re truly his pride and joy.
Mr. Hurst sword fighting a student in his Intro to Acting class.
When Hurst first started dog grooming, he only groomed his own poodles. He researched online, bought books, bought equipment, and taught himself the ins and outs of grooming. After about 9 years, he decided to start his own small business, offering cheaper grooming for people in the Tulsa area- something he had been thinking about doing for about 6 years and has finally started in august of 2022.
“I started with my own dogs about 9 years ago and I was terrible at it,” Hurst said. “But I´ve gotten better, and I've purchased some equipment and then I started doing family member's dogs and now I'm doing neighbors dogs, and it's just grown from there.”
He runs his business right in his own garage. He bought fancy equipment, even installing a custom bathtub to fit his garage. He is a very skilled groomer and he has already started accumulating business mostly by word of mouth with people in his community.
“This is just a hobby that turned into a small business that I can do on the side when I have time,” Hurst said.
Hurst has a lot of pride in his poodles, and rightfully so. His poodles are UKC (United kennel club) and AKC (American kennel club) agility and obedience champions. His third poodle is a therapy dog where he visits nursing homes and libraries for Paws for Reading.
Mr. Hurst’s dogs Puck (left) Obie (right) and their awards.
“Paws For Reading is a lot like teaching. The kids get to read to the dogs,” Hurst said. “A lot of the time struggling readers will read to therapy dogs before they will read to a person, and it's just a lot of fun.”
While it is a brand new small business, grooming dogs is something that clearly brings Hurst joy.
Hurst looks forward to meeting all the dogs in the community and giving them the best grooming experience he possibly can.
“It is a wonderful feeling knowing you're helping other people with their pets and getting to know everyone's fur babies is a lot of fun!” said Hurst.
To contact Kevin Hurst, call him at 918-200-2114 or email at kevinhurst@cox.net.