The "Bath Bus" Comes to My Farm
Supporting small businesses and the creative entrepreneurs behind them is so important to helping local communities thrive.
Jonathan Massas, a member of my security team, and his wife, Jenna, recently launched a mobile pet grooming business inspired by their shared love of animals and desire to serve fellow pet guardians. Their “Bath Bus” is a fully equipped, self-contained electric grooming van that brings convenient, personalized bathing and grooming services right to customers’ neighborhoods. I’ve always believed in keeping my pets clean and well-groomed through regular bathing and brushing. This is especially important for my Chow Chows, Empress Qin and Emperor Han, whose thick double coats require consistent care to prevent matting and tangles. Yesterday, Jonathan and Jenna visited my farm to give my dogs a little mobile spa treatment.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Jonathan and his wife, Jenna, are excited to turn their passion into profit with their new mobile grooming “Bath Bus.”
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- The mechanics of the grooming station are all electric. They also have their own water supply and waste water tank and vacuum system, so it is completely self-contained. And, because they use chemical-free products, the grey-water is used to water ornamental plants later.
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- The central cabin is equipped with the grooming tub, hydraulic table, and other necessary supplies.
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- Here, Jonathan prepares for his first customer.
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- Han is first. Because Jonathan already knows all my dogs, Han is comfortable being with him. When taking a pet to a new groomer, always give them time to acclimate so the first grooming visit is calm and safe.
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- Jonathan starts by brushing Han’s coat thoroughly to get out any dirt or matts.
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- Once Han feels the lukewarm water, Han is even more relaxed. He stays very still for the entire grooming session.
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- Jonathan uses all-natural, hypoallergenic, unscented pet shampoos and conditioners that are gentle enough for regular bathing. When bathing a dog, it’s essential to use products made especially for dogs because of the differences in pH balance.
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- Jonathan gently scrubs from head to toe, avoiding sensitive areas such as the ears and eyes.
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- After the shampoo, conditioner, and thorough rinse, Jonathan hand dries Han as much as possible in the tub. Dog-specific tubs are designed with built‑in restraints and proper matting to prevent dogs from slipping or jumping out. The raised walls also limit water splashes and make cleanup easier.
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- Chow Chows have dense double coats — a coarse, water‑resistant outer layer over a soft, wool‑like undercoat that traps moisture close to the skin, so it is crucial Han be dried completely.
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- A proper pet dryer has several specialized nozzles that help control airflow direction, intensity, and how it interacts with the coat. Here, Jonathan combs Han as he dries.
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- He also brushes Han thoroughly, so his coat looks neat and tidy.
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- And never forget the paws. Drying a dog’s paws completely after a bath is critical for preventing infections, protecting paw health, and maintaining the dog’s comfort.
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- Han seems very comfortable on the table and enjoys the one-on-one attention.
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- Han looks so handsome after his spa treatment.
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- My puppy, Half Moon, also gets a turn for a quick bath.
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- Bathing puppies is also important in training them to behave while being handled. Here, Half Moon is being towel dried after her bath.
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- And then blown dry. French Bulldogs have short but dense hair that can trap water close to the skin and leave it damp. Jonathan makes sure to dry target areas such as Half Moon’s neck, under the chest, armpits, and tail pocket. Half Moon enjoys her spa treatment.
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- Half Moon also gets a good brushing with a soft-bristled brush.
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- Lastly, a thorough paw dry. Three more to go today, but bath day is going well at the farm.
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- If you live in or near Rockland County, New York, and are looking for a pet bathing option that offers convenience, reduced animal stress, personalized care, and a clean, safe environment — try out the “Bath Bus.”
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