by Amanda Rink, Editor
A familiar face in Wright County’s animal care community is opening a new chapter in an even more familiar location. Mariah Busman, known for her years at the Goldfield Vet Clinic, will soon welcome pets and their owners to her new business, Precious Paws Spa and Snoozes, located within the former clinic building. She’ll offer grooming and boarding services for both dogs and cats.
Precious Paws is set to operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mariah is currently running the business on her own, which ensures each pet receives her full, focused attention.
But Precious Paws is more than just a pet service; it’s a labor of love. The space holds years of personal and professional growth for Mariah. “The clinic wasn’t just a job, it was my second home,” she shared with The Wright County Monitor. “I grew up here, I learned who I was here.”
That chapter came to a sudden end in late May when the clinic closed its doors. What could have been a stopping point for some became a turning point for Mariah.
Motivated by her late toy poodle, Precious, the mentorship of former boss and original clinic owner Dr. Doug Helgevold, and a boost of encouragement from close friend Kim Colwell, Mariah decided to move forward. “Kim told me, ‘Mariah, with your love, passion, and determination, you CAN do it on your own.’” That support helped her push past the anxiety of starting something new.
She quickly began calling banks, started the licensing process, and took steps to purchase the building that had meant so much to her.
Even before officially opening, Mariah found a way to bring the building back to life on Monday, June 23. “The last few weeks have been full of paperwork and waiting, which is far from my comfort zone,” she said. “I felt like I needed to do something meaningful.”
So she paused the remodeling and red tape to begin offering early services, like nail clippings, gland expressions, and sanitary shavings, on a free-will donation basis. “I wanted to give back to the community,” she said. “To feel that love from the pets again, to meet new people, and to warm our building with that love again.”
Even during the soft launch, the job has been unpredictable in the best ways. On the second day of offering services, Mariah’s schedule started late because she had to transport a baby deer to a sanctuary in Spencer.
Proving that Precious Paws wasn’t built for profit or prestige, it came from a deep desire to keep doing work that matters. “My goal isn’t to outshine other businesses,” Mariah said, “it’s to continue providing love and care to the pets and people in our community.”
That mission is also reflected in the design of the space itself. The facility includes a dedicated cat room, a quiet room for anxious pets, and a kennel area with seven runs. Mariah is also developing custom suites where housemates can stay side-by-side in shared rooms, reducing stress for pets who prefer to be together.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive. “They’ve showered us with so much love, and I can’t express how thankful I am,” she said.
Mariah hopes that every visit to Precious Paws feels easy and reassuring, for both pets and their people. “Everyone should feel welcome here. And every pet will feel safe and loved.”
For anyone going through a difficult transition, she offered this piece of advice: “My grandma taught me to never give up. Life doesn’t hand out easy options, but every challenge you get through brings you closer to what you’re meant to do.”
To schedule services or learn more, call or text (515) 364-2053 or email preciouspaws88@gmail.com.
