Tails Are Wagging Again at Le Beastro Pet Grooming

MyRye.com is interested in telling the stories of local Rye businesses. How are these businesses emerging as we slowly reopen while we continue to battle the pandemic? If you are a local business that wants to tell your story, please get in touch.

Today, please meet Le Beastro Pet Grooming:

Your name: Lisa Cibelli, owner/groomer/all hats at Le Beastro (gourmet pet grooming and apparel)

MyRye.com: Describe what services you offer:

Cibelli: Compassionate, professional grooming for dogs and cats, with an emphasis on health and creativity. Our boutique hosts natural treats and products made in the USA.

How many years have you operated in Rye?

Cibelli: We are celebrating my 25th year in Rye.

How long were you closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Cibelli: We were closed for seven weeks, after which I received a designation to groom pets deemed medically necessary. My biggest worry was the financial situation for my staff, and the general health of my furry clientele going without their grooming routines.

When did you re-open and what does the “new normal” look like right now?

Cibelli: We officially opened 5/20/20. Business is (gratefully) busy catching up, we remain curbside drop off and pick up, masks required for clients and staff continue amped-up virocide and sanitation protocols.

You were one of the many local businesses that received a check from the LOVE RYE fundraising campaign. What was that like, and how do you plan to use the funds?

Cibelli: To paraphrase the LOVE RYE campaign, I totally “felt the Love” that poured from this wonderful community that I have been blessed to be a part of. I was shocked when I opened the “LOVE RYE” letter, and an $800.00 check was enclosed. Wow! What an amazing gift of support and community. So grateful! As a small business, there are several areas this comes as a huge assist. Payroll, or fixing one of our electric grooming tables.

Did you miss your four-legged clients? Are there certain breeds of dog that grow hair/fur faster than others? What other types of animals have you been called upon to groom?

Cibelli: The clients: we totally missed our four legged and two legged friends alike. Grooming is not only necessary, it’s an art! And we missed that collaboration. After sheltering in, it has been a bit like sheep shearing for the “oodles “of poodles and doodles we groom along with some extra fine tuning for the smaller breeds, as pet parents valiantly honed their grooming skills at home. Kudos to them! My Staff and I all have backgrounds working for veterinarians, zoos, horses and pet stores. So we actually have groomed many species from guinea pigs to camel. It’s hard work, but so rewarding.

Thanks, Lisa!

Le Beastro is located at 1005 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580. Phone: (914) 921-0279.