NEW SCOTLAND — Sheila Kelle clips sculptures from the coats of her clients.

The young owner of Pet Styles approaches her craft with an artist’s eye and practicality.

“People like to be clean,” she said.  “Dogs do, too.”  They feel great when they get out of the bath, but her favorite part is “making dogs beautiful,” she said as she evened the bottom of a dog’s tail while it stood in the center of her Route 85 shop.

She recently moved from Delmar to the former archery store next to Olsen’s garden center for its yard and smaller size.  Kelle also runs a dog daycare program, so having a lawn means that the animals will have a green space for playing.

On Friday, several dogs, of varying sizes, dance around her feet and jump to greet visitors as she finishes clipping a remarkably stationary dog atop her grooming table.

“I’ve always wanted to work with animals,” she said.  Kelle grew up with a golden retriever named Nicky and now has three dogs — Monet, Ella, and London.

Starting as a dog washer in high school, Kelle has always always liked the business, but pursued a degree in art education after graduating from Bethlehem High School.  Later, she went to the Nash Academy in New Jersey, where she perfected her grooming skills.

Every day is different as a dog groomer, Kelle said, and there is an artistic side to the work.

Small dogs usually average $52 per visit and she recommends a grooming every four to five weeks.  Also for sale at Pet Styles are clothing, leashes, jewelry, and dog treats.