Tina Nichols has a new business in Portage. Her clients are fun and furry. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors. They look pretty cute when they walk in the door -- but they look great when they leave.

That's what happens when four-legged customers receive personalized attention by Nichols at Tinibaybeez Dog Grooming. It's great for the dogs, and great for Nichols.

"I get to play with them all day and get paid for it," Nichols said. "It's nice to have a job where you enjoy what you're doing. I love animals. I have a passion about them."

Nichols is a beautician by trade and credits her artistic eye for dog grooming to her background cutting human hair. Her passion for animals began several years ago when she became the dog groomer for Arbor View Animal Hospital in Valparaiso. Nichols dreamt of opening up her own business as her clientele grew. Her initial thought was operating out of her garage, but she nixed the idea due to residential concerns.

"If I do it, I'll do it the right way," Nichols said.

And she did. Tinibaybeez is located at the old Portage Animal Clinic near Willowcreek Middle School. Nichols takes a lot of pride in her new digs, especially a "very expensive" pet lift -- or as a dog might see it, "a really nice bathtub."

"I wanted only the best for my babies," Nichols said.

Tinibaybeez welcomes dogs of any size and breed. The business offers a pre-groom consultation, special attention for puppies and older dogs, coat conditioning, nails clipped and filed, ears plucked and cleaned and FURminator Shed-less treatment.

If their owners wish, dogs can also be fitted with bows, bandanas and cologne. Nichols also offers gifts and pet photography.

"For some people it's difficult to get nice pictures of their dogs," Nichols said. "And the dogs already trust me by the time I take the photo."

Tinibaybeez also has a house dog. Nichols' beloved Jake, a Labrador retriever mix, also graces her business cards, Web site and the sign outside the business.

"He's my little mascot," Nichols said.