SILVER CLIFF — In the "Dark Sky community," just go after the animal tracks and you'll find your way to the only pet grooming business for miles.
Anne's Grooming is owned and operated by a Anne Burke Hewitt, who has been in the business for years.
Five years ago, Hewitt decided to relocate to Silver Cliff after the cost of living in Aurora was just too much.
"It's all about the dogs and the animals and providing a service," Hewitt said.
That service was nearly stopped once the stay-at-home order went into effect. All dog grooming businesses were considered non-essential and forced to close.
"I've been stretched thin, as far as keeping myself open and paying my bills. It's just gotten harder," Hewitt said.
With money already tight, Hewitt said the winter weather caused business to drop.
"I knew this was going to be a bad situation and I didn't want to put anybody at risk, so I shut down, " said Hewitt. Now her salon is full of empty cages where her canines are usually kept.
Hewitt is also considered "at-risk." She's in her 60s and knows shutting down temporarily was probably for the best.
But next week, her luck will change after Gov. Jared Polis will allow her business to re-open.
"I am a little nervous but happy that we can re-open. I've got people calling wanting to know if I'm booked. I'm also thinking about how I can be more cautious with my customers, and set up some rules," she said.
Hewitt says she's still going to provide her curbside service for the time being.
