By Debbie Adams
Wag ‘N Wash, a local pet store designed to “spoil your pet,” is opening soon in a prime location
on Orange Avenue in Roanoke, just a couple of doors down from Planet Fitness. David Dantzler
and his wife Alyce are part of an ownership group (all from the Roanoke area) bringing the
franchise to the area.
Dantzler are busy preparing for the opening of Wag ‘N Wash. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Fitness location.
Dantzler worked for 31 years in retail for Kroger before retiring, then as CEO for the Rescue
Mission, and now as Director of Feeding Southwest Virginia. He says Wag ‘N Wash gives him
the opportunity to bring all of his worlds together—”feeding people and feeding pets.”
Dantzler (who seems to have trouble staying retired) says he and a business partner kept tossing
around the idea of the Wag ‘N Wash. “For some crazy reason” he missed retail; plus, he and his
family love animals, pets, and fostering.
Realizing that pet ownership is rapidly expanding for those with and without children, they
decided last January to go for it and open the business. It has been a night and weekend project in
the months since and now they are ready to open their doors.
Wag ‘N Wash is a national franchise with some 28 stores across the country. They describe
themselves as “a caring for pets from head to tail” as a full-service grooming salon, self-serve pet
wash, and retailer of high-quality pet foods, treats, toys, and pet care essentials. Their goal is to
become a store which offers high quality service to those they will consider neighbors, not just
customers.
Their plans are for a grand opening celebration in January, with some soft opening events
coming up soon. The Roanoke franchise plans to hire 15 full- and part-time employees, including
three groomers. Greg Hogston, another Kroger veteran, will manage the 3,800-square-foot store.
Mandy Clark, who has been involved in pet retail and pet rescue for 20 years, is the assistant
store manager.
Dantzler and his family lived in the Bonsack area for many years. His children are all graduates
of William Byrd High School. Daughter Haley Harris is currently the athletic trainer for the
William Byrd Terriers football team.
He has already become involved with the community as a member of the Vinton Chamber of
Commerce and the Roanoke Regional Chamber. In October, Wag ‘N Wash sponsored the
immensely popular Doggie Costume Contest at the Vinton Fall Festival.
The Dantzlers have fostered pets for the SPCA and other rescue organizations throughout the
years. They plan to encourage others to foster, rescue, and adopt, by partnering with the RCACP,
St. Francis of Assisi, and other pet organizations. Wag ‘N Wash will also accept donations for
rescue and adoption organizations from customers to be split between local groups. They plan to
utilize their front sidewalk to host many adoption events.
At this point contractors are installing grooming stations, partitions, and shelves. Employees are
busy stocking those shelves.
Their hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.
Follow Wag ‘N Wash on Facebook; visit the website at wagnwash.com; or call 540-924-9274
for more information, updates, and the grand opening date.
