Over the course of the last 12 years, Barbie Townsend has gotten to know a lot of dogs.

“They’re better than people – they just love you,” Townsend said, smiling as she recalled the 12-year existence of her West Sedona grooming and doggy-day-care business. “Every day is different, because they’re all different personalities.”

A transplant from Tucson, Townsend originally moved to the area to be with her parents. Since then, she has established herself as a successful businesswoman despite minor and major recessions, construction projects and the city’s legislative limits. The position has given her a great deal of perspective on the economics of small town Sedona.

“As long as you’re on the main drag, you’ve got a pretty good chance of making it,” Townsend said, adding that a move several years ago allowed her to reach more customers. “Visibility is the most important thing.”

The more obvious truth to Townsend’s longevity among the red rocks, however, is that she has been around animals all of her life. Her first goal was to be a veterinarian, but by Townsend’s own admittance she “hated school” and so moved to a more modest but no less noble calling: Keeping our canine friends well cared for.

Over the years, Townsend flirted with a full staff before realizing that she and her son were the only ones who treated the animals the way they deserved to be treated.

The passion for animal care extends well beyond the workplace. Two horses — her avowed passion — and four cats make their home on her property. Goats used to roam around, causing general trouble, but Townsend no longer has the hoofed creatures around.

To read the full story, see the Friday, Oct. 30, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.