As long as cats don't turn into "Kung Fu kitties" and dogs don't become "raging lions," Judy Henion is quite comfortable in her work.

The owner of Judy's Pet Grooming in Albany, Henion has had her share of scratches and bites in 24 years as a groomer. But she wouldn't trade working with the animals for anything.

"I could never get enough of animals," she said. "Even when I was a kid. I've had horses, dogs, chickens, cats, even a llama."

She was such an animal addict that she planned to become a veterinarian. Her impatience changed her mind.

"I looked at the amount of time it took and, wow!" she exclaimed. "My mom found an ad in the paper for learning how to become a dog groomer. They put me up in a camp trailer in Eugene and six months later I graduated."

Henion had eight hours to prove she could master five different dog grooming cuts to get her through the course. That was in 1972.

"I passed and I still have that instruction book," she said, smiling. "It's a lot different now."

Grooming is more than a profession for Henion. It's almost therapy.

"I love what I do. I get a certain peace that I can't explain when I stand in front of that table with clippers or scissors. All my cares go away," she said.

She has been a groomer in Jefferson, Brownsville and then Jefferson again before setting up her new business at 1426 Sixth St. in Albany just over a month ago. An occasional feisty dog or cat hasn't diminished her enthusiasm for what she does.

"I have a few scars. I have one I kind of gave myself after a dog attacked me from the table. I jumped back so quickly I cut myself with the scissors," she said. "Overall, cats tend to be tougher to handle."

Such problems are rare. Almost all the animals Henion grooms "have been wonderful" and she has groomed multitudes of animals. In a typical day she will see four to six. Since opening in Albany on July 7, a total of 67 pets have had her personal pampering.

"It takes more than two hours per animal," said Henion, who accepts all sizes and breeds. "It's an intensive process."

And there are a lot more breeds to deal with these days. When Henion began she said it was one poodle after another.

She includes plenty of extras in a typical grooming. Along with clipping and bathing she trims and cleans nails, and also cleans ears, teeth and glands. She drys each animal by hand using a blow dryer.

"It takes longer but it's more personal and helps us bond with an animal," she said.

Needless to say, plenty of equipment is required. She has an array of clippers and scissors and more than 50 different blades to shave or clip an animal. Add combs, brushes, a special file for nails and cleaning supplies, and it's a well-stocked shop.

Most clips are around $35 to $40 and a $10-off special is running through Sept. 7.

"I'm always adding equipment and looking to improve what I have," Henion said.

She's also teaching daughter Katrina the art. And Katrina's infant son Jeremiah is always close by.

"He's a great ice-breaker for people who bring their dogs in," Henion said.

Judy's Pet Grooming is open Monday through Saturday. Summer hours are generally 12:30 to 7 p.m., but are flexible. Call (541) 926-1147 for an appointment.