If you happen to spot a giant blue dog whizzing past you on the road, don’t worry, it’s not an apparition, it’s likely Declan Nash and his mobile dog-grooming unit have just passed you on his way to a job.

The South Circular Road rugby player says he can’t be embarrassed by transporting the giant mobile coloured canine, as it the most important part of his public relations machine.

“I’ll be changing the colour of the dog to green. I’m going to call it ‘Emerald Pooch’, and I’ll try and work the tri-colour into the logo on the side of the mobile unit too,” says Declan.

Five years ago Declan was working and playing rugby in Australia and was introduced to a business there called ‘HydroDog, which offers a mobile dog grooming service.

“I thought it was a great idea the moment I saw it because I knew there was nothing like it in Ireland. I travel to the customer they don’t have to come to me, which is the unique thing about the service,” he says.

When HydroDog Founders Anthony and Cristian Amos started a mobile dog washing business, everybody wagged their fingers at them, but they have now set all the tails wagging.

HydroDog comes to the customer fully equipped with a hygienic Hydrobath, a skilled operator and a range of high performance products. All that is needed is access to water and electricity and Declan Nash does the rest!

“It’s a great industry here in Limerick at the moment. I’ve been up and running for a year and a half now and what’s great for me is that I’ve managed to retain regular custom while also gaining new clients all the time.”

Declan’s HydroDog mobile unit also has full insurance cover and is fast becoming the number one service of its kind through its dedication to ensuring the health and well being of dogs and through maintaining high levels of customer relations.

“The business has just snowballed since I began operating in Limerick and I love it because I’m a dog lover. I offer a service for all breeds of dogs and all sizes. It’s pretty big in Australia and I think we are no catching on over here. I’ve never seen anything like it here in Ireland or the UK so I feel there is definitely a niche in the market,” says Declan.

The service includes pre-brushing to loosen dirt; Deodorizing clean fresh warm water wash with your choice of shampoo; Specialist treatment shampoos for all dog skin conditions. The eyes and ears of the dog are gently cleaned and the nails are trimmed.