Now she is able to return the favor at "Pawesome Pet Spa," a Lyndhurst pet salon she opened in December of 2014.
"I've worked with animals my whole life," Lumba, 44, told Daily Voice. "Even when you can only give them a little they always give back a lot."
"They are my constant companions."
At the pet spa, cats and canines alike are pampered by Lumba.
A standard grooming includes a "coat appropriate" bath, nail clipping, ear cleaning, "paw-ticure," facial scrub, and massage.
Lumba, who is certified in animal CPR and obedience, also checks for any medical or hygiene issues on the pets she services, she said.
"I take a lot of pride in my grooming," said Lumba, who is the only groomer at Pawesome Pet Spa. "I treat every pet individually and get to know their personality, likes, and dislikes."
Lumba also trains rescued dogs to be donated to the Bergen County Sheriff Department, and brings her own — she owns four — to local hospitals to visit special needs patients.
At "Pawesome," Lumba provides free grooming to shelter dogs and discounts to recently rescued dogs.
She hopes her pet salon becomes the go-to place for animal grooming.
"I want to have a client base that loves our work," she said, "and keeps bringing their pets back again and again."
Pawesome Pet Spa is located at 507 Valley Brook Avenue in Lyndhurst.
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