Within the span of a year, Jiten and Charisma Bhakta welcomed their first child, rescued a puppy named Max, and opened Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Laguna Niguel.
It was a season marked by both new beginnings and difficult goodbyes.
The same day they learned they were expecting their first child, their dog Thor, who had been by Jiten’s side through college, marriage, career changes, and countless everyday moments, was diagnosed with cancer.
“Loving him through his final chapter changed us and reminded us just how deep the bond between pets and families is,” says Charisma.
That time stayed with them, shaping what they would eventually build. In the months that followed Thor’s passing, they welcomed their son. Before long, they rescued their pup, Max, wanting their child to grow up alongside a furry best friend of his very own.
Today, Woof Gang has evolved into more than a grooming salon and pet boutique. The Bhaktas have fostered an environment based on trust, communication, and attentive care. Each pet is treated as an individual, a philosophy that carries into their daily work, and their team takes time to understand each dog’s personality while guiding owners with a personal touch.
“Education is a huge part of who we are,” notes Charisma. “From helping achieve specific goals to understanding coat conditions, comforting and cuddling nervous pets, guiding pet parents through products, nutrition, and every pet need, our groomers and retail staff work hard to provide support that goes beyond simply booking a service or purchasing a product.”
Small details echo that approach, from personalized bandanas and post-visit report cards to thoughtful acknowledgments of life’s milestones, including new puppies and birthdays to times of loss.
Over time, familiar faces become part of regular routines, young puppies return as adult dogs, and many even start to recognize the route before they’ve even hopped out of the car.
“Seeing returning clients trust us repeatedly, watching dogs get excited to walk through our doors, watching puppies grow up and experience their first grooms, being a part of growing families, and watching our toddler and pup grow up alongside our shop and staff made us realize we are not just building a business, we are building relationships,” says Charisma.
Like many small business owners, the couple has navigated its share of challenges, from construction delays and financial pressure to the work of cultivating a reliable, value-driven team. Through it all, they have remained focused on what they set out to develop from the beginning.
“We hope to grow intentionally while staying true to what matters most to us: a small, family-centered business built on trust, compassion, and genuine connection with pets and their people,” says Charisma.
As Woof Gang continues to grow, their attention remains on the partnerships that define their mission. Charisma notes, “From clients getting to know our retail and grooming staff and becoming part of our personal lives, to our toddler now knowing staff, dogs, and clients who witness his growth; from our pup taste-testing all the treats, to a community that makes the hard days worth it.”
Upcoming plans include events such as seasonal celebrations, a gratitude-themed “Thankful for Tails” initiative, and a second annual Howl-o-ween costume contest.
“Our team has become family, our clients became friends, and their pets became a part of our lives,” says Charisma. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received and are excited for what’s ahead.”
As so much of daily life moves faster and further online, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Laguna Niguel offers a more grounded experience, where trust grows gradually and a strong sense of community is formed through everyday moments.
"We hope to grow intentionally while staying true to what matters most to us: a small, family-centered business built on trust, compassion, and genuine connection with pets and their people."