July 04, 2025
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsObituariesFriday Night DriveeNewspaperLocal EventsShaw Local RadioStarved Rock Country

La Salle dog business closes after co-owner’s death

Dog grooming salon opened in 2019

By Stephanie Jaquins
Paws on First in La Salle has closed following the passing of the dog grooming business’ co-owner, Angela Bontz.

Paws on First in La Salle has closed following the passing of the dog grooming business’ co-owner, Angela Bontz. (Derek Barichello - dbarichello@shawmedia.com)

Paws on First in La Salle has closed following the passing of the dog grooming business’ co-owner, Angela Bontz.

“With this I will not be continuing on with the salon without her,” co-owner Abby Hochstatter wrote on the business’ Facebook page Saturday, referring to Bontz as her best friend. “We started this together and I will forever be grateful for the years I had with her and all of you.”

Bontz, 44, of Peru, was passionate about her “fur babies,” according to her obituary, including the many strays that gravitated to her home. The obituary said she and Hochstatter took their time to bond and provide nothing less than they were capable of for their furry friends and parents.

The dog grooming salon at 552 First St., La Salle, opened in 2019.

The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we’re also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.