DECATUR -- When Kim Schwalbach was about to hang up her clippers in late 2002, after 23 years of grooming dogs, veterinarian Dr. Larry Baker invited her to teach her trade to prison inmates.

Schwalbach agreed to establish and operate a dog grooming salon within the Decatur Correctional Center, a medium-security prison on the city's north side.

Since opening the CLIP (Correctional Ladies Improving Pets) salon six-and-a-half years ago, Schwalbach has trained dozens of inmates and helped hundreds of dogs to find homes.

The certified master groomer retired July 1.

"It's been a labor of love for me," Schwalbach said, during a break from supervising her student groomers at the prison. "The people here have been wonderfully supportive and my students have been the very best."

Prison officials are hoping the program will continue, and Baker has begun advertising for a new grooming instructor/supervisor. Baker, who worked with prison officials to initiate the program, has donated much of the salon's equipment and his time to the effort.

"I don't think we can find a replacement for Kim, but I believe we can find someone who can do a good job," Baker said, adding she treats the inmates very well and her salon has groomed many dogs in the city's two shelters. "She's an excellent teacher. She has helped save a lot of pets' lives through that program."

The program has been grooming about 500 shelter dogs each year; their improved appearance has improved their adoption chances.

CLIP has had a tremendous impact on inmates, several of whom have landed jobs shortly after their release.

Katina Williamson, 36, credits Schwalbach with dramatically changing her life. Williamson was selected as a student from a long list of inmates, just three months before her discharge. She began working as a groomer at "Primp Your Pet" in Sterling one week after she was released last year.

"Kim is the kindest, most caring person I have met in my life," Williamson said.

Norine Mercer, co-owner of the Sterling salon, said the two groomers she hired from Schwalbach's program were two of the best she has had in her 30 years in the business. Both had excellent skills and attitudes.

"I'd really hope the program continues, because I hope to get more groomers from that program," Mercer said.

Mike Dooley, industries supervisor at the prison, said most of the ladies who have worked with Schwalbach have not returned to prison.

"We have been happy to have Kim here as part of our program," Dooley said. "It has been a wonderful program for the facility."