|
From Sally's
Desk...
I dropped into the sofa to eat breakfast
and catch a little morning news on the CBS Morning Show. An upcoming
topic caught my interest. An automatic dog wash. This should
be interesting, I thought as I waited through the commercials.
This invention could be the end of grooming as we know it.
Cheery news people bantered about the upcoming
topic as the film began to roll. An inocuous box, with clear
front panels, filled the screen. An innocent, trusting pet was
placed through the plexiglass door. It looked similar to a dog
dryer.
"You can just set the buttons,"
said the attendant, "and go shopping. Come back for your
clean dog in forty minutes or so," he said proudly, with
a smile. "It's just like a washing machine," was the
analogy.
The ON button was pushed. Water and suds
flew all over the pastic box containing the dog. I gasped audibly
as I watched. The terrified pet's eyes bulged as sudsy water
pelted him from all directions.
The owner smiled, as she went on her way,
leaving her terrified pet clawing at the door. They showed rinse
and blow drying cycles as the poor animal looked for some place
of protection. But there was none.
Eventually, the owner came back, smiling
at her "clean" pet.
They demonstrated how wonderful this was
for cats, too. "Why get scratched and bitten, when this
automatic system can clean a cat, too?" offered the spokesman.
"It's the wave of the future."
A calm cat was placed into the unit. Without
warning a torrent of water and suds hit the animal, and he disappeared
from screen in a streak. I have no clue where he went, but he
disappeared in a storm of suds. Later, the dazed cat, with huge,
dialated pupils, emerged behind the plastic door. The cycle was
over. I'm sure if the door opened, he would have been on the
ceiling... such was his expression.
The newscasters chuckled. The manufacturer
glowed. The owner smiled. Everyone was happy except the pets...
and ME!
I have battled difficult bathing clients
before, but NEVER did I see the face of such a frightened pet
in my tub. I could not believe how these seemingly knowledgeable
people could consider such a treatment humane. They even say
it de-fleas. Now there is a good idea. Flea dip shooting into
the eyes of animals... and dead cats.
Keep your eyes open. I kid you not. This
item is in the marketplace.
God bless you.
Sally
sally@barkleigh.com
Texas Groomer
Wants to Get Ball Rolling on Groomer Licensing
Dear Readers, I'm writing in regard to licensing and
regulating of the grooming industry. I've been reading about
this issue for several years, and I'm for it.
I, along with my husband, own and operate a boarding, grooming
and training facility in the golden triangle (Rose City TX).
I've been in this industry for ten years, and I am very successful
at it. I do all the grooming because there are no reputable groomers
to hire. I've been through a lot of backwoods country groomers,
and have sent them all packing because they are unskilled, uneducated
and know very little about pet behavior, let alone basic grooming
skills and CPR. They are either brutal on their brushouts or
handling of the dogs, or don't know pattern placements on Terriers,
Poodles or Cockers.
If licensing would become mandatory, maybe we could put an
end to people who have no business grooming. Hair stylists and
doctors must have a license to operate.
I have not been able to find a groomer who is even qualified
to work in my establishment, and I don't think I have set my
standards too high.
I would like to get the licensing movement started in Texas
and would appreciate any input on how to go about this. A Texas
Groomer
Kathleen Putman
- A Miracle in Progress
by Kathy Hosler
"My grooming career began when I was fifteen," recalls
an upbeat Kathleen Putman. "I had an Irish Setter that I
was showing and a breeder had taught me to groom him. Then I
tried my hand at trimming a Cocker. A 4-H leader showed me how
to do Poodle feet, and I was off!"
Kathleen read everything she could find about grooming, and
a local vet permitted her to use his office to start her grooming
business. Soon it became apparent to everyone, that when Kathleen
Putman puts her mind to something, she does not stop until she
accomplishes it.
"I was in a rural farming town," states Kathleen.
"So, to practice the fancy trims, I would first do the fancy
trim, then shave the dog down, which is what the owner really
wanted." And, as far as doing different breeds, she would
study them at dog shows, and then try to make her clients' dogs
look like that.
"I had a pretty good business built up," said Kathleen,
"and when I went away to college, people would wait for
me to come home on break so they could get their dogs done."
After a few years of college, Kathleen finally decided that
grooming dogs was what she really wanted to do, so she quit college
and got a "real" job grooming for a vet. But, it wasn't
long before she yearned for more. The next step in Kathleen Putman's
blossoming career was to be competitive grooming.
"I wanted to try my hand at competing, and when I started
a new job with a Schnauzer breeder in August of 1984, they said,
"We're going to the All American Grooming Show. Do you want
to come, too? We can get you a Schnauzer if you want to enter
the competition."
"Of course, I said yes," states Kathleen with a
chuckle. "We stopped on the way and picked up my Springer
Spaniel, a retired AKC champion. At the show, the Terrier class
was first. Schnauzers were not my best breed, and by the end
of that class, I wanted to hide my dog under the table and sneak
out of there before anyone saw me.
"I didn't have time to dwell on my dismal showing in
the Terrier class," Kathleen confesses, "because the
Miscellaneous Class was next, and I had to concentrate on grooming
my Springer Spaniel. Within ten minutes of that class start,
it was like everyone went away. I was grooming my beloved show
dog just as I had countless times before. When it was all done,
I had won 2nd place, and I was hooked.
What does Kathleen like most about competing? "I like
the challenge of it, trying to do better each time," Kathleen
says brightly. "I also like the camaraderie among the contestants
and making friends all over the country. Groom Team USA started
a few years after I began competing and that became a new challenge
for me," she reminisces fondly.
Kathleen has been a five-time member of Groom Team USA, representing
American pet stylists internationally. Then it became clear to
Kathleen that she needed to spread her wings and enter the world
of creative grooming.
"At one show when I was trying for Groom Team, I decided
to concentrate on the regular classes and skip creative,"
she shares. "I quickly realized that creative was MY time
and a chance for me to relax and have fun."
It's easy to see from her awesome creations that Kathleen
Putman is an artistic genius. Some of her more memorable subjects
are The Carousel Horse, Stained Glass Illusions, Starry Night,
and the Butterfly.
Then Kathleen took on a new challenge and shared her experience
and wisdom by becoming a speaker.
"I love speaking," Kathleen says, enthusiastically.
"Especially being able to influence and help other stylists.
I get a huge boost when I watch someone going through the learning
process, especially when they finally get it - something I like
to think of as a 'light bulb moment'. It is also very gratifying
to have individuals come up to me and tell me some of their successes
using a technique that I had taught them at a previous seminar,"
Kathleen proudly adds. "When someone I've worked with does
well in competition, I feel like I was a little part of that
win."
If she wasn't busy enough, Kathleen was also working closely
with Pam Lauritzen and ISCC on their continuing education seminars
and was the ISCC Testing Coordinator. Kathleen is an ISCC Certified
Master Pet Stylist Meritus, Certifier, and Consultant.
Kathleen was working for PetLove Mobile Grooming in Dallas.
"I had a huge clientele that wanted only me to groom their
dogs," Kathleen recalls. "The owners of PetLove had
been talking with me about developing a training program to get
some of the other groomers on their staff up to a higher standard."
In fact, Kathleen was to meet with them on September 24, 2003,
so they could make her promotion official."
Kathleen was riding her bike to work on the morning of September
24th. As she was going up a slightly curvy hill, a motorist traveling
at about 45 mph struck her from behind.
There were three impacts, first when the car struck Kathleen.
Then she flew into the air and landed on the car's windshield.
When the car finally stopped, a crumpled Kathleen rolled and
dropped to the pavement. The driver who hit Kathleen stopped
and gave her CPR until the ambulance arrived.
Kathleen suffered massive injuries that included a broken
back and a broken neck. She was in extremely critical condition
and for a while it was not known if she could survive. But, Kathleen
did survive. Against all odds, and with incredible courage and
determination, Kathleen began her journey to recovery.
Kathleen's rehabilitation is progressing better than anyone
could have imagined. "My doctor at Drake Center, where I
did my inpatient rehab, said that it is truly a miracle,"
confirms Kathleen. "With the injuries I sustained, it could
have taken me up to two years to be able to take a few steps
with a walker, if, in fact, I would ever walk again."
However, Kathleen Putman is not content to allow her recovery
to advance by baby steps! She has taken control and is making
great strides daily.
Kathleen is doing things that she was told were clinically
impossible for her yet. But she does not listen to what is impossible.
Instead she concentrates on what IS possible.
Kathleen triumphantly states, "On February 12, 2004,
I walked out the doors of Drake and got in the car to go home.
The outpouring of support and caring has been overwhelming, not
only from pet stylists and groomers across the country, but also
from my friends at Weight Watchers Online and people from the
town where I grew up," says a beaming Kathleen.
"And, of course, my family has been incredibly supportive.
My mom was with me for the entire eight weeks that I was at Baylor,"
adds Kathleen. "And my brother, sister, aunts and uncles
(some from as far away as Los Angeles and Maine), have all helped
greatly."
Her friends at Weight Watchers have started, "Team Kathleen,"
where they train and race (triathlons and marathons, as well
as long distance bike rides) in her honor. One person said that
since Kathleen couldn't move her arms, she was doing it for her
when she did her workouts. Another person did a MS150 bike ride
that Kathleen and she had planned to do together, carrying a
sign on her bike that said, "Kathleen, this ride is for
you."
"I am becoming more functional everyday," states
Kathleen, and happily adds, "This week, I have been able
to get out of bed by myself in the morning. That is HUGE for
me, another step closer to independence."
With satisfaction in her voice, Kathleen says, "I have
learned to work through obstacles and turn them into learning
experiences." Then she confidently adds, "I feel like
I have so much that I can give back to the industry and can't
wait to get back to doing it."
Accompanied by her Mom and two nurses, Kathleen made an appearance
at the 2004 Atlanta Pet Fair. The reception she received was
"just what the doctor ordered." Kathleen exclaims,
"The feeling of love and support as I looked at the many
faces around the room was overwhelming. People were cheering,
crying, smiling all at the same time. It was awesome!"
Kathleen was wearing a t-shirt that said, "God is the
miracle worker. I just groom dogs." How appropriate for
this incredible gal who gives her all and who is experiencing
that miracle one step at a time.
"I fully expect to be able to go back to work eventually,
and," Kathleen bubbles excitedly, "I want to share
a 'first' with everyone. A friend brought over a Poodle, and
I groomed it!" she beams. "It took me way longer than
I'm used to, and it wore me out, but I did it!"
And do you know what this remarkable lady (the one who makes
molehills out of mountains) thinks about her huge accomplishment?
"I need to get myself some good scissors," Kathleen
happily states. Then she adds emphatically, "I can see at
this point that it would be good to get lefty AND righty. As
long as I'm retraining my hands, I might as well train both of
them!" Can you imagine that? What a gal!
Just a few short months ago, Kathleen lay in intensive care,
unable to move, and facing multiple surgeries and an uncertain
future. Today, through sheer determination, her unshakable faith
in God, and an attitude that sees major obstacles as if they
were simply inconveniences, Kathleen Putman is truly a miracle
in progress.
To help Kathleen in her recovery, contributions and cards
can be sent to Kathleen Putman, 112 Willow Place, Blanchester,
OH 45107-1073.
Liana Garcia
- A Real Life Fairy Tale
by Kathy Hosler
Liana Garcia recently won top honors at
the 2004 Groom and Kennel Expo held in Burbank, California, with
a spectacularly groomed Springer Spaniel.
After watching her transform an everyday
dog into a masterpiece, you may find it hard to believe that
there was a time when Liana did not know that there was such
a thing as a dog groomer. Well, it's true.
Liana Garcia needed a job. She applied
for a position as a receptionist, but when she went for an interview,
the job had already been filled. The ladies gave Liana a tour
of the business and showed her what they did there. Then they
asked her if she would like to learn how to bathe dogs. And the
rest is history.
Liana started out by cleaning kennels and
the shop, became a bather, and then advanced to do some prepping
and a bit of scissor work.
After a year, all her hard work was noticed,
and Susan Fulcher asked Liana if she would like to learn how
to groom. From that moment on, Susan took Liana under her wing
and taught her everything that she knew about grooming.
Susan was an avid participant in grooming
contests, and it was she who introduced Liana to the world of
competitive grooming. Liana would accompany Susan when she competed,
and would excitedly watch all the competitors, marveling at the
remarkable groomers and their amazing grooming skills.
Susan urged Liana to try her hand in the
competition ring. Liana credits the support and guidance of Susan
Fulcher as making it possible for her to compete.
"There is a lot of hard work and preparation
before a grooming contest, "But I love it. It can be nerve-wracking
too," Liana continues. "Before a competition I'm always
nervous, and I question myself, wondering if I can do a good
job in the time allotted. But after about 5 minutes, I block
everything out and concentrate on my dog, and all the nerves
and fears go away."
One thing that Liana especially likes is
the panel judging system used by the International Judges Association.
"I like the IJA panel judging system," Liana states
emphatically. "I always know that - win or lose - I was
judged fairly." She adds, "That's a real incentive
to enter."
When Liana's name was announced as the
winner of the World Cup at Groom and Kennel Expo, she was both
thrilled and stunned. "I was shocked. I didn't believe it,"
exclaimed Liana. "It was an amazing feeling."
Liana's partners, Susan Fulcher and Frances
McCabe, placed a press release about her victory in Liana's local
newspaper. Liana has been overwhelmed by many accolades from
the grooming clients at her salon, A Paw-fect World in Torrence,
California. Yet, this humble gal comments, "I won the competition,
but I feel that there is still so much more for me to learn.
I don't feel special."
Well, the grooming world thinks that Liana
is very, very special! She has experienced a true Cinderella
story, starting at the very bottom cleaning kennels and scrubbing
dog butts. Then through sheer determination, plenty of hard work,
and enormous talent, this plucky, dedicated artist has been crowned
the World Cup winner.
Groom & Kennel Expo Celebrates Fun, Education and Contests
by Marcia Hill
The East and West Coasts joined together at Barkleigh Productions'
Groom & Kennel Expo in Burbank, California recently, and
beleive it or not, sunshine prevailed.
This year brought out more contestants
than ever. Poodle classes filled the stage and overlapped onto
the ballroom floor. The Sporting, Terrier, Mixed and Other Breeds
were all well represented. The Creative Styling class literally
stole the show. I find it amazing that most of the entrants for
the Creative Styling contest have been competing in the other
classes as well. Where do these talented people get their energy?
Some of the topics for the props used behind the contestant entries
must take a considerable amount of research. Many of the groomers
invest a sizable amount of money and labor in their creations
All of the contestants deserve a standing ovation for their efforts.
They are truly dedicated to the competition.
Thursday started the ball rolling with
an afternoon seminar presented by Teri Di Marino, entitled Brusher/Bather
Certification. Her instructions on the handling of pets, the
selection of combs, brushes, and dematting tools prepared new
or experienced groomers for duty. The proper techniques for cutting
toenails, using the correct shampoo, and efficient, safe practices
for high-speed drying an animal were all addressed.
Also on Thursday, the renowned European
Terrier handler, Berno Bekebrede, presented The Art of Grooming.
This valuable seminar about terrier grooming and handling had
a slightly different focus, not all hair but canine anatomy.
Attendees watched a power point presentation on conformation,
balance and symmetry of terrier breeds.
Judy Kurpiel, director of the International
Professional Groomers Certification Workshop, and four certifiers
guided groomers through the rules and guidelines for pet grooming
of the Non-Sporting, Sporting, and Terrier breeds. The title,
Certified Master Groomer, is the ultimate goal for International
Standard of Grooming Excellence and Professionalism.
Saturday morning featured the seminar Grooming
101, presented by Marlene Romani. The four-hour power-point presentation
covered the grooming of pet Terriers, and Cockers breed profiles.
Marlene tops it off with the study of creating the proper round
head style of the Bichon Frise, and mixed breed head and body
styles, plus videos showing forced-air drying techniques. Solutions
for handling difficult pets or their owners was more welcomed
information.
Steve Appelbaum and Sybil Lindenbaum presented
the Pet Care Business Boot Camp. Mr. Applebaum, President/Interim
Director of Animal Behavior College, suggested that all pet care
professionals (groomer, trainer, vet, boarder, pet sitter, etc.)
could work together to help the animal learn to accept the different
situations it will probably encounter during its lifetime.
Sybil Lindenbaum, President of Lindenbaum
Public Relations, explained how good marketing skills and innovations
keeps your customers coming back year after year.
The Grooming Equipment Clinic, presented
by Ken Amo, a hands-on workshop enabled groomers to service their
own clippers.
Magical Mutt Makeover, presented by Connie
Schauermann, offered an opportunity to analyze conformation,
coat type, color and markings, plus personality to create a pleasing
groom.
Bigger is NOT Always Better - The Advantage
of All Suites Pet Resorts, presented by Dina Perry, was for people
interested in having a profitable boarding facility indoors.
From Grunt Age to High Tech, presented
by Marlene Romani, demonstrated changes in innovation and design
of the present day grooming equipment.
Making Your Mobile Dreams Come True, presented
by Dina Perry stated that mobile grooming is the way of the future.
The allure of being your own boss, and employee-free, coupled
with doing fewer dogs and making more money, cannot be denied.
Grooming the Geriatric Pet, presented by
Teri DeMarino taught methods of control and support of those
senior pets that have difficulty standing or having their limbs
moved during normal grooming processes.
Building System Engineering in the Animal
Care Facility, presented by Scott Learned, made it very clear
and understandable that building a pet care facility, of any
kind, requires the use of a licensed architect and a variety
of engineers working together to ensure an efficient and safe
building.
The Long and Short of It - Teri on Terriers,
presented by Teri DiMarino, focused on correcting the misplaced
lines of terrier grooming. She stressed the importance of studying
conformation in these breeds.
Building Systems Engineering in the Animal
Care Facility, presented by Scott Learned, provided the audience
with an eye opening view of what it takes to have a facility
function efficiently. "You need a professional licensed
engineer to analyze the specific needs and design it carefully
for present and future needs," said Scott.
Biosecurity in the Grooming and Boarding
Facility, presented by Judy Breton, taught that reading labels
and understanding warnings on disinfecting products is crucial
for effectiveness and safety for both humans and animals.
Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs, presented
by Alexander Werner, VMD, made groomers a little wiser about
rashes and allergies. He stressed the importance of being educated
about the application of medicated shampoos and rinses, dips
and flea and tick preventative medications.
Dazzle Your Clients (The Art of Accessories)
presented by Delise Knight, was
an incredibly fun seminar about using paper stencils,washable
color crayons, Jerome Russell sprays, edible cake decorating
colors, and Jazzing by Clairol for theme driven coat painting.
Joanne's Ahhh Haaas! Mobile Grooming Tips
presented by Joanne Russell, shared that there must be efficiency
in the mobile grooming van. It is a very confined space and everything
needs to be well organized. She reported being able to set-up,
brush and bathe, and finish some pets in about thirty minutes.
She instructed groomers to do more than one dog at a time whenever
possible like an assembly line to save time.
This was a huge show with a lot of activity,
large grooming classes, many seminars, trade show floor demonstrations
and sales. It seemed that there was never a dull moment.
The dates for the Groom & Kennel Expo
2005 are February 10 - 13. For more information about this show,
Request
Reader Service Card #426.
Aaronco Sponsors Best in
Show Level 1
PETCO Sponsors
World Cup Grooming Games Championship
Liana Garcia, of A Paw-fect World
in Torrance, California, captured the World Cup Grooming Games
Championship at Groom & Kennel Expo, held recently in Burbank,
California. She received $2500 from Petco, Best in Show sponsor.
(See Cover.)
The contests, sanctioned by The International
Judges Association, boasted over sixty contestants competing
in four classes. Grooming was judged on three levels.
Winner of Best in Show, Level 2 was Hazel
Leaver of Dog World Beauty Salon in Victoria, British Columbia.
Her prize totaled $1,000 from Petco, Best in Show sponsor and
was presented by Angela Clark, Regional Pet Service Manager of
West Coast South and Bob Raymone, Regional Pet Service Manager
of the West Coast North.
Janet Lostale, of Foxy Dog Pet Grooming
in Nanaimo, British Columbia won $700 shears from Aaronco for
her Level 1 Best in Show win!
Atlas Business Solutions
Introduces New Customer Appointment Software
Atlas Business Solutions, Inc. (ABS), a leading provider of small
business software, today announced the release of Customer Appointment
Manager™. This new, easy-to-use, appointment book software
is designed to help small businesses schedule and manage their
customer appointments.
Customer Appointment Manager helps businesses
spend less time scheduling appointments and more time focusing
on customers. With Customer Appointment Manager, users can quickly
find available appointment times and schedule a onetime or repeating
appointment, all with just a few clicks of their mouse. It also
gives users the power to: view appointments by day, week, or
month, set appointment reminders, prevent double-bookings, fill
cancellations and avoid no-shows, increase staff utilization,
improve customer service, import employees and customers from
QuickBooks.
For more information, Request
Reader Service Card #1118.
Cloud Star Offers Savings
for Groomers
Cloud Star offers the demand for natural
grooming products by offering Buddy Wash shampoo, Buddy Rinse
conditioner, and Buddy Splash spritzer, all designed for dogs
with allergies or sensitivities.
"Your customers will really love the
results and want to snuggle with their pet that smells clean,
but not overly fragranced," says Jennifer Melton, co-founder
of Cloud Star.
The products can be diluted with water
and are very easy to rinse out, which means less water (and money)
going down the drain. Also, because these products are so mild,
they are gentle on a groomer's hands.
Buddy Wash and Buddy Rinse are all natural
and environmentally friendly.
For more information about these products,
Request
Reader Service Card #1119.
Study Discovers Pets
Are Becoming Important Members of Household
A recent American Animal Hospital Association
national survey found:
· 63% of pet owners spend more than
two hours of quality time with their pet every day.
· 39% give their pet human names,
the most popular being Max, Molly, Maggie, Bailey.
· 47% responded that their pet most
often sleeps on their bed.
· 62% celebrate their pet's birthday.
· 47% turn on the TV or radio to
make their pet more comfortable when leaving it alone.
Applicator Eliminates
Waste
The Applicomb's™ hollow teeth applicator
allows solutions to be easily applied directly and accurately
to the skin and hair. Excellent for insecticides, medications,
shampoos, oils, detanglers, conditioners, etc. No mess to your
hands and eliminates waste. Screws on to 4oz, 8oz and 16 oz bottles.,
Distributor inquiries welcomed. For more information, Request
Reader Service Card #1111.
Frank Rowe & Son
Announces New Website
Frank Rowe has announced a new website,
www.FrankRoweandSon.com, designed especially for groomers
and displaying merchandise and services offered, in lieu of a
paper catalog. To have your email added to a special sales list,
reply to FrankRowe@Earthlink.net
or call
(717) 533-4426.
Q & A
A. I
am a new owner of a grooming establishment. We only have cool
air dryers for our cage dryers. The only warm air dryers that
we have are the hand held or stand dryers that are only used
for the grooming tables. Our dogs are happier, and our owners
are happy that their dogs do not leave here dehydrated. So we
pay a little more in heating costs in the winter. At least we
keep our clients happy. Just my opinion Kathy Slater, Michigan
Q. Hi, Groomers What can I do about clients who constantly
miss their appointment or are always at least an hour late? Sometimes
they miss their appointment so they just show up the next day
and think it's no big deal and get mad if I can't fit them in.
I have posted a notice about charging a fee for missed or late
appointments, but the first time I charged someone I lost them
as a customer. So, now I am afraid to charge the fee. I charged
her because she called the day before and begged me to squeeze
her in. Then she didn't show up. She said I should expect people
not to show up. That's the kind of business it is. Is it true
that I should expect people not to keep their appointments? Diane
Levesque, Diane's Westies
Q. I was reading the article in Groomer to Groomer
and was wondering how are these dogs dying? Are they using heated
dryers? What? I groom at PETsMART part time and at home part
time, as well. I hand dry most every dog when grooming at home,
but, at PETsMART we do use kennel drying with cool air. I'm a
concerned groomer and don't want any dogs to die under my care.
I hope to be grooming full time at my home in the very near future
and would like to know what never to do while drying a dog that
would result in their death. Mary Ann Gann, PETsMART
Q. Dear Sally As a long time groomer, in the back
of my mind I always was aware of how potential accidents could
occur, and I'm constantly alert for anything that could happen.
But, I have found that even under the best of circumstances and
a very watchful eye, accidents can still occur.
When dealing with pets, we will always
be running the risk of something unexpected occurring. The groomer
cannot be certain the pet will sit still so it won't get knicked.
The animal cannot tell us if the water is too warm or cold, or
of any other need the pet might have. We have to be exceptional
people with pet knowledge and skill, and still, will this prevent
all accidents from happening?
It is very hard to live with mistakes in
our profession. What can we learn from what happened in California
with the pet dryer death, and how can we prevent something like
this from happening again? Martha Bolin, The Cranberry Dog, Holland
MI
A. Dear
Sally I live in Sydney, Australia and have just received my copy
of Groomer to Groomer, and the first thing I read with great
interest was your article on pet deaths in salons. I have been
grooming for eighteen years and started off in salons where I
also saw dogs die or nearly die in drying rooms. I also saw a
lot of abuse by so-called "pet professionals." This
led to my starting one of Sydney's very first mobile grooming
services, which I have happily done ever since.
However, the mobile craze has only just
started here, and of course, every well meaning "animal
lover" thinks, 'hey! I can do that!' I don't know if you
realize how far behind we are here, but we do not have any colleges
or proper training facilities here, and the franchise businesses
in particular are only giving a few weeks training and off they
go. Hence, this current summer I am hearing endless tales of
tips of ears, tails and penises being cut off. The worst was
a girl who was yacking on her mobile while she scissored a dog's
face. She cut the end of his tongue off. I am horrified by all
this and terribly saddened to see dogs traumatized by so called
pet lovers.
I, too, would like to see some legislation
happening here before it gets too big to handle, and something
worse happens. Regards, Jacqui
Send all questions and answers
to
Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
6 State Rd. #113, Mechanicsburg PA 17050
Fax: (717) 691-3381
E:mail: sally@barkleigh.com
ProGroom San
Diego and Natural Pet Expo Host
Three Day Seminar Event
Several day-long programs and two days
of grooming contests highlighted the recent ProGroom San Diego
and Natural Pet Expo held recently in conjunction with The Off
Lead Training Expo at the Del Mar Fairground in California.
Teri DiMarino presented a Brusher/Bather
Certificate Seminar. The Accomplished Groomer was a program by
Marlene Romani. Sharpen Your Grooming Skills included a Cocker
Demo by Connie Schauermann, The Gentle Groomer by Therese Backowski,
and Minding Your Own Business with Marea Tully. Wendy Volhard
addressed Canine Nutrition and Complementary Sources of Health
Care.
Fantastic bargains, demonstrations and
free samples were on tap for the three day trade show featuring
nearly fifty national companies and manufacturers.
Andis Company sponsored the IJA sanctioned
grooming tournaments for three levels with huge prize money and
trophies. Oster sponsored a Career Start Contest for novice groomers.
Show Champion Groomer was Tammy Vranich
of Wildwynd Mobile Grooming in Huntinton Beach, California. Level
2 Best in Show was Marietta Phillips of The Posh Pooch, Yucca
Valley, California, and Level 1 Best in Show went to Miranda
Stonebraker, also of The Posh Pooch.
San Diego Contest
Results
Show Champion · Tammy Vranich
Wildwynd Mobile Grooming · Huntington Beach CA
Best in Show (Level 2)
Marietta Phillips
The Posh Pooch, Yucca Valley CA
Best in Show (Level 1)
Miranda Stonebraker
The Posh Pooch, Yucca Valley CA
IPG Image Award · Sunny
Lasiter
Sunny Style Dog Grooming · Newport Beach CA
BIC - Best in Class, D - Difficulty,
P - Profile, T - Technical
Poodles (Level 3) BIC Tammy Vranich, P
Tammy Vranich, (Level 2) BIC Marietta Phillips, D Sunny Lasiter,
P Marietta Phillips, (Level 1) BIC Miranda Stonebraker, D Myra
Macias, P Miranda Stonebraker
Mixed & Other Purebreds (Level 3) BIC
Tammy Vranich, D Deanise Stoops, P Tammy Vranich (Level 2) BIC
Sunny Lasiter, P Sunny Lasiter, (Level 1) BIC Becky Hedrick,
D Miranda Stonebraker, T Myra Macias, P Becky Hedrick
Coleman®
Introduces Portable Hot Water Unit or Emergency Backup
For groomers on the go, or as a back-up
heater, Coleman has introduced a Hot Water on Demand™ product
to deliver hot water anytime, anywhere. This portable self-contained
unit is lightweight and durable. It is fueled by propane and
the pump is powered by a rechargeable battery. Heat forty gallons
of water on one Coleman® 16.4 propane bottle and a battery
charge.
Attachments sold separately include a spray
adapter, a water hose adapter, a five gallon water carrier, and
a carry bag to protect the heater.
For more information about this product,
Request
Reader Service Card #1112.
The Grooming
View
By Marea Tully
ACCIDENTS AVOICED
Accidents happen to all of us. They happen
on the table, in the dryer, in the tub and in holding crates.
I will share with you some of the accidents that happened in
my shop over thirty years, how they could have been avoided and
what was done to rectify the situation.
The first accident happened when I was
shaving a severely matted dog with a #7 skip tooth blade. (F
& FC blades hadn't been invented yet.) Oops, now you know
how old I am. Anyway, I was using the blade with the grain of
the coat on the side of the dog's body, trimming a straight line
from just above the elbow toward the thigh. That flap of skin
that connects the thigh to the body is one of those notorious
DANGER ZONES. I learned very quickly to strip in a downward motion
when I got to that area or change to a #10 blade. You can make
the tiniest cut there, but because of where it is located, it
will tear and be much bigger. The owner was not happy when I
explained what happened, and I lost a customer.
One day one of my groomers gasped for breath
when she discovered a patch of red stained skin right behind
the ear of a Newfoundland. The dog never made a sound, and when
I went to look at it to see what might have happened, I discovered
that while trying to remove a mat with thinning shears, she had
taken off the top layer of skin, along with the mat. She just
didn't realize thinning shears could do that.
Lesson learned? Use a #10 blade behind
the ears to remove mats, not scissors of any kind. If a #10 won't
go under the mat, use a #15 or #30, or even a #40, if you have
to. The owner was a very good customer and accepted the fact
that she was partly to blame due to the dog's being matted. The
fact is though, that the groomer was mostly to blame for not
understanding that she was not removing the mat in the safest
possible way.
This same dog had been cut five years earlier
by the clipper just above the hock (another DANGER ZONE), due
to running a #7 skip straight down the back of the leg, again
removing matted coat. To remove mats in that area, try going
down the sides of the hock while pressing inward with your finger
on the opposite side so that the hair will extend out of the
depression and the blade can cut it off. You can always use a
#10 safely on the back of the hock if you have to.
Have you ever heard of a nipple on a male
dog being removed by a #10 blade? Well, it can be done. In over
thirty years, it only happened once, but it happened. I assume
the top blade had been set too far back from the bottom blade,
and thereby the nipple was caught between the teeth of the longer
bottom blade. A lesson to keep in mine is to be careful who is
sharpening your blades.
Another nipple incident happened to a Cocker
Spaniel who had recently had puppies. The nipple was cut about
half way off. There is no way that could have been stitched back
on, so we used Nexaband to stick it back together after carefully
cleaning the area. It healed beautifully. The funny thing was
that later that evening I got a call from the owner's adult daughter,
who claimed that Samantha's neck had been cut and that she could
see blood. I couldn't imagine that had happened without my knowing
it, so I asked her to bring the dog in immediately. I put the
dog on the table, pulled her head up to view the throat and pulled
the skin straight across and asked her to show me where the cut
was. She looked and looked and said, "Well, what's all that
red stuff? I explained to her that many Cockers have throats
that look like that from moisture that gets trapped in the folds
of the skin from tight collars, among other things. I quickly
took a look underneath to make sure the nipple was okay, and
I also took the dog's temperature, and found everything to be
perfect.
Speaking of Cocker throats and the throats
of many other sporting breeds, the skin folds can be a real DANGER
ZONE. I would suggest a #10 blade and always, always hold the
head up high so that the folds will lie out flat, and you won't
nick them.
Every groomer should have a blood coagulant
on hand, and also some kind of product that will stick the skin
back together instantaneously. There are several products on
the market, and instructions are on the label. They can only
be used on small nicks and cuts, not on major ones. If stitches
are required, obviously you have to get the dog to the vet immediately
and call ahead so they know you're coming.
I remember seeing a contestant years ago
who cut the pad off the bottom of the foot while scissoring across
the pad. (A big NO-NO. You scissor AROUND the pad.) She quickly
reached for some Super Glue, calmly put the glue on the piece
of the pad, stuck it back on, and went right on grooming. The
judges had heard the dog yelp, and she didn't place. I saw this
same accident happen in Europe at a grooming competition and
no one had anything to stop the bleeding, so the dog wound up
being held with a cloth napkin applied for pressure. It took
a long time for the bleeding to stop.
Another real DANGER ZONE is the upright
ear like on a Schnauzer and other terriers. When clipping the
ear, always hold the ear up and use scissors to edge them neatly
again with ear and scissor in an upward direction, but with your
thumb and forefinger holding the edge you're cutting so you don't
nick the dog's ear.
This happened to a little Yorkie in my
shop long before I had heard of Super Glue or other industry
friendly products. I called the vet to see if we could get it
stitched, and he said no, so unfortunately the dog had a nick
in its ear for the rest of its life. The owner was a nurse and
was standing right there when it happened. It was a case where
the dog was finished, and when I took it out of the crate to
hand it to her, I noticed one more hair sticking out. I carelessly
did not hold the ear properly like I would have done if I had
been doing the entire ear so, the accident happened.
We've all had "hangdogs" on the
table who won't hold their heads up for love or money. This can
be particularly troublesome if it's a dog with a long tongue,
who won't or can't keep it in his mouth. This is a problem whether
we're clipping or scissoring. In order to protect the tongue,
if you're working on the face area, hold one side of his mouth
shut with his tongue tucked inside while you clip or scissor
the other side of the face, and then reverse the procedure for
the other side. You can also hold his mouth shut while working
on the throat area. For all other areas, when you need both hands
elsewhere, use a metal basket muzzle. This goes over the entire
head and keeps the tongue protected.
Accidents happen in dryers when there is
poor ventilation and the dryer is too hot. Use dryers that hardly
have any heat, just forced air when drying animals in crates.
Use heat dryers when hand drying on the table to fluff or finish
drying. If possible, keep your drying crates and holding crates
where they are visible to watchful eyes. DOGS IN YOUR CARE SHOULD
NEVER BE OUT OF YOUR SIGHT!
Cage dryers can be a problem if the dog
decides to bite his way out of the crate either because he doesn't
like the air blowing on him or because he just doesn't like crates.
I used to have my drying dogs in the bathing room so whenever
someone was washing a dog, they could check on the drying dogs.
Well, one day Maryanne went to wash a dog and screamed at me
to get in there quick because the dog had spread the wires with
his head and was now struggling frantically to pull himself out
and howling like crazy because he was scared and had his head
caught. Fortunately, the tool box was close at hand and I used
wire cutters to set him free. He was totally unharmed, but I
can't say the same for the crate.
Thought I'd get smart after that incident,
and I bought a really fancy professional bank of crates with
very large round metal bars in the front. Thinking that could
never happen again. Well, no, a dog never bit through those and
got his head stuck. Instead, the dog was trying to bite the bars
and wound up getting his teeth and jaw caught between the bars
and the sound the dog was making was horrifying. Try as I might,
I could not twist his jaw the other way or push it back through.
He struggled and screamed, and with tears streaming down my face
(as they are right now just remembering) I prayed to God to help
me.
The dog went into shock, and as soon as
his body went limp, he just naturally fell out of the bars, and
he was perfectly fine. He was a Bearded Collie that I had groomed
for years, and he had always been fine in a crate. That particular
day I was upstairs having lunch, my groomers were also out to
lunch, and I think he just didn't want to be alone in that room
with a dryer on him.
There can also be trouble with various
applied products. Many dogs are allergic to dips, conditioners,
detangler, shampoos or certain ingredients in them. Even though
a product may be perfectly safe on the animal's coat, you get
the nutsy dog who decides to rub his face up and down on the
side of the tub and rub the chemical shampoo into his eyes. Then
his eyes swell shut, and it's another trip to the vet. This particular
dog did it to me twice. The second time I held the dog and he
raised his paws while I was answering the phone and holding him
at the same time. He still got the flea shampoo in his eyes.
I told the owner either she did something to get rid of the fleas
permanently, or I couldn't groom him anymore.
Cats can have a rapid reaction to flea
shampoos and will die if not removed promptly from the offending
product. If you see the cat profusely drooling at the mouth,
looking like it has the blind staggers, with pupils severely
dilated or restricted, put him immediately into a tub of warm
water up to his neck so the offending product is removed immediately.
You do not have time to get him to a vet unless the vet is in
the next room. Never use a dip on a cat, even if it says it's
safe. I nearly lost a cat that way. From that day on, whenever
I had a new cat customer, or used a different product on a cat,
I would fill a ten gallon paint bucket with warm water and keep
it next to the tub in case I needed to rinse him off in a hurry.
Choke chains should never be used in your
shop. Not on the dog, not in the tub and not attached to the
wall. If a dog came in with a choke chain on, I removed it immediately.
It is too easily caught on things, and the dog could have permanent
damage in a very short time if it gets caught on something, including
its own paw. We once used chokes in the tub until one day while
bathing a Schnauzer, he started freaking out for no known reason.
The bather couldn't get behind the dog to release it from the
wall. It was flailing about like mad. The owner thought maybe
it was a seizure, but the choke cut off its air and blood supply,
and the dog's eyes were never the same again.
Accidents can and do happen when the groomer
is stressed out. We have all seen groomers lose their patience
with an animal because it just won't do what you want it to,
or because it is trying to bite you or because you were up all
night with a fussy child, etc. If you're too stressed out to
work, go for a walk, call a friend to help you or go home. If
the dog is making you angry, put it away and go back to groom
him after both of you have had a chance to cool off. Or, let
someone else groom the dog. Sometimes a groomer and a dog just
don't match, and if that's the case, do what's best for both
of you.
Sometimes you clip a dog's face or feet
or tail, and it looks fine when it walks out of the shop, but
a couple hours later or the next day, the owner calls infuriated
that the dog won't stop scratching and now it's bleeding. We
refer to that as clipper burn, but what's really happening is
that the dog's skin is sensitive to the size blade that you used.
Always write down the numbers of the blades that you use on the
dog's file card so that you can use a longer blade wherever there
might have been a problem. Make sure your blades are always clean
and sharp and also if you have these problems, try bathing and
drying the dog before you use a blade.
Always tell the owner what happened if
the accident was of any seriousness. Always have the client's
name and phone number on your client cards. If the accident happens
in your shop, I think you should pay for it. You also should
have liability insurance coverage, which is available from Gibson/Governor
Insurance. Request Reader's Service Card #1116. You can't afford
to be without it. You never know if a dog has patella rotation
until its hip goes out when you're trying to dry it, or if a
dog walks in so infested with maggots, you have to send it out
the door. Yes, those things happened to me.
Some things you just can't avoid. Others
you can. Hopefully, you will learn from my mistakes of many years
ago, and you will avoid making the same ones.
Marea
mareatully@yahoo.com
Here, Kitty,
Kitty...
Recently, Marlene Romani, of M.D.C. Romani,
received a call from Dr. William Sheperd of Uniontown PA, who
is the owner of Camelot, a veterinary hospital and The National
Wild Animal Orphanage. Camelot is a sanctuary for abused, abandoned,
and confiscated exotic animals, which are acquired from the police,
game commissions and the SPCA. Dr. Sheperd asked Marlene if she
would like to groom Duke, a male lion, that was scheduled for
a root canal. While Duke was sedated, Marlene would be able to
groom him.
Dr. Sheperd told Marlene he had contacted
her because he uses Clipper Vac for surgery preparations, as
well as to groom his big cats. Marlene was very honored... and
very excited. When she arrived at the sanctuary, she asked the
doctors in attendance if they had brought a lot of sedation.
They laughed, but Marlene was very serious.
The operation, and the grooming went very
well. Duke was huge and beautiful. "Grooming a lion is a
lot different from grooming a domestic cat," Marlene stated.
"I also learned the importance of wild animal orphanages
and what it takes to care for these amazing creatures. Every
moment with Duke and the staff was an a-mazing experience!"
The Theme of
Groom Expo 2004...
The Changing World of Professional Pet Care
"Pet services are becoming interchangeable
as we move into the new millennium," says Sally Liddick.
"Groomers are retailing and day caring; kennels are grooming;
trainers are networking, and all pet providers are becoming more
pet health conscious.
There is so much more to our professions
than meets the eye. We have to work hard to keep up with our
clients' changing demands. And that is what Groom Expo is all
about The Changing World of Professional Pet Care.
"Every aspect of professional pet
care will be represented... grooming, boarding, animal behavior,
pet health, training, pet sitting, pet retailing, business, mobile
grooming, and more. It's all at Groom Expo this year."
The dates of this stellar event are Sept.
9-12. The location is again the beautiful Hershey Lodge and Convention
Center, in Hershey, located on the lush rolling foothills of
Central Pennsylvania. On a beautiful fall Groom Expo weekend,
the surrounding Blue Mountains are their truest color... a serene
azure blue, true to their name.
PET HEALTH EXPO returns with Greg Tilford...
"There is such interest in health, holistic and alternative
therapies and products that we have decided to offer even more
education this year," says Liddick. "Pet care professionals
need to find new ways to help the pets that they care for, and
this forum will bring some top talent to our show, as well as
natural health product and service providers. It promises to
be very informative!"
"Greg Tilford is tops in his field
of herbal knowledge." Here are his exciting topics: Holistic
Approaches to Fleas, Grooming from the Inside Out, Herbal Remedies
for Groomers, and Herbs for Calming the Nervous Dog and Cat.
More health speakers will be announced.
Grooming Contests offer HUGE prize money
and FUN!
GroomOlympics will take place on Friday and Saturday offering
some of the hottest international competition in the world...
and over $20,000.00 in prize money. Large entries are expected
in three levels of competition from novice to expert. Each level
will have a Best in Show winner, with sensational prize money
from top sponsors.
The Winners Circle Tournament will
be held on Sunday morning, with the winner taking $2,500.00.
A $25,000 jackpot hangs in the balance from Winner's Circle sponsors...
Nash Academy of Kentucky, Nash Academy of New Jersey, Paragon
School of Pet Grooming, Marea Tully, Edemco, Kenic Professional
Grooming Products, Andis Company and Geib Shears. The ever popular
Barkleigh Creative Styling will be back on Sunday with
$3000.00 prize money.
For contest information Request
Reader Inquiry #237, call Barkleigh Productions at
(717) 691-3388 or e-mail at info@barkleigh.com.
Big Hairy Dog Contest
Furminator, Inc. wants to find the best groomer who can remove
the most coat from the biggest, hairiest dog. So they are sponsoring
this first ever contest. And they are offering $1000 prize money
to that one special groomer. Are you game? Don't miss this one!
Top Speakers...
As always, top speakers are planned for Groom Expo. It is the
largest educational seminar in the grooming world. Everything
from BIG screen grooming programs to exciting Add-On Programs
will be offered. Topics will include the Easy Money aspect of
retailing, with some great success stories from top retailers.
Big two day Animal Behavior Conference
There has been such interest in animal behavior programs that
we have devoted all day Thursday and Friday to a separate Animal
Behavior Conference featuring Gary Wilkes, one of the foremost
behaviorists in the world. Gary is the Phoenix Zoo's expert and
is the originator of "clicker training." This field
is coming alive with new and better ways to handle and understand
animals. You can never know enough on this topic. It makes your
everyday interaction with animals better and more controlled.
You can't handle what you don't understand.
Business is Business!
Good business knowledge is hard to find, but it is worth its
weight in gold when you find a principle that you can use. Whether
you are starting your business, growing it, expanding it or thinking
of leaving it, we have top speakers and their pearls of wisdom
for you.
BIG Mobile Grooming program...
Another great Mobile Grooming educational program is planned.
Groom Expo is the place to see all the top equipment and get
great ideas and information about this growing segment of the
grooming world. You will see more new mobile vehicles here than
anywhere in the country. See new grooming trailers and luxurious
cube vans, featuring lots more space, bathrooms, kitchenettes,
and glass doors. It's a mobile wonderland at Groom Expo. Couple
that with some exciting mobile speakers and you have a winner
of a weekend.
Dog Writer's Conference...
Want to write but don't know where to begin? Begin at Groom Expo
with our Second Dog Writer's Conference. Darlene Arden, a published
magazine and book author, will offer a day of education to budding
and wanabe writers.
Judy Bremer-Taxman is back...
Judy, the hostess with the mostest, wants you to join her for
luncheon fun plus some exciting seminars. On Saturday evening,
Judy goes to the dogs for the fourth "Dancing with Dogs"
Invitational. What are she and Barkleigh up to now?
WCFO "Dancing with Dogs" Competition...
For the fifth year, you will see the fabulous two day competition
of Dancing with Dogs on the lower level of the trade show. Trainers
bedecked in theme costumes dance to music with their dogs. You
will be moved to tears as you watch this choreography of man
and dog.
Tours, Tours and more Tours
If you love bus tours, we got em. Thursday, will be the all new
Blue Ball Express visiting the serene and beautiful Ephrata
Cloister, with its 1750's period buildings; travel the streets
of historic Lititz brimming with quaint shops, antique stores
and museums; make a pretzel at the Sturgis Pretzel Factory and
then eat at the famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord, in Blue Ball,
with its amazing 220 feet buffet of Pennsylvania Dutch food.
Friday, will be the original Amish Fling that we have offered
for years.
Another new tour, is Saturday's Guys Tour.
Bring your husband, or significant other, along to the show,
and then send him out for a day tour of the Hershey Antique Car
Museum, Harrisburg's new multi-million dollar Civil War Museum,
lunch at Hoss's Steakhouse, then onto the York Barbell Museum
and the Harley Davidson plant. Great guy stuff!
We are also planning a tour to the Millennium
Theater in Lancaster for Noah's Ark. You will think you are on
the boat yourself with Noah and a live cast of animals. It is
spectacular.
And Lots and Lots more...
I just can't begin to put all the things in here that are going
to be a part of Groom Expo this year! Kennel programs. Animal
Behavior Programs... and special events galore. So be there!
It's a tax deductible vacation that may change your pet care
life forever! For more information, request
Reader Service Card #51.
Wonders of Grooming
- Profits
by Bonnie Wonders
Dear Groomer to Groomer Readers It is now 1:45 in the morning,
and I decided to write an open letter to you all. I was mulling
over my day, as I had nothing better to do than lie in bed nursing
my carpal tunnel and tendonitis of the elbows. Note that I said
elbow(s), as in the plural sense. Yes, I have been another of
the lucky few to get both ailments in BOTH arms. As I type this,
I am also seeing those "floater" things that I heard
old people get in their line of vision. I want to reach out and
catch those giant specks that keep flashing before my eyes. Sure,
my TV can have real dust that you can write your grocery list
on if you're short on paper. Real dirt particles piled up like
that I never see, but give me imaginary bits, and I'm trying
to field them like a fly ball.
I feel certain that the Tylenol (with codeine) will kick in
at any moment, and my backache will disappear. Not that I am
whining, mind you. I think that my doctor is a tad off kilter
when he says I'm "pre-menopausal." He throws those
terms at you with wild abandon. Like I "imagine" that
my ankles look like water balloons at the end of the day. If
this is "pre," then I'd better put a deposit down on
a nice white coat that ties in the back for the "post"
part.
It was just one of those days when I made money hand over
fist and spent it twice as fast. Whoever said, "God giveth
and God taketh away" must have been either a car mechanic
or a horse shoer. Both "tooketh" away from me today.
Let me tell you how my day went.
I started grooming at 6:30 this morning. I don't usually do
that, as I also own horses that need cared for before I go to
work. So, I got up at 4:00 a.m. to leave the house at 4:30 to
do the barn routine. I made a mental note (not that ANYTHING
made mentally with me usually works) that the farrier was coming
tonight to shoe two of the horses. So, I got to work at 6:00
a.m. to get prepared. It was going to be an extremely busy day
and the money would flow like water into my place today. Lots
of BIG dogs that were easy all except for the Tibetan Terrier,
that is. I don't know what on earth possessed me to think that
this dog would be a piece of cake. I must have been confused
and was thinking more in the lines of "eating" some
cake. I really don't know. At any rate, the beast commeth and
at the moment he walked through the door, I knew Lou and I should
"goeth." The dog looked at us. We looked at the dog.
"What kind of dog was this supposed to be?" I asked
Lou under my breath. She glanced over at the appointment book.
"A Tibetan Terrier," she said, shrugging.
"I think one of us mistook the breed over the phone then,"
I said, giving her a stare that was less than friendly.
"I don't know," she said. "I heard the lady
say "Tibetan" something when she called. I guess I
messed up a little."
"No, a LOT," I commented. "This is a Tibetan
MASTIFF. How long did you allow for getting this one done?"
I asked.
"An hour," she said as she backed up behind the
counter. Oh, how easy it would have been for me to reach over
there and grab her by her scrawny neck at that moment. But I
exercised restraint.
Smiling, we took the dog from the owner. It was now 5:00 in
the evening. I knew I would be stuck doing this dog for three
hours or so. Lou had to take her daughter to a school thing,
and she was leaving at 5:30. This left me with a 170-pound dog
to do by myself. Being resourceful as I am, though, I called
in my son to take Lou's place. Now, understand that he loves
animals, has no fear whatsoever of dogs, and is strong as an
ox.
Lou, the dog's owner and I managed to get the dog into the
tub. Lou left, and I bathed "Goliath." It was impossible
to get him turned around in the tub. It was like trying to bathe
a barn. My son arrived in time to help get him out of the tub
and onto the grooming table. THEN is when the struggle really
began. Goliath didn't care for the force dryer at all. I am a
firm believer in a dog being fluffy when they leave my place,
and I was determined that this one wasn't going to get the better
of me. After all, I was going to charge a hefty price for this
job, and I didn't want the owners to feel short-changed.
My son did his best to keep the dog from sitting down because
when the dog sat, he kept throwing his hip out and falling off
the table. WOMEN groomers will especially appreciate this part.
You see, my son was doing his best to keep the dog up and was
having a difficult time. Meanwhile, I am at the head of the dog,
blow dryer hose in hand.
"Prop something up under his back legs so that he can't
sit," I told the kid. He has seen me do this before, so
he understood the concept. As instructed, John put something
under the dog and presto!, the dog remained standing. I was directly
in front of the animal's head and couldn't see around the massive
shoulders. Things went well for about four minutes. Suddenly
there was a mighty cracking sound and the dog sat down.
"What happened?" I yelled over the roar of the dryer.
"He broke the basket he was sitting on," John said.
"Basket?" I queried, wondering what kind of basket
he was talking about.
"Yeah, this thing," the boy said, yanking out the
broken item.
"THAT'S MY LONGABERGER!!!" I yelled.
"Huh?" was his puzzled reply.
"LONGABERGER!" I yelled again.
"I paid $140 for that basket!" I screamed.
"Why?" was the only reply I got.
"Because it's a LONGABERGER!!!" I said, still shouting.
"Well, that's dumb," he said. "Why the heck
would you pay all that money for a stupid basket?" he asked,
clueless.
"Because" He cut me off.
"If you say the Loggabert thing again I'm leaving,"
he said. Now was not the time to aggravate the boy, I reasoned
to myself. It was also not the time to correct his mispronunciation
of the infamous basket..
We eventually got the dog done. It was 8:00 p.m. The only
thing that made me feel better was the fact that I had made a
tidy sum for the day. I closed up the shop and ran to my car
to get to the barn to see if I could catch the farrier before
he finished up on the horses.
I got into my car and turned the key. The car cranked and
cranked, but the engine wouldn't turn over. AAA fielded my phone
call. I called my brother-in-law to come get me and take me to
the barn. I got there in time to miss the farrier. However, he
left me the bill. New shoes for two horses, and trims on five
ponies. Total bill: $275.00. Not that I begrudge him his fee.
It's hard work. My mind briefly wandered over to the Tibetan
Mastiff. Not quite a $275.00 grooming job. Sigh!
My brother-in-law then took me home. I knew I was going to
have to get a ride with him in the morning back into town. I
arrived to a flashing light on the answering machine. It was
the garage calling. Seems they found the problem with my car.
The parts and labor would be about $779.00. The parts were out
of stock and they would have to order them tomorrow. It would
probably be about four days until the car was done. I would need
a rental. (I've been through this before and knew I could chalk
up another $130.00 for Enterprise!)
Soooo I was lying here in bed, thinking of all of the profit
I made today, and then mentally going over my expenses. Just
thought I'd drop you all a line
EA$Y MONEY -
Cater To Canine Companionship
by Mary Faith Moore
Are you lulled by lazy summer dreams? Lounging poolside? Curling
your tired toes in hot white sand? Rowing on a peaceful lake?
Sun struck retailers happily buy into the myth that product sales
during vacation season are sporadic, and so instead of investing
worthwhile time and inventory dollars, they close early and sell
down previous product lines. In reality, the summer months are
an unchallenged opportunity. Rather than contemplate a fur-free
furlough, gear up! Enter the summer market with a bold new plan,
complete with a fresh look and innovative merchandise.
Thanks, Picasso! Summer merchandising should be childishly
bold, abstract bright, and powerful. Your shop is the perfect
canvas for a striking summer theme. Boating? Camping? Traveling?
Swaying on a backyard hammock? Remember dog lovers think alike,
introduce a fresh line of unique merchandise and services to
guarantee the family pet will join its master on every summer
adventure.
To begin, take a quick visual inventory of your existing stock.
With the exception of theme products, spring retail can be redressed
as one element of your summer line. Make over your shop with
new displays, accent in cool colors, print signs in attention-getting
hues (hot pink, royal blue, yellows and lime green).
Next, be sure you have plenty of these top sellers: training
collars, flexi-leads, harnesses and assorted collars, healthy
dog treats, balls, Frisbees, deshedding tools, teething toys,
tooth brushing supplies, portable kennels, bags and carriers.
Now choose a few trendy items from one or two new product
lines to lure shoppers into your store (kennels of mock wicker,
portable pup tents, freeze dried ice cream). Before ordering,
establish a merchandise budget and stick to it. Be sure to purchase
enough items to create a fetching display.
· Mobile Mania. For the roadie canine, dedicate a corner
of your store to auto-friendly items, such as seat belts, cargo
liners, seat covers, vehicle barriers, telescoping ramps and
a selection of car seats.
· Frequent Fido. Encourage pet owners to include their
best friend in their summer travel plans by displaying a selection
of travel friendly products including bottled water, kennel fans,
weather proof beds, mobile water and food dishes.
· Outward Hound. Campgrounds, hotels and even many
cafes are going to the dogs. Consider providing your customers
with a list of dog friendly establishments in your neighborhood
(include your shop name and telephone number on the bottom).
· Fido's Gone Fishin'. Dogs love water, especially
if it involves boating with their best friend! New items for
dog paddlers include: pet safe life jackets, rainwear (for blustery
nights at sea), Doggles (protective eye wear), waterproof mats
(for long boat rides) and gear bags (kibble and large bottles
of water are protected in water resistant pockets).
· Hiking Hounds. The dog will not be left behind if
it is outfitted for the journey. Chose from backpacks with built
in harnesses, first aid kits, hand free leashes, and boots to
protect paws from the elements.
· Memorial Day. Kick off summer with these radiant
offers:
· Aromatherapy. Suds away dust from the weary canine's
travels with a soothing aromatherapy bath. This pleasant service
combines a remoisturizer, massage and a scented shampoo for an
additional fee that is added to the price of a full service groom
or bath.
· Super Deodorizing Bath. Whether they are rolling
in road kill or duking it out with a family of skunks, dogs frequently
bring a lot more home from their travels than happy memories.
Highlight your deodorizing service so your customers know where
to go during an odor-related emergency.
· Canine Care Collection. Design a care basket for
the canine traveler. Include citrus shampoo (natural preventive
against annoying insects), natural fly or flea spray, doggie
wipes, and hot spot lotion (soothes bug bites). Market the Canine-Care
collection as a summer special for a few dollars under full retail.
Reconnect with your community. Seek ways to be involved in
neighborhood events. Sponsor a queen candidate, organize a booth
at the county fair, and speak at 4-H meetings, offer grooming
demonstrations and mini courses in brushing Fido. Color and costume
several local canines and secure entry in the town parade. Consider
starting a canine play group, petition for a neighborhood dog
park or give a class on summer safe pets. After all, you are
the expert! Distribute plenty of business cards and extend an
open door invitation to your shop. The rewards for networking
are priceless. The payback will come to you in good will, free
advertising and a burgeoning customer base, not to mention the
opportunity to step outside your shop, recharge and avoid summer
burn out.
Celebrate! Summer is the season of canine companionship and
easy money for doggie retailers. Grab some shades and a To Do
list! With a little effort, man's best friend will log more shop
time and a lot less kennel time in the months ahead.
Calendar of Events
ALABAMA
OCT. 22-24. Southeastern Grooming Show, Birmingham AL.
Contact (303) 629-3022. Request
Reader Service Card #1117.
COLORADO
May 12-19. Pet Services Expo, Colorado Springs CO.
Contact: Pet Services Expo (719) 667-0715 - www.petservicesexpo.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1055.
May 17. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar, Denver CO.
(941) 322-0226.
john@stazko.com. Request
Reader Service Card #1056.
Oct. 22-24. Groom West 2004, Colorado Springs CO. Contact
(303) 629-3022. andelt2@mindspring.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #709.
MICHIGAN
July 18. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar, Dearborn
MI. (941) 322-0226. john@stazko.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1056.
MINNESOTA
June 27. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar, Bloomington
MN. (941) 322-0226 john@stazko.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1056.
NORTH CAROLINA
June 4. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar, Charlotte NC
(941) 322-0226. john@stazko.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1056.
June 5-7. NDGAA Carolina Groomfest, Charlotte NC (724)
962-2711. ndga@nationaldoggroomers.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1089.
NEVADA
Sept. 22-23. ProGroom Las Vegas Seminar and Grooming Contests,
Las Vegas NV. (717) 691-3388. www.barkleigh.com
· info@barkleigh.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1061.
Sept. 22-23. SuperZoo, Las Vegas NV. www.wwpsa.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1088.
PENNSYLVANIA
Sept. 9-10. Animal Behavior Conference 2004, Hershey PA.
www.off-lead.com ·
info@barkleigh.com. Request
Reader Service Card #854.
Sept. 9-12. Groom Expo 2004 · Animal Behavior &
Health Expo, Hershey PA.
Contact: Barkleigh Productions, Inc. (717) 691-3388 ·
info@barkleigh.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #51.
TENNESSEE
August 8. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar, Nashville
TN. (941) 322-0226 · john@stazko.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1056.
BARKLEIGH
SHOW DATES
Sept. 9-12, 2004
Groom
Expo 2004,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
February 11-13,
2005
Groom & Kennel Expo 2005,
Burbank CA
May 13-15, 2005
Natural Pet Expo 2005,
Lebanon PA
July 14, 2005
Off Lead & Natural Pet Expo
Progroom Great Lakes,
Lansing MI
August 13-16, 2005
Progroom South
Atlanta GA
(In conjunction with SuperZoo)
September 15-17, 2005
Groom Expo 2005,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
February 17-19, 2006
Groom & Kennel Expo,
Burbank CA
September 14-16, 2006
Groom Expo 2006,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
September 4-6, 2007
Groom Expo 2007,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
Contact Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
(717) 691-3388 · Fax (717) 691-3381
www.barkleigh.com ·
www.groomexpo.com ·
www.off-lead.com
|
Mid Atlantic
Pet Professionals Hosts
Annual Seminar and Grooming Contest
Linda Claflin Wins
Best In Show
Thirty-seven vendors greeted an energetic
crowd at the recent annual Mid Atlantic Pet Professionals Show
in Frederick, Maryland.
First place winner in the Creative Styling
Contest was Jessica Johnston with an entry entitled Walk Like
An Egyptian.
Best All Around Groomer was Vero DaSylva.
Best in Show, Division A, was captured by Linda Claflin.
Division B contestant, Steve Madonna, captured
Best in Show and Irina Phillips won Best All Around Groomer.
Career Start winners included Michelle Badolato, Crystal Elsea
and Heidi Appel.
Contest Results
Standard Poodles (Div. A) Judy Hudson,
Vero DaSylva, Sue Watson (Div. B) Jeanette Gunther, Yoshie Shouse,
Jen Cook
Other Poodles (Div. A) Vero DaSylva, Cheryl
Purcell, Judy Hudson (Div. B) Yoshie Shouse, Yumi Maruo, Elaina
Wells
Terriers (Div. A) Linda Claflin, Vero DaSylva,
Cheryl Purcell (Div. B) Steve Madonna, Irina Phillips, Burke
Suda
Sporting (Div. A) Vero DaSylva, Alicia
Bismore, Linda Claflin (Div. B) Angela Boeske, Irina Phillips,
Lydia Santana Armstrong
Potpourri (Div. A) Judy Hudson, Vero DaSylva,
Toni Coppola (Div. B) Yoshie Shouse, Irina Phillips, Yumi Maruo
Next year's show will be held in the
same location on February 18 20. For more information,
Request
Reader Service Card #1113.
Ryan's and
Metro to Sponsor Las Vegas Creative Styling Contest
"We believe in promoting grooming
as a profession," says David Goldfarb, President of Ryan's
Pet Supply. This he cites as the number one reason he is sponsoring
the Creative Styling Contest at WWPSA's upcoming Las Vegas event
on Sept. 22-23. The two day grooming contests will offer over
$10,000.00 in cash and trophies and are managed by Barkleigh
Productions, Inc. Ryan's and Metro have offered $2250.00 in prize
money for this one exciting contest.
"Contests offer the opportunity to
highlight grooming as a respected profession and offer professionals
an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and talents, as well
as educate groomers and manufacturers about trends and product
needs in the grooming profession," continued Goldfarb.
"What do you think is the future for
the grooming industry," Goldfarb was asked. "The grooming
profession will continue to grow as the market shifts to a Continuum
of Care concept, where clients can look to one provider to meet
all their animal care needs," he answered.
"Grooming will continue to grow as
a stand alone service, expanding and increasing the creativity
of the services they offer, such as day care, specialty retail,
and specialty services. Grooming will also grow as a service
provided in pet shops, kennels, and veterinary hospitals, as
these outlets compete for the maximum pet service dollar."
For information about ProGroom Las Vegas
grooming contest, seminars and events,
Request
Reader Service Card #1061.
Joanne's "Ah-Haas!"
Many memorable tips and tricks of the trade
I've garnered from speakers at grooming seminars. A good one
came from the Natural Pet Expo held recently in San Diego, California.
Therese Backowski, in her seminar entitled The Gentle Groomer,
suggested using aftershave lotion on the dog's feet after you
shave them... to cool them and deter "clipper burn."
|