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From Sally's
Desk...
Giants in the Land
This letter comes with a warning. I am
going to give you a little Bible lesson. So, if "Bible"
ain't your thing please move on to the rest of this magazine.
You will love it. We have lots of great stuff, including the
new Groomer Roundtable, instead of the usual Q & A, where
you pose a question, and eventually we hope it gets answered
in a future column. Now we are posing a question and sending
it out to our email base of groomers over 11,000 emails.
When I did this for the first time, I got
over 250 responses! A selection is included in this issue on
the question of "skunkings" and tar removal. There
were lots of the same ideas some fresh, some interesting and
some scary! Take your pick. I like this new format. It is all
about you, for you and from you. I do not endorse all the ideas,
but they are there for you to wander through. Of course, we could
not put all 250 of them in, so please understand.
Now, onto the Bible story. I think it has
a message for all of us today. Recently, I was reading about
Moses. Do you remember when he led the Israelites out of slavery
in Egypt? For forty years, they wandered in the wilderness. God
could have taken them right into the promised land, but because
they were a rebellious people, he had to work all of that out
of them. Finally, came the day that he was going to lead them
into the promised land. Moses sent in twelve scouts (one was
Caleb) to look at the "land flowing with milk and honey."
When the scouts returned, one by one, they
gave terrible reports. Word spread that the land was filled with
Giants. Powerful men. "We looked like grasshoppers in their
sight," was one comment. All but Caleb. "We can take
them," he said confidently.
This was just an interesting little Bible
story, until inspiration came to me today, as I was pondering
things in my life. "Shower thoughts," as Gwen calls
them.
Don't we all have giants in our life? Things
that keep us out of the promised land? We believe bad reports
from others that nothing can be done. I am just talking about
stuff in general. We believe things that we may have been told
all of our lives. Negative things. We try to turn over "new
leaves" or get rid of old habits, but the giants slay us.
Or at least they scare us, and keep us out of our own promised
land.
We need to be more like Caleb and see the
land with different eyes than everyone else. After all, these
problems are just mere giants. But we can take them! It is not
a matter of power, ability or weapons. but Attitude, first and
foremost, and, of course, God's help.
Good message for all of us, don't you think?
Aren't you glad you hung in there for a Bible story? God bless
you.
Sally
sally@barkleigh.com
P. S. How did this Bible story end? Of all the scouts, only
Caleb got to live in the "land of milk and honey."
All the others who grumbled and were negative, died in the wilderness.
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Clients Really
Appreciate It!
Try customer (grooming or just nail trim). Three years
ago I had 1000 stainless steel pet ID tags engraved with my shop's
name and telephone number, along with a number (numerical order
0001 through 1000). Each pet receives a tag when the pet comes
to the shop! On my shop's answering machine I also refer anyone
who calls with a lost pet with my ID tag on its collar to my
cell phone for after hours help.
I am up to number 832 and have found at least twenty plus
pets for their owners. This is really a great feeling.
Owners love the extra effort, which costs me very little effort
to provide. Valerie Attrill, Barkling Beauties and Meows, Too!
Allentown PA
Meet Kathy Rose...
Proving That Puppy Love Can Produce Pets of Perfection
by Kathy Hosler
It seems that some things are just meant to be, and Kathy
Rose is a shining example of it. Her love of animals surfaced
at an early age and has blossomed into a multifaceted career
in the pet industry. Even when she was a toddler, the blueprint
for Kathy's future was already in place.
"I don't remember ever playing with dolls when I was
little, but I did have hundreds of stuffed animals," recalls
Kathy. "As I grew older, I was always bringing home animals.
Once I surprised my parents with two Afghan hounds. I remember
how much I loved to comb their long hair."
Kathy also grew up with horses. She was president of the local
4-H club and showed in many horse shows.
During high school Kathy worked for a veterinarian, doing
everything from cleaning kennels and bathing dogs to assisting
in surgery. Then a bit later, she worked part time as a bather
at a grooming salon. While there, she got wind of a small grooming
shop that was for sale. Kathy saw the opportunity, took the plunge,
and found herself in the grooming business.
"When I first started my shop, I really didn't know a
lot about grooming," confesses Kathy. "At that time,
I barely knew how to hold a pair of scissors. I attended every
seminar I could find. I would watch the pros, take notes, and
then go back to my little shop and practice. I would groom dogs
for free for the local shelter. Not many people know this, but
Kathy practiced her first "Dutch Clip" on her Labrador.
Kathy heard about an IPG (International Professional Groomers)
certification workshop (At that time it was PPGC). Vivian Nash
was one of the certifiers and she became an inspiration to Kathy
Rose. "At that certification, I met Teri DiMarino, who has
become one of my closest friends and a very pivotal person in
my life," recalls Kathy. "Teri was also completing
her certification at that time. It was Vivian and Teri who inspired
me to enter my first grooming competition."
That launched Kathy Rose's spectacular career in the contest
ring. Her flawless scissoring skills, attention to detail, and
her desire to create perfection, has helped Kathy earn multiple
Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer awards, as well as securing
her a spot on Groom Team USA.
"It was an incredible honor to be a member of Groom Team
USA for four consecutive years, and a great experience to coordinate
the team for two years" states Ms. Rose and adds, "Groom
Team not only gave me the opportunity to achieve my goals professionally,
but encouraged me to grow as an individual." Kathy's career
in competitive grooming then led her to the next endeavor of
her career. She became a grooming contest judge.
Kathy is currently the team director for the IJA, International
Judges Association, and she explains why she thinks this judging
system is so wonderful.
"The panel system, as we know it today, was the brainchild
of John and Vivian Nash," Kathy states. "Within IJA,
the group of judges work together as a 'team,' combining their
individual knowledge and experience, through discussion and research.
After all, no single person could possibly be an expert on every
breed," Ms. Rose states and continues, "In addition,
because the members of a panel must justify his/her opinions,
partiality is eliminated. The IJA developed this mechanism for
expert, and unbiased grooming competition judging and fine-tuned
it to a well-oiled machine.
"In the past five years, serving as a panel judge, I
have gained an incredible amount of knowledge," Kathy states,
confidently. "And I believe the IJA system is the fairest
method of judging a grooming competition."
Kathy's achievements are not limited only to the grooming
salon and the competition ring. Kathy Rose has also appeared
on television. Yes, you guessed it! She was on the Animal Planet
channel. Kathy did two segments of Mutt Make-over for Petsburg
USA.
What did Kathy think of her experience as a TV star? "What
can I say? It was very hard work, but really fun! It did amaze
me how much goes on behind the scenes of a TV production. We
filmed two long days, resulting in about five minutes of airtime
per segment," Kathy reports, and then adds with a chuckle,
"I don't think the production staff had a clue about what
is involved in transforming a dirty dog into a perfect pet."
In her quest to contribute to the advancement of the pet care
industry, and to share her vast knowledge, Kathy has also entered
the arena as a public speaker. Although she has had the opportunity
to speak at numerous shows and seminars across the United States
and abroad, Kathy admits that she still gets very nervous speaking
to a group. However, her nervousness is usually brief, because
of the warmth and camaraderie generated by the groomers she is
speaking to, and that is reflected in her presentation. "Whether
in Portugal, Germany, Iowa, or wherever," Kathy reflects,
"I have found groomers to be the warmest, friendliest and
funniest people to be with!"
Kathy is also a huge supporter of groomer licensing. "Licensing
is a passionate subject for me," Ms. Rose states. "However,
I will say this, if we groomers don't get our act together and
implement licensing and/or a productive method of self policing,
we will have it forced upon us by an entity outside of our industry.
It will be a sad day for groomers." Kathy adds emphatically,
"We must organize as a unified profession and take control
of our own destiny."
Kathy Rose has dedicated herself to being the best that she
can be, and in turn, has worked hard in the industry to help
every groomer achieve the success he or she desires and deserves.
With her extensive involvement in the pet care industry, you
might assume that nothing else could fit into Kathy Rose's busy
life, but she does have interests outside the pet industry, too.
Kathy enjoys boating with her family and is an avid scuba
diver. She is a certified Dive Master and enjoys the excitement
of extreme technical diving. Kathy spends much of her free time
diving the deep wrecks off the coast of Florida and exploring
the underwater cave systems found in North Florida.
"Although a novice with a camera, I have managed to snap
some beautiful pictures of the abundant marine life that inhabits
the beautiful Florida reef," Kathy states and adds, "My
family also enjoys snow skiing and we try to ski the Rockies
every year."
What plans does Kathy Rose have for her future? "Eventually,
after my youngest daughter is in college," she says, "I
think you will most likely find my husband and me, on our boat,
exploring the reefs and out in the islands of the Caribbean."
"As far as my career goes," Kathy confirms, "I
think it always has been and will continue to be a journey. I
am grateful for the disappointments I've had, because without
them, the exciting moments would be muted," and adds "I
think I try to look at my life in general the same way, but it
is not always easy."
This summer Kathy is planning on a complete renovation of
her salon, Pets of Perfection in Boynton Beach, Florida, and
is looking forward to designing a state of the art facility.
"It is my hope to sell the business within the next few
years," Kathy states "possibly steering my ambitions
towards the educational aspect of our industry."
She adds "I plan on continuing as Team Director for the
IJA and look forward to participating at the upcoming shows."
From toddler to top industry leader, Kathy Rose has taken
her incredible love for animals and has found a way to make a
difference in the lives of groomers all over the world.
Kathy Rose has been nominated eight times for various Cardinal
Crystal Achievement Awards, and has won the Mary Bucklew Award
for outstanding service to the pet industry.
Back
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A Helpful
Recycling Hint!
The groomers at Best Friends in
Bethany, Connecticut, are super fussy about end of the day clean
up and hate to leave a shred of hair on rugs, dryer screens or
air conditioner intakes. They found that old slicker brushes
do a great job. The handles are hollow, so by pushing a stick
into the handle, they have a handy, dandy tool that reaches high,
and can brush clinging hair off rugs without bending!
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.
PROGROOM HAWAII...
A mid-winter
Retreat for Pet Pros
ProGroom Hawaii will be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village,
Honolulu on Saturday, January 22nd, 2005. It will include a trade
show of groomer products and services as well as top international
speakers.
Current speakers include Marlene Romani
and Judy Bremer-Taxman. A sumptuous luncheon and an authentic
Hawaiian Luau, at Paradise Cove, will complete this exciting
groomer retreat. This event is free to those who are taking the
Hawaiian Islands Cruise, the following week.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort is one
of the premier resorts in Hawaii and is located on Waikiki Beach.
For more information, please request Reader
Service Card #1158.
The Groomers'
Roundtable
The opinions expressed by the writers
do not necessarily reflect those of Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
Question: What can I use to get tar
out of pet hair and pads of feet? What do others recommend for
"skunked" dogs? Kelly Macro
Tomlyn (Reader Service Card #1159) has
long produced a product called Show Highlights that works like
a miracle on tar on dogs. (It will also remove your nail polish
if you work with it too long on the dog's coat!) I have used
this product with success for more years than I care to recount.
It comes in a clear bottle and is a "Tequila Sunrise"
color liquid. Rub it into the areas thoroughly, separating the
hairs as you go. Then shampoo well with any good quality shampoo.
Repeat if necessary. Christine DeFilippo, Twickenton Dog Grooming,
Massachusetts
I use Goof Off to get the tar out. I have
lots of dogs that pick up tar from the beach and Goof Off works
really well. Apply to the areas that have tar. Rub it in and
watch it dissolve. Then I wash the dog with a really good deodorizing
cleansing shampoo. Then condition the coat as normal. Debbie
Lane
For a pet that has been "skunked,"
I was taught equal amounts of peroxide and baking soda. It has
worked for me in the past, and it is so much cheaper than commercial
de-skunking products. Kimberly Lyerly-Smith, Tails and Paws Grooming
Garage, Liberty, South Carolina
I use a #10 or 5/8 inch blade on tar in
pads. Peanut butter will also loosen it up. I like professional
pet products like SOS Skunk Shampoo (Reader
Service Card #1160) with a vinegar or vanilla extract rinse.
Sue Alexander
Oxyfresh Shampoo (Reader
Service Card #1161) is the best for "skunked" dogs.
It is super concentrated and most importantly, SAFE! It is wonderfully
soothing, as well as cleansing and deodorizing. Wash the animal
and leave the suds on for four to five minutes to get all the
way down to the hair follicles. Spray the animal also with Oxyfresh
Pet Deodorizer. If you can't wash the animal immediately, super
spray with the deodorizer until totally wet, and the odor will
go away. Frances J. Katz
I use Dawn liquid dish soap. Just like
any other bathing process, I work the Dawn into the soiled part,
rinse and reapply and work it well into the coat. Lesley Nagle
Tar is a really tough one. I usually cut
it out if it's not in too close on the body. As a last resort,
I have used basic mineral spirits to get the tar or pitch to
loosen enough to remove it from the fur. It is an absolute must
that you use the mineral spirits just before bathing. As soon
as you get the tar out, rinse the dog and then thoroughly bath
the dog. Mineral spirits is a much less aggressive chemical than
most other products of this type. Glenda Ulery "R"
Dog Grooming, Rathdrum ID
I use baby oil or mineral oil. Then I use
Dawn dish detergent to remove the oil I used.
To remove skun odor, I swear 100% by Canadian
Odor Control "Skunked" Shampoo. (Request
Reader Service Card #1162) One application and the odor is
all gone. Kim Scea, Riverview Pet Grooming, Trenton, Ontario,
Canada
To remove tar from dog coats, I use peanut
butter. To remove skunk odor, I use white vinegar mixed with
Dawn dish detergent. Debbie Lane
Avon's Skin-So-Soft or other mineral oil
based products work great for removing tar and pine resin. Debbie
Slocum, Slocum Ridge Pet Camp, Glencoe AL
Mineral oil, vegetable oil or peanut butter
will all soften tar, pine tar or chewing gum. Deidre Edder, Groomer
to Go
I have used peanut butter to remove tar
and gum with great success. Just rub it in and let it set for
awhile and then shampoo it out!
The skunk problem is a tough one. Other
than the various commercial products, I have used milk!
Just pour it all over the dog, but mostly
work on the affected spots and rub it in. When the odor is neutralized,
you can shampoo the dog. This also works well at home when the
dog gets sprayed. Just pour it on and let it dry!
Hope it helps... Madeline Gibbs, Boynton
Beach FL
The best thing to remove tar or pitch is
Tomlyn's Sho Lites (Reader
Service Card #1159). It's oily and removes pitch really easily.
Just rub it in and rub the hair off with a clean cloth. It is
best when used before washing the dog. Joyce Smith
I have always used an "extra cleansing vinegar douche"
for de-skunking. Yes, go ahead and laugh like my customers do,
but it does work on the odor problem. Christine Sams, Rerun's
Zoom N' Groom, Parkersburg WV
The best product I have found for road
tar, telephone pole tar, beach tar, latex paint, tree sap, stud
tail on cats and dogs, and just about any other sticky stuff
dogs and cats get into is Orange TKO (Reader
Service Card #1163). It is very strong and may cause irritation
to the skin if applied full strength. I put shampoo on the spot
to be cleaned and then spray on the TKO. Then I apply more shampoo,
wash and rinse again. With thick chunks of tar or sap, you may
need to separate the hair and tar as you work the TKO in. Debra
Carlson, Go Dogs Go, Long Beach CA
I use both Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor
Remover (Reader
Service Card #1168) and a product called NIL-odor (Reader
Service Card #1169). If one doesn't work, I rewash and use
the other. Joann Hess
For skunk odor, the Oster Skunk Shampoo
(Reader
Service Card #1170) is good. The key is to let the animal
soak in it before rinsing off. Before special shampoos were invented,
we used Macleans Mint Toothpaste. I still think it works better
than the shampoos. This is what I recommend to pet owners for
use at home. You must be careful not to get it in the pet's eyes.
No product will remove 100% of the odor. The next time the pet
gets wet, the odor comes back, but it will fade with time. Stacey
Kew, Birchmount Boarding Kennels and Grooming Salon, Ontario,
Canada
Always remember that products we use on
pets should always be labeled "for use on pets." Look
for a grooming product that is probably already at your grooming
station.
Some groomers have had success with a liberal
application of lubricating brushing aids like Glo-Coat (Reader
Service Card #1173) or The Stuff (Reader
Service Card #1174). Tomlyn's Sho-Hi-Lites (Reader
Service Card #1159) is an oily conditioner that shifts tar.
Again with the fact in mind that professionals
avoid kitchen products and people products, to get rid of skunk
odor, go for the Nature's Miracle (Reader
Service Card #1168) line of spray and odor removers, and
warn the customer that nothing will remove all the stink at once.
Sell them a bottle to take home for repeat applications, especially
on damp days.
Shampoos that are sold as odor control
and degreasing formulas are a help, too. All of the above are
as effective as tomato juice and vinegar kitchen remedies and
not messy! As for the douche idea the skunk spray we get
wholesale from our suppliers works better than douche from the
drug store and does not cost as much!Val Penstone, Best Friends
Spray "Pam" cooking spray into
the tar and let it sit for a short while. Work it out gently
and shampoo with a grease-cutting shampoo. Teri DiMarino
I use GUNK. It is the hand cleaner that
auto mechanics use for oil and grease. It is inexpensive and
will not harm your hands or the animal's pads. B. J. Darnell
We have always worked out the tar by clipping
off as much as possible and working baby oil or vegetable oil
into the rest and sort of slipping it off of the hair. The best
product I have found for "skunky dogs" is a new one
on the market called OdorEliminator(Request
Reader Service Card # 1175). It comes in a direct spray or
a mist spray and can be used directly on the dog. It completely
eliminated the odor from the test dog I tried it on. Another
product that has worked well is Odor Handler (Reader
Service Card #1172) by Senproco. It works best if you can
get the dog before the owner has tried the home remedies but
does get the smell down to something the owner can live with.
Diane Betelak
The product that I absolutely LOVE for getting tar, pine sap,
gum, or just about any other sticky substance out of dog hair
(or people's!) is called De-solv-it. I have only been able to
find it in Wal-mart, with the cleaning products. The company
claims to have hundreds of uses for it, and so far, it has worked
phenomenally on everything I have needed it for. It is similar
to Goo-Gone, except that it has an orange oil base, rather than
petroleum, so it is non-toxic, and it comes in a convenient spray
bottle.
A friend recommended it to me for getting the fabric glue
out of Airedale puppy ears, and I find that they like it much
more than just pulling off the glue with the hair! It should
be used before the bath, since it is quite oily and it even lathers
a little bit. I have never had trouble washing it out though,
even without a degreaser. If the substance you are trying to
remove doesn't come out readily after you spray it on and work
it in, brushing through it with a slicker should do the trick.
As for skunk spray, I have not found anything that works 100%,
especially if it gets in the mucous membranes, but the Nature's
Miracle Skunk Odor Remover (Request
Reader Service Card #1168), followed by a good dirty dog
shampoo or Davis' Cherry Scented Shampoo (Readers
Service Card #1176) usually works well and smells nice when
the dog is dry. I've also heard that Nature's Specialty (Readers
Service Card #1177) has a spray deodorizer that works well,
but I haven't tried it myself. Jaime Koskowski
Question: What can I do about clients who constantly miss
their appointment or are always at least an hour late?
Missed appointments should be dealt with in a practical, business-like
method. These circumstances happen only because we allow them
to. Owners showing up unannounced can be dealt with as a walk-in
and no extraordinary consideration should be given. You should
not compromise your time or the safety of the other pets because
of the inconsideration of another client. If you loose this person
as a client, that only means that they were coming to you because
you were convenient for them and not because of your good grooming
or service, and you will not miss them. Teri DiMarino
Forget them! Fib and tell the customer that you are booked
beyond booked! Who needs a customer like that?? Pet grooming
can be stressful enough without that worry! If you have a customer
come in late all the time... just say you weren't here for your
scheduled appointment so I took someone from my "cancellation
list". Gee... we have gotten so busy I just can't squeeze
one more in, sorry. Pet grooming takes courage in more ways than
one! Belinda, Poochies and Cats Too!
Many of us bit the bullet many years ago and put a stop to
most of that nonsense. I have the fee listed on the back of my
appointment card but seldom have to enforce it. Why? Because
I have a three strike rule. I am a dependable journeyman groomer
who has been in the same location 34 years. I tell my new clients
about the rules and the three strike policy. For every "headache
pain in the keister" client I lose, I gain a good one. I
consider strikes as being over an hour late with no call, not
showing up at all with no call, coming on the day you wanted
that I had no available appointments and expecting service, bad
mouthing me because you haven't kept up your end of the bargain
(brushing, combing, being on time, etc.). Third strike I will
not make an appointment for you. I have had people call six months
to a year down the line and ask if they be real good will I take
them back. The answer is the rules are still the same. Abide
by them or move on. B. J. Darnell
If a client misses an appointment, he receives a phone call
that day before noon (actually as soon as I can get to the phone
after the "drop-off time" has passed). If I talk to
a machine, I simply say, "Fluffy has missed his appointment.
Unless you are on your way, please call to reschedule."
I also leave my phone number at this point so that they do not
have to search for it. I am VERY pleasant and cheerful on the
phone so as to make sure they will not be afraid to call me back!
This eliminates any possibility of them simply arriving on another
day and destroying another work schedule. Christine DiFilippo
You don't need that kind of client. I expect clients to keep
their appointments, period. You are no different from any other
service provider and your clients should respect that. Let them
know UP FRONT that they will be charged a missed appointment
fee. If they are a good, reliable client, they'll show up on
time. Kathy Clark
IF YOU HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE, ENFORCE IT!!!!! Explain to
your customers that you expect them to call to cancel 24 hours
in advance, or if they are running late. You extent the same
courtesy to them if for some reason you have to cancel, or if
you're running late. Let them know that after 15 minutes you
will fit them in some time that day, after 30 minutes you will
have to cancel their appointment. Ask them if they would do this
to their doctor, dentist, hairdresser, etc. For those clients
who always pick up after hours, charge for it. You may have a
few clients that leave, but when they find that others expect
the same or more from them than you do, AND that you do a better
job, they WILL BE BACK. Sheila Siecinski
My name is Louise Thompson from Queensland in Australia, I
have a grooming salon and boutique called Petz With Pizazz. Thanks
for the Q & A column. I just love your mag and everything
it offers to groomers all over the world with a thirst for knowledge.
I am like most business owners. I have suffered at the hands
of these thoughtless and rude clients. I have adopted a pretty
good way of handling these people which works well. Firstly,
with all my clients I work on a three strikes and you're out
basis, not only for lateness or no show, but also for flea infestation
(there is no excuse for flea infestation with all the great products
we have today). No one knows better than a groomer how having
an appointment turn up late can affect your day by throwing all
your other appointments into chaos, especially if you happen
to work alone. I have one woman who comes to me for a Bubbles
& Blow (B/O) and I used to get so angry because she was always
an hour late, but a good regular customer. So, now although she
thinks she is booked in at 8.30 am I don't book her in until
9.30 am, so she is always on time and my day is not ruined.
As far as No Shows are concerned, I call them and ask them
why they didn't turn up and if I am not satisfied, I won't book
them again. If someone genuinely forgot and you don't offer a
reminder service in your salon, they will get another chance.
If someone ever told me that I should expect it in my line of
work, they would be out the door so fast that their heads would
spin and their names added to the alert fax that is sent to all
the surrounding salons to warn the other groomers.
Some might say "but these clients won't come back"
and I say GOOD! And while you're at it, tell all your friends
that I won't put up with any nonsense. My business is growing
every day because I am a good groomer, not because I am the cheapest
or put up with rudeness.
I also run a software package that has an Alert imbedded so
I am onto the person as soon as the initial appointment is punched
in and before they try and make their behavior my problem. This
may seem rather harsh, but I have successfully gotten rid of
the troublemakers, and quite frankly, you don't need the money
that badly when it is attached to aggravation and stress.
One thing that also works for me is the quarterly newsletter
(for a sample GroomOgram, request RSC# 1178 ) where I nicely
incorporate "The Rules Of the Salon." As far as what
should you expect.... you should expect respect at all times
and that means your clients keeping their appointments or at
the very least a phone call to let you know why they are running
late or can't make it. Yappy Grooming. Louise Thompson, Petz
With Pizazz, Queensland, Australia.
First and foremost, you should be charging a fee, and I hope
it is at least $20.00 to $25.00 or more. When customers call
and make an appt., they are reserving a time for your service,
that you are planning on getting paid for. This is how you make
a living! When they don't show up, you are now out money, that
can't be made up. I would tell all customers who make an appt.,
that you do charge a "fee", unless that appointment
is cancelled at least 24 to 48 hours in advance. Add up how many
times these "customers" (usually they are they same
ones over and over) have not shown up by the cost of grooming
their dog, this is how much you have lost, not counting your
time. Maybe you could have gone home early, run some errands,
or called in some other clients earlier if they would have cancelled
in advance. Customers who cancel appointments the same day (emergencies
like deaths, accidents, sickness don't have to be charged, unless
they are chronic), who don't show up at the right time, or at
all, are customers that I DO NOT want or need. I consider you
lucky that she is no longer a client of yours. Hope this helps!
Rick
NO, you shouldn't EXPECT people to NOT keep their appointments.
That's just rude thinking on their part. In a doctor's offices
if you don't give them 24 hours notice, you are charged for that
visit. Does that person not go back to that doctor because they
didn't show up? I give them 3 chances for missing their appointments.
I mark it on the card and give them a call later in the day
to ask them if they want to reschedule their appointment since
they missed theirs today. That will help in them showing up the
next day EXPECTING that they will get in.
I make sure at that time to remind them if this was the 2nd
or 3rd time they had done this. When it comes to the 3rd time,
I make sure to mark their name on a list that I keep by the phone
so all I have to do is tell them "Sure I can make an appointment
for you but you have to come in before the end of today and pre-pay
for your appointment." If they don't, they don't get that
appointment. If they still miss their appointment, then I keep
the money. Guaranteed, they won't be just giving you free money.
Tell them they will be on probation for a year and then after
that time you will re-evaluate the situation. Most times, this
will straighten people out. For every person you may feel you
will lose on this situation you will gain five more good ones
who won't take advantage. Tammy Colbert-Vranich
Don't be afraid to charge a no-show fee or send them away
when they are "really late." (We have to make a living,
too!)
I find that most people will pay a late fee and keep their
next appointment, so they will not have to pay more again. (I
charge this fee at their very next visit.) If they don't come
back, don't worry. Think of it as gaining an opening for a more
reliable client. If you are a good groomer and they like your
work, they will be back. One trip to a bad groomer will have
them running back to you!
Things that help... reminder calls; three misses in a row
and you're out policy; and telling them these rules up front
when they make their appointments. Christine Shirk, Christine's
Dog Grooming, Pennsylvania
Question: 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?
I have the use of two heated and one non-heated dryer at work
and three non- heated dryers at school. I was not comfortable
with the idea of drying dogs with heated dryers as I had never
used them before and had heard all about the dryer deaths in
California. Plus, we have bank style cages whose only open side
is the door. But they are all I have. These dryers have a 60
minute timer on them. I set the dryer for 30 minute cycles so
that even if I "forget" about a dog, I don't have to
worry about him being overexposed to the heat. Between cycles,
I'll offer water and change to a 30 minute cycle of non-heated
air. I'll continue this pattern until the dog is dry or dry enough
to move to the table for a fluff dry (if necessary). At school
we use stacked wire crates, as well as a few Vari-Kennels with
all non-heated dryers. There has never been a death or problem
related to the drying of dogs in this manner in the history of
my school. If anyone has a non-timed heated dryer, perhaps keep
an egg timer handy and set it to ring every thirty minutes as
a reminder to check the dogs who are drying. It is easy to lose
track of time and dogs as the day wends into the foray of hair,
so set up safety nets to catch yourself if necessary. Mel, The
Dog Shaver@WHVC
Survey your procedures to identify possible dangerous procedures
and change or eliminate them. An animal in a hot dryer is not
an accident. It is neglect and cruelty. Deidre Edder
A groomer has to be one of the most patient people on the
planet. Of course, there are always going to be accidents. That's
why they are called accidents. No one intends for them to happen.
It's what you do with them that counts. You have to first of
all learn the lesson you are supposed to learn, like how to tell
when an animal has heat stroke. Then you have to deal with the
owner. That's where the patience comes in. Owners are more freaky
about their pets than they are about their children. I think
it's because the animal never does anything to deserve the accident.
It's how you handle the owner that will allow you to sleep at
night, and that is the hardest thing. Linda Nichols
I think nothing can replace plain old common sense. You do
not leave an animal in a hot box to dry without monitoring it
constantly. You don't leave animals unattended on tables or in
tubs with nooses on their necks, or even no nooses so they can
fall off. You keep scissor tips away from body parts as much
as humanly possible. Just be alert and careful. Sure accidents
happen but usually when we are tired, rushed, or upset... some
situation where we had control over the outcome. Sue Alexander
That's one reason I'm a mobile. I work with one pet at a time
so they have my full undivided attention the entire time they're
in my care. Since pets aren't left unattended with the freedom
to "get creative," it greatly minimizes the possibility
of something happening that I'm not aware of immediately and
can't therefore minimize the impact. Christie Monacos
As for accidents, I don't have very many, if any at all. I
strive to keep it as safe as I can. Never leave a dog unattended
and secure them to the table with the appropriate nooses. Some
may think this is cruel but I have never had a pet jump from
my table and get hurt. Also all animals are caged because not
all my customers pets are friendly to each other.
Nicks occur and the proper antiseptic is applied. Safety is
the key and it should always be on your mind. This animal is
property and a lawsuit does not do well for business. ASK QUESTIONS
about the pet when the owner brings them in you don't need to
be hurt either. Don't be afraid to refuse doing a pet that is
wild or will not even let the owner muzzle. I make a policy that
I do not work on sedated animals because they could go into cardiac
arrest or respiratory failure. Grooming at the vet is recommended.
Cheryl Shearer
I am a grooming shop owner with twelve year's experience as
a professional pet groomer. the pets that have died while in
a drying kennel or under a heated dryer in a cage were more than
likely the result of not enough attention and possibly too much
or too high heat. However, circumstances that can lead to pet
deaths are too much stress, becoming over-heated (either by dryers
or by being walked vigorously by owner prior to grooming), medications
(some can cause a sensitivity to heat or a need for a lot of
water), illnesses (diarrhea, kidney failure and diabetes). All
of these and more can cause and add to conditions resulting in
the death of a pet. The best preventatives that I know of are
use of a cool or no heat dryer unless you have someone attending
the pet.Why not set a timer to check on the pet every ten minutes?
Make certain that water is offered to pets at one or more times
during grooming. Make certain to record any medications pets
are taking. In addition to these precautions, try a quick dry
spray or shampoo. They really do work! Lindsay Parish, American
Pet Barber
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
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Atlanta Pet Fair
Celebrates Sixteenth Anniversary
Kathleen
Putman is Surprise Guest!
Pet Professionals made their 16th annual trip to Atlanta recently,
seeking education and networking with their peers. Multiple lectures
that ran simultaneously offered different levels of education
geared to Prep Tech, Stylist, Management, Student and Mobile
topics.
Attendees used Atlanta as their spring
marketplace, and were anxious to see those doors open to the
trade show floor on Friday morning. Over seventy exhibitors were
in attendance, with one, in particular, Davis Manufacturing,
introducing fourteen new products!
The highlight of the weekend, however,
came at a meeting following the Groom Team meeting Saturday evening.
Rumors were buzzing what could possible be announced that would
be of interest to exhibitors and attendees?
Everyone was in "shock and awe"
when Kathleen Putman walked through the door and down the aisle,
aided by a walker. Kathleen was wearing a T-shirt that read "God's
the Miracle Worker I Just Groom Dogs!" She received a ten
minute standing ovation, and there was not a dry eye in the house!
She told attendees that she had just recently held a pair of
scissors for the first time since the accident.
Kathleen was the innocent victim of a tragic
accident in September. She was struck by a motorist while riding
her bicycle to work. She suffered multiple injuries, including
a broken neck and back. Kathleen was the focus of a fund raiser
at the show and was presented with $6100.00, plus a pledge from
Vero Da Sylva for half of the prize money she earned in 2003.
Another highlight was the Creative Styling
Challenge, a pre-groomed class that was displayed and judged
in the lobby of the Sheraton. Groomers and hotel guests were
fascinated with the entries and had an opportunity to mingle
with the contestants at their leisure after the winners were
announced.
Plans are already underway for the 2005
show, which is scheduled for March 4-6, at the Sheraton Colony
Square Hotel in Atlanta. Request
RSC #1124.
Contest Winners - Atlanta
2004
Best in Show Suesan Watson, Hoffman Estates IL
Best All Around Stylist Suesan Watson, Hoffman Estates
IL
Best 1st Timer Tracy Duncan, Suwanee GA
Small Non-Sporting Breeds (1st Timer
) Tracy Duncan (Entry) Mechele Pryor, Liz Streithorst, Debbie
Slocum (Intermediate) Yoshie Shouse, Yumi Maruo (Open) Suesan
Watson, Vero Da Sylva, Julie Ostoski (Group) Suesan Watson, Vero
Da Sylva, Julie Ostoski
Large Non-Sporting Breeds - (1st Timer)
Tracy Duncan (Entry) Tracy Duncan, Debbie Slocum, Yvonne Aitken
(Intermediate) Kiersten Jobes, Yoshie Shouse, Tuesday Cook (Open)
Suesan Watson, Alicia Bismore, Karen Tucker (Group) Tracy Duncan,
Suesan Watson, Alicia Bismore
Terrier Breeds (1st Timer) Tracy
Duncan (Entry) Mechele Pryor, Tracy Duncan (Intermediate) Kimberly
Turbyfill, Angela Kumpe, Kiersten Jobes (Open) Julie Ostoski,
Liz Paul, Suesan Watson (Group) Julie Ostoski, Liz Paul, Suesan
Watson
Potpourri Breeds (1st Timer) Tracy Duncan
(Entry) Tracy Duncan, Mechele Pryor, Angela Landis (Intermediate)
Kiersten Jobes, Angela Kumpe, Tuesday Cook (Open) Liz Paul, Karen
Tucker, Suesan Watson (Group) Liz Paul, Karen Tucker, Suesan
Watson
Sporting Breeds (1st Timer) Tracy Duncan
(Entry) Tracy Duncan, Mechele Pryor, Yvonne Aitken (Intermediate)
No entry (Open) Judy Hudson, Scott Wasserman, Alicia Bismore
(Group) Judy Hudson, Scott Wasserman, Alicia Bismore
Creative Styling Angela Kumpe, Adriane
Pope, Beverly Strange
Scarlet's Challenge Yumi Maruo, Kimberly
Turbyfill, Leslie Trojcak
Career Start Melanie Robinson, Kathleen
Ingram, No Placement
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Wonders of Grooming...
Signs
by Bonnie Wonders
I try my best not to overload the front
of the shop with signage. I am not talking about the advertisement
type of sign, but rather the instructional variety. This, of
course, brings out the worst in me as if I were eleven years
old again and forbidden to do something. I DO have a tendency
to pick on certain things (people) who rub me the wrong way.
Almost daily, I find a reason to add a
new sign to my place. Some are quite legitimate case in point
when the restaurant's customers from next door park in front
of MY door and put their vehicle almost up against my storm door,
I fume. As if this isn't bad enough, they decide to accompany
someone else home and leave their car there overnight (and half
of the next day). This usually happens to be a BMW or Hummer,
and the next day I catch heck from snide dog clientele.
"Oh, stepping up in the world, are
we? You're making a killing on us if you can afford one of those,"
Mr. Long remarked on one such morning.
"That's not my car," I told him.
"Well, then why is it here?"
he asked, as if it were really any of his business.
"I guess someone got lucky last night,"
I remarked dryly, as I pointed over at the bar. He got my drift.
Anyhow, this necessitated the sign that
say the spaces in front of my door are for my customers' use
only. Reasonable signage.
When I had been having an influx of cranky,
overly wealthy, "I have four houses in four different states"
customers, who wanted to bring a ruler with them to make sure
the length of their dog's ears was EXACTLY the same on both sides,
that brought about a very necessary sign. It reads in fluorescent
lettering, "This is a happy place $20 surcharge if you change
that."
It amazes me that the people who cause
me no grief (which are the majority, thankfully) understand exactly
what it means. The crabs are ALWAYS the ones who ask its meaning.
When the kazillionth dog of the week peed
on one of the toy displays, it made it imperative to do one of
those "If your dog pees on any merchandise, you bought it"
banners. What I really wanted it to say was, "Don't you
think it's about time you have your beast neutered to avoid his
incessant marking of my displays, my cages, my grooming table
post, my telephone cord, my clipper and my ARM?" But I tamed
it down to the aforementioned.
The people who buy a breed of dog that
they can't even REMOTELY pronounce deserve a sign. We all know
the one most popular in the mispronounced line-up. I want the
sign to read, "It's NOT a HASO-ASSO!" But Lou won't
let me put it up yet.
I must admit that I do have one sign that
I don't quite understand why it is that people don't seem to
grasp its concept at all at times. This would be the "NO
CREDIT! PLEASE DON'T ASK!" sign. This one was necessary
because one lone man began by paying his bill upon completion
of the grooming on his pet. It was one of those gradual progressions
that caught me totally off guard.
Back
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The Grooming
View... Danger Zones (Part II)
By Marea Tully
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 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 people washing
dogs could check on the drying dogs.
One day my assistant went to wash a dog
and screamed at me to get in there quickly because the dog had
spread the wires with his head and was now struggling frantically
to pull himself out. He was 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, a dog tried to bite the bars and
wound up getting his teeth and jaw caught between the bars. The
sound the dog made 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
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 at 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 ingredients in dips,
conditioners, detanglers, and shampoos. 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. One 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, these 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
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Hang Onto Your
Hat... Groom Expo Is Coming!
"Groom Expo is coming soon, so hang
onto your hats... because it will blow you away!" says Sally
Liddick. "We are rounding up some of the best talent in
grooming, boarding, animal behavior and health that we have ever
had."
The dates of this stellar event are Sept.
9-12th. 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.
The Biggest Pet care Trade
Show in the World...
Come prepared to buy, buy, buy. This is your once a year shopping
stop. Bargains, new product introductions, floor samples and
more will be at the nearly TWO HUNDRED Trade Show booths. You
will NEVER find a bigger shopping bonanza selection!!! Or better
prices!!! Save for it!
Gary Wilkes is coming...
You have heard of him. The Guru of Clicker Training and Animal
Behaviorist for the Phoenix Zoo! Now he is coming to Groom Expo.
Gary is one of the top animal behaviorists in the world and author
of many top-rated books. He will offer a two-day Animal Behavior
Conference, on Thursday and Friday, as it relates to pet care
professionals. That's over 10 BIG hours of education and it is
a great learning experience for you and your staff. Gary will
offer four topics on dog training on Saturday and Sunday.
Natural Pet Expo moves to
Groom Expo
There is such interest in health, holistic and alternative therapies
and products that we went looking for one of the top guys in
this field, Greg Tilford. Greg is internationally known for his
expertise. In addition, noted author, Darlene Arden, will be
offering a two-hour Wellness program, to help extend the healthy
years of our four legged clients.
Exciting Add-on Programs
On Thursday, Teri DiMarino will again offer the Brusher Bather
Certificate Program, and grooming legend, Marlene Romani will
provide an all new program called Everyday Grooming. On Friday,
we "kick it up a notch" with Teri on Terriers, The
Competitive Edge Improving Your Skills, Establishing a
Successful Pet care Facility, How to Start a Successful Doggie
Daycare, First Aid, Boarding Exotic Animals, Hand stripping and
Carding Tricks, and Wellness Works.
PETsMART sponsors GroomOlympics World Champions!
GroomOlympics, sanctioned by the International Judges Assoc.,
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. PETsMART is sponsoring the top positions this
year! Tournament sponsors include: Andis Poodle Tournament, Gibson-Governor
Terrier Tournament, Lambert Kay Sporting Tournament, and Tropiclean
Mixed & Other Purebreds Tournament.
The Winners Circle Tournament, sponsored
again by Nature's Specialties, will be held on Sunday morning,
with a winner taking $2500. A $20,000.00 jackpot hangs in the
balance from Winner's Circle Sponsors... Nash Academy of Kentucky,
Nash Academy of New Jersey, Paragon School of Grooming, Marea
Tully, Edemco, Geib Shears, Andis Company, and Kenic Professional
Grooming Products. We have three top groomers with two wins under
their belts. Will the jackpot be won at Groom Expo? Come and
see on Sunday morning.
The ever popular Barkleigh Creative Styling
Contest will be back on Sunday with $3000.00 prize money and
the greatest assortment of creative competitors you have ever
seen. Dogs can be prepped in the Conair Grooming Salon right
on the trade show floor. It will feature all Conair grooming
tools.
Clip 'N Go Mobile Contest...
Back again for Mobile Groomers!
It's Fast! It's Fun. Its the Clip'N Go Contest to be held on
Sunday for Mobile Groomers. At the sound of the horn, contestants
will take the dog from the "owner", run to their van
and "pet groom" the pet to perfection, including bows
and embellishments. But it is the grooming that counts, and so
does the big money of $1000, $500 and $250 for IJA Levels 3,
2 and 1, respectively. There will be one winner per level. The
contest is sponsored by Wag'N Tails Mobile Conversions.
BIG Hairy Dog Contest
Now, how's that for an event? FUR-minator is sponsoring this
fast-paced, fifteen minute contest. We are going to see who can
pull the most dead coat from their BIG hairy pooch. We will weight
the hair, and the winner with the most hair gets $1000 and the
runner-up will get $500.
Top Speakers and Grooming
Demonstrators...
As always, top speakers are planned for Groom Expo. It is the
largest educational seminar in the grooming world. Live grooming
demos will be presented on the BIG screen by noted professionals,
such as International Groomer of the Year, Liz Paul, who will
do live grooming demos on the Poodle, Bichon, Cocker and Terrier.
Business and Marketing by
Top Pros!
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, we
have top speakers and their pearls of wisdom for you.
Doggie Cam featuring Debbie
and the Newbies
What interests a dog at Groom Expo? We are going to find out
as Debbie Beckwith, and one of her beautiful Afghan Hounds, stroll
the aisles, halls, and events of Groom Expo this year. As Debbie
travels the aisles, her Afghan will be donning a miniature camera.
And you will see what he sees, from a dog's point of view, during
Groom Expo Super Weekend. Could we call this an AfCam?
On these trips, Debbie will be escorting
"Newbies", too, (anyone new to Groom Expo who would
like to stroll with her at appointed times) as she points out
some of the best features of Groom Expo. And all this will be
broadcast on large screens at various places in the show. Groom
Expo's 170 booths can seem a bit daunting at first, but with
Debbie, you have a groomer friend, in the know, and on the go!
Debbie will visit with exhibitors, on Doggie
Cam, and find out what is new and exciting in their booth this
year, as well as give you a dog's eye view of the show. Newbies
might even get treated to some special discount coupons and gifts
by sponsored booths.
So if you are a newbie, just find Debbie
at Groom Expo. Her tours will leave regularly from the Registration
Desk, right beside our favorite host, Frankie Brown. Jump onboard
Doggie Cam and have a tour of the floor this year, with Debbie.
What about FUN Tours?
How many bus tours do we have this year? Three is the magic number.
Our first big tour is the new Blue Ball Express on Thursday.
It will take in the town of Lititz with its 18th Century town
buildings, museums, pretzel factory and chocolate museum. Then
onto the Ephrata Cloister, founded in 1732, it was one of America's
earliest communal societies. Experience the solemn, beautiful
surroundings and visit many of its buildings to gain a unique
insight into the lives of the members of this religious order.
Finally, it's the little town of Blue Ball featuring Shady Maple
Smorgasbord with 200 feet of deliciously authentic Pennsylvania
Dutch Cooking.
Of course, the Amish Fling, will leave
again, but on a new day Friday, for a day-long sweep of the Pennsylvania
Dutch Country. Then it's show time on Saturday with Noah, The
Musical, at the Millennium Theater. This is a huge spectacular
show with many live animals on stage followed by dinner at Hershey
Farms Restaurant.
Watch for your program book coming soon
in the mail that will detail everything. It will be BIG... magazine-sized
this year, so don't miss it! Request Readers
Service Card #1150.
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, noted
author and lecturer will offer her wisdom in the publishing field.
Dancing with Dogs" competition...
For the fifth year, you will see the fabulous two day competition
of Dancing With Dogs in the Petco Off Lead Arena. You will be
moved to tears as you watch this choreography of man and dog.
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. For contest rules, request Reader
Service #237, call Barkleigh Productions at (717) 691-3388
or e-mail at info@Barkleigh.com.
Doggie Cam featuring Debbie
and the Newbies at Groom Expo
What interests a dog at Groom Expo? We are going to find out
as Debbie Beckwith and one of her beautiful Afghan Hounds stroll
the aisles, halls, and events of Groom Expo, this year. As Debbie
travels the aisles, her Afghan will be donning a miniature camera.
And you will see what he sees, from a dog's point of view, during
Groom Expo super weekend.
On these trips, Debbie will be escorting
"Newbies", too, anyone new to Groom Expo who would
like to stroll with her (at appointed times) as she points out
some of the best features of Groom Expo. And all this will be
broadcast on large screens at various places in the show. Groom
Expo's 170 booths can seem a bit daunting at first, but with
Debbie, you have a groomer friend, in the know, and on the go!
Debbie will visit with exhibitors, on Doggie
Cam, and find out what is new and exciting in their booth this
year, as well as give you a dog's eye view of the show. Newbies
might even get treated to some special discount coupons and gifts
by sponsored booths.
So if you are a newbie, just find Debbie
at Groom Expo. Her tours will leave regularly from the Registration
Desk, right beside our favorite host, Frankie Brown. Jump onboard
Doggie Cam and have a tour of the floor this year, with Debbie.
New this year, at Groom Expo!
Back
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Liz Paul - 2004
Intergroom International Groomer of The Year
See Liz at Groom Expo!
It's official! Liz Paul was crowned Intergroom
International Groomer of the Year for a record setting fourth
time at the 2004 Intergroom.
Her journey to this awesome title had its
start many years ago. "I always tell people that I grew
up in a cage," Liz says with a quick laugh "because
my Mother had a kennel." Surrounded by dogs her entire life,
Liz has taken her love for them and her incredible talents, and
has molded herself into a dynamo of grooming genius.
It may surprise you to know that Liz Paul
is a self-taught groomer. "I just looked at a dog, decided
what to do, and then I did it" Liz states in a matter of
fact tone. To have the eye to envision what lies beneath all
that hair, and then have the talent to accomplish the task, is
something every groomer strives for. For Liz Paul, it just came
naturally.
Originally Liz was showing dogs, but was
feeling burned out. Liz yearned for something different - she
needed a change. Always ready for a new challenge, Liz entered
her first grooming competition in 1979. "It was great!"
excitedly recalls Liz. "I went Best In Show at my very first
competition, also in my second, and again at my third! But then,"
Liz chuckles and adds, "My crown got knocked off and reality
hit."
It is plain to see that the competition
bug had bitten Liz and had bitten her hard. She began to enter
competition after competition, meticulously preparing herself
and her dogs for each contest. Soon Liz Paul became a regular
in the winner's circle and found herself with quite a collection
of trophies and awards.
Since her first experience in 1979, she
has had many fabulous wins at Intergroom, The Oster Invitational,
The All American Show in Chicago, and Groom Expo in Hershey,
just to name a few. Liz has also excelled in the Creative Grooming
ring.
Liz has been a member of many, many Groom
Teams and has represented the United States in competitions all
over the world.
Liz describes what a unique experience
it is to be a Groom Team member. "When you become a Groom
Team member," she states, "You are no longer a group
of groomers; it is as if the Team becomes one person."
Liz Paul willingly admits, "I'm a
very, very competitive person. However," she continues,
"I never have a competition with anyone else. I always just
concentrate on what I am doing, and on my dog."
Judging from Liz's almost endless list
of awards and accomplishments, it is evident that she has total
concentration on the task at hand, and complete confidence in
her abilities. As she conquers every hurdle placed in front of
her, Liz triumphs and is empowered by each victory.
Don't think that success and fame have
made Liz Paul unapproachable. Liz is willing to share her vast
wealth of knowledge and experiences with anyone who would like
to glean some knowledge from her. "Unless I'm walking into
the ring or a seminar, I would welcome anyone to come up to me
and I will help them with their dog," Liz affirms and then
adds, "The more you ask, the more you learn."
When her name was announced as the 2004
Intergroom International Groomer of The Year, Liz Paul got a
tingly feeling all over. She had done it! "Being International
Groomer of The Year is something that I've always wanted to do
- and then do it over and over again," Liz shares with growing
excitement, and then she continues, "Winning the title of
International Groomer of The Year is being crowned the Best of
the Best!" Besides every award and title that Liz Paul has
won, being named International Groomer of The Year for an astounding
fourth time, is an accomplishment that no one else has ever achieved,
and Liz plans to continue her competitive ways and to win more
and more.
How can Liz Paul top a lifetime of victories
both in and out of the contest ring? Hmmm, maybe, she could start
a grooming dynasty. Yes, and in fact, it has already begun!
Liz's daughter, Becky, competed at the
2004 Intergroom and took a first and a second, and she's only
been grooming for nine weeks. Hmmm, like mother, like daughter.
Back
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Ea$y Money Kitty Kat Kash
by Mary Faith Moore
Stop summer stagnation with a spark of
originality! Campaign for the anti-canine! Cats! Those eccentric,
pristine, self-centered irresistible balls of fluff are scratching
for stardom on your retail stage. Come out of the closet, cat-cuddlers!
Turn your affection into kitty-cash! Get rid of the "dogs
only" sign in favor of one that announces "Welcome,
Felines" and start smiling as your shop is frequented by
coats of a different color; such as calico, flame point and tabby!
Each charmingly feline creature will be accompanied by a cat
crazy human who will delight in shopping your kitty kingdom!
Cater to the sophisticat! Display a royal assortment of catnip
cookies, sparkling crowns and fancy collars which will titillate
whiskery noses and convince their human-companions to open their
pocketbooks.
Bon-appetite! Polish up the silver set
you were gifted in 1969, and replace it with an elegantly feline
table adorned with cans of "gourmet" cat dinners. Feature
a selection of kit-approved treats on a sparkling crystal cake
plate. Fill a punch bowl with colorful bags of tasty nibbles.
Feature a unique catnip cake, kitty croutons and fishy biscuit
mix.
Virtual Playmates: Cat-guardians on the
go are certain to be fascinated by interactive toys designed
to keep homebound felines happy and entertained. Watch the clients
smile as their pets explore the display of wind-up mice, bouncing
rodents, creatures that hang from door knobs, talking balls,
ferrets on a spring, and time released catnip. Browse catalogs
to build a collection that busy clients will appreciate.
Cat-collectibles: Cater to the whims of
collectors with a small but appealing feline friendly gift section.
Display an electic assortment of gifts, gadgets, and wearable
art (in ones or threes) such as; cat clocks, calendars, greeting
cards, feline frames, zany mugs, and exquisite jewelry. Cat guardians
will open their billfolds and thank you for the opportunity.
Feline A-Fair: Feeling artsy? Create a
bedazzling feline beauty display using a looking glass for the
backdrop. With the aid of a glue-gun, festoon a handsome mirror
with rhinestones, then lavish petite wicker baskets with sprigs
of lavender and kit-grooming essentials, such as nail-nippers,
fine-tooth combs and miniature brushes. Arrange larger baskets
with shampoo, skin treatments, and conditioner packs. Don't forget
to display a tempting tray of scent samplers. Spotlight a particularly
scintillating summery blend as "scent of the month."
Cat-attire: Dabble in a few novelty items
to surprise and delight! Cat clients will enthuse over faux diamond
crowns, zany t-shirts, feathery hats, lacy dresses and extraordinary
jewelry.
Kitty-Spa: Enhance the grooming menu by
including several feline oriented services such as aromatherapy,
massage, and dry herbal bathes. Cat Guardians are certain to
be pleased with these cat-mellowing services and happily, they
are simple to perform (no water required). For the cat stylist
extraordinary, if cat baths are on your grooming menu, feature
a feline fluff-up to highlight a fabulous selection of kitty-cat
attire, memorabilia, and fine wares.
Let's face it, competition looking backward
still believes cat and dog lovers were born on different planets!
Of course, neither Miss Kitty nor Mr. Fido cares a hoot about
that. Stick with the entire pet-loving population, open the door
for Kitty and her best friend and work your way into to the feline
friendly market. No one every lost money by leaving the competition
behind.
Back
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Off Lead Expo and ProGroom
PA is an Exciting Event
I just wanted to quickly tell you
what a great time I had with my dog, Edgar, at the Off Lead Training
Expo in Lebanon, Pennsylvania this year. We had a blast. The
workshops with Gary Wilkes were so informative, sensible and
insightful.
Edgar's favorite part was the puppy playground.
It was a great break from the indoors, where he had to mind his
manners for extended periods of time. My favorites were the Flyball
and Agility demos! Wow, those were some talented dogs and trainers!
I especially liked that they allowed the
audience to come into the ring after the demos, so that we could
see if our dogs were interested in the activities. I had been
putting off taking any agility classes (or the like) for a long
time, because I just didn't know if my dog would be good at it,
or if he would even like it. To my delight, he took to the agility
challenges immediately and exceeded my expectations. We will
soon be finding our way into the Agility world, thanks to the
generosity and kind support of the Flyball and Agility trainers.
What a fantastic weekend! Yappy Hour was
Grrreat, and we also had a good time at the Pooch Party. I had
a good chat with Marlene Romani about my Clipper Vac. She gave
me the confidence to try more haircuts using her AWESOME clip
combs! (Request
Reader Service Card #1068.)
I'll never forget my brush with fame! Chris
Pawlosky groomed someone's Standard Poodle at the Oster booth,
and I was standing not even four feet away!!! I greatly admired
her skill with the scissors, and I was amazed at the quality
of the groom. When I heard her introduce herself, I almost fell
to the floor. I bet those ladies still have no idea how incredibly
lucky they were to have Chris scissor their dog, for FREE! I
walked away thinking how lucky I was to have witnessed that groom.
Thank you for hosting such a wonderful
event. Best wishes, and warm thanks Jenny Gough and Edgar
Barkleigh
Releases New Edition of Partners in Independence,
a Success Story of Dogs and the Disabled by Ed and Toni Eames
The gentle guide dog leading a
blind human partner through a busy matrix of crowded streets
is surely a familiar sight. Less familiar, but just as quietly
dramatic are the hearing and service dogs brightening quality
of life for the deaf, hard of hearing and physically disabled
who choose to be an active part of the world around them.
Partners in Independence is about those
dogs and those whose lives they enhance. These are the stories
of the visionary people who recognized the potential and made
possibilities into realities. Thanks to the dogs and people you
will meet in this book, thousands enjoy more enriched lives.
They pursue careers, attend school, make friends and cope with
the normal situations each day brings. Their dogs are their best
friends in the truest sense of the word.
Ed and Toni Eames are active members of
the world they describe. With their guide dogs, they have traveled
the world, found inspiration as popular writers and met numerous
others whose priorities match their own. They present the challenge,
the humor, the determination and the pathos familiar to disabled
people everywhere who confidently go through doors opened with
the help of their canine partners.
Introductory Special $15.95 (reg. $19.95)
this soft cover book may be ordered by calling Barkleigh Productions,
Inc. at (717) 691-3388 or visiting off-lead.com. Request
Reader Service Card #1186.
Toni and Ed Eames will be featured speakers
at Groom Expo 2004. To receive a Groom Expo program of events,
request Reader
Service Card #51.
New Vermont Soap Organics
Vermont Soapworks is very pleased
to introduce a truly organic pet shampoo that meets or exceeds
all USDA standards for organic food products. It is a safe and
non-toxic alternative to detergent and chemical cleaners for
our furry friends.
This shampoo is made from organic coconut,
olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of
natural and organic essential oils. Rosemary extract is the only
preservative.
It is extraordinarily mild, hypoallergenic
and completely natural. It is also environmentally-friendly and
free of animal products, by-products and testing.
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1187.
Don't Get Left Behind!
Many groomers express concern about
leaving home to attend a seminar because there is no income while
they are away.
The seminars are essential, just like your
clippers and bathtub. Not attending will cost much more in the
long run. If nothing else, you will learn to respect yourself
as a professional who deserves fair compensation for your labors.
We MUST charge enough to cover our expenses,
which include seminars, and have a decent living, too. If you
have a government job or work for a company of any size, you
would have paid vacation, paid sick days, paid holidays, and
a retirement fund. Groomers need to factor these considerations
into their fees and also the costs involved in upgrading their
tools and shops.
Seminars and Groomer to Groomer have been
a tremendous impetus in the advancement of this industry. Glee
Thacker, Very Important Pets, Selmer TN
A Sad Tail
A Collie from Raleigh named Holly
Met a Shar Pei on a Shanghai trolley.
Her well-groomed appearance
Earned terms of endearance,
But his wrinkles got him, "Solly, Cholley!"
This Doggie Couldn't
Hold Its "Licker!"
Accidents can happen in your shop!
I had my grooming shop for two years and a senior lady and her
Lhasa Apso ever since my shop opened. The dog was a five year
old dog named Abby. Well, Abby was a big "licker."
She was constantly licking her feet and legs to the point where
she would irritate the skin.
When grooming day rolled around, I couldn't get her to stop licking
as I was holding her leg to scissor around her paws with my ten
inch scissors. I had them open, ready for a snip, when Abby licked
the scissor blade and cut her tongue. She was bleeding and thrashing
around, throwing blood everywhere.
I grabbed her and put her in the tub to wash out her mouth so
I could see just what had been done. The cut was about 1/2 inch
long on the side of her tongue. I harnessed her down, called
the vet and the customer, who would meet us at the vet's office.
The dog was placed under anesthesia and had stitches put in her
tongue. The client was upset, but knew that it wasn't my fault.
During her recovery, I called about once a week to check on her
and also sent her a get well card.
I still have my Abby as a client, but she has a split on the
side of her tongue, because she licked so much that the stitches
came out.
Beware of "lickers" when you are grooming and remember
that accidents can happen in your shop, too! Primping Paws Pet
Grooming Salon, Tarboro, NC
Calendar of Events
ALABAMA
OCT. 22-24. Southeastern Grooming Show
Birmingham AL. Contact (303) 629-3022
Request
Reader Service Card #1117
COLORADO
Oct. 22-24. Groom West 2004,
Denver CO. Contact (303) 629-3022
andelt2@mindspring.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #709
August 8. Grooming Sensations featuring
Marlene Romani,
Denver CO. (847) 364-4547
mink@kc.rr.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1082
FLORIDA
October 17-21.Groom Boat to the Bahamas,
Port Canaveral FL. (717) 691-3388
www.barkleigh.com ·
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1062
October 17-21.Clicker Cruise to the Bahamas,
Port Canaveral FL. (717) 691-3388
www.barkleigh.com ·
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1183
ILLINOIS
August 14-16. All American Grooming Show,
Rosemont IL. (847) 364-4547
aagrmgshow@aol.com
Request
Reader Service Card #499
October 8-10. Pet Industry Christmas Trade
Show,
Rosemont IL. (312) 663-4040
hhbacker@hhbacker.com
Request
Reader Service Card #491
October 8-10. Celebration of Style Grooming,
Rosemont IL. (312) 663-4040
hhbacker@hhbacker.com
Request
Reader Service Card #491
IOWA
October 16-18. Iowa State Prof. Dog Groomers Assoc.
Des Moines IA. (800) 532-1466
Request
Reader Service Card #1184
MICHIGAN
July 18. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar,
Dearborn MI. (941) 322-0226
www.john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1056
MISSOURI
October 10. John Stazko's Grooming Seminar,
Earth City MO. (941) 322-0226
www.john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1082
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,
Hershey PA. Contact: Barkleigh Productions, Inc
(717) 691-3388 · www.groomexpo.com
Request
Reader Service Card #51
RHODE ISLAND
November 6-8. New England Pet Grooming Professionals,
Warwick RI. (508) 799-6176 · nepgp@aol.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1185
TENNESSEE
August 8. John Stazko's Salon Owner Seminar,
Nashville TN. (941) 322-0226
www.johnstazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1056
WISCONSIN
August 18. Grooming Sensations featuring Marlene Romani,
Madison WI. (800) 705-5175
mink@kc.rr.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1182
BARKLEIGH
SHOW DATES
2004
September 9-10, 2004
Animal Behavior Conference
2004
Hershey PA
September 9-12,
2004
Groom Expo 2004
Hershey PA
September 22-23,
2004
Progroom
Las Vegas
Las Vegas NV
October 17-21,
2004
Groom Boat
to the Bahamas
Port Canaveral FL
October 17-21,
2004
Clicker Cruise
to the Bahamas
Port Canaveral FL
2005
January 21, 2005
Hawaiian
Pet Pro Cruise
Honolulu HI
January 22, 2005
ProGroom Hawaii
Honolulu HI
February 10-13,
2005
Groom & Kennel Expo 2005
Burbank CA
July 14, 2005
PetQuest Expo,
Lansing MI
August 4-6, 2005
Progroom South, Atlanta
GA
(In conjunction with SuperZoo East)
September 15-17,
2005
Groom Expo 2005 and
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
2006
February 17-19, 2006
Groom & Kennel Expo 2006,
Burbank CA
September 14-16,
2006
Groom Expo 2006 and
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
2007
September 4-6, 2007
Groom Expo 2007 and
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
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