GTG 24-6

Sally’s Desk
Gifts of Love

Sorry, but this is going to be a quick one. Busy, Busy Busy. Groom Expo and Super ProGroom Vegas are coming soon so I am trying to just keep up. But I will tell you what Gwen and I have been up to.

We just held PetQuest in Michigan and had a great time. Over 700 attendees and 50 booths. This was a wonderful “second time” show and we are planning to do it again next year. Gwen and I drove from Pennsylvania to Michigan through the summer heat, but it was a nice change to flying. Except that Gwen’s Silent Auction stuff filled every space in the van. Tubes were poking me in the neck. I couldn’t see through the windows, and there was an annoying beep from one of our walkie talkies where we couldn’t reach it.
Do you know about Gwen’s auctions? If you have ever been to a Barkleigh show, (or Intergroom), there is a Silent Auction that takes place every day. Some groomers are so addicted to it, they hang around all day putting new bids down. And woe to the groomer who tries to protect their bid before Gwen circles the winning number. Groomers have been known to almost go to blows over it.

Gwen finds the most novel dog stuff. She buys specials, gets store bargains and closeouts, and she cases the gift shows for unusual products. If there is something “dog” nearby that should be in her auction… she can sniff it out at a hundred paces. Plus exhibitors often offer their products. Gwen has always been a shopper. So this is just down her alley. Since her kids are grown (and she has no grandkids, yet), she practically lost reason to shop. Now she has a new reason to live.

The Silent Auction proceeds go to a great cause. Gifts of Love International. We have been sponsoring Don and Barb Kassebaum’s projects for many years now. Don was a shampoo manufacturer and built Tropiclean shampoos. His desire was always to be a full-time missionary without having to be paid by the charity organization. So all funds that are raised go completely to mission work as Don still takes an income from his business and not his humanitarian endeavors. Gwen and I, and some of the Barkleigh staff, even took two missionary trips with him to Guatemala and the need is great.
Gwen is not just inspired by shopping, but also by what the funds actually do for people who are so poor and practically without hope. So when you come to Groom Expo, look for Gwen’s Silent Auction. She has tons of terrific one of a kind items. Bid high. Bid often. And enjoy.

I hope to see you at Groom Expo. We have the best show planned for you. And of course, we have lots of chocolate waiting, too. See you soon. God bless you.

Getting Creative with Sandy Hartness
By Kathy Hosler

By his own admission, Jerry Schinberg, originator of the All American Grooming Show held in Chicago, Illinois, is a “wild and crazy guy!”

So it’s really not surprising that he could come up with an inspiration for a totally unique and never before imagined kind of grooming contest, the Creative Grooming Contest.

Jerry had a fantastic idea for a breakthrough competition that would allow the artistic side of a groomer to shine through.

In 1980, Jerry’s dream of a creative grooming contest went from concept
to reality, much the same way that Walt Disney’s dreams gave birth to Disneyland and Disneyworld.

Contestants have embraced Jerry’s brainchild and have astonished the grooming world with original intricate trims and designs, and have wowed fellow groomers with vivid, breathtaking colors, and presentation themes that have forever changed the way we think about grooming contests. There is no
ho-hum grooming here.

Creative grooming is sheer magic in the hands of a talented groomer. A gorgeous Standard Poodle can be transformed into a cocky rooster with rainbow plumage, or a fish with gills that breathe in and out, or an adorable carousel horse ready to prance into the winner’s circle.

Creative grooming has become a must see event for everyone who attends seminars, with the Barkleigh sponsored shows being “the place” for groomers to unleash their innermost creativity and go all out with their designs.

Sally Liddick, of Barkleigh Productions, has always been fascinated with the concept of creative grooming contests. (She’s just a little bit “wild and crazy” too, you know). Barkleigh sponsors the creative contests in a big way to showcase this unique and remarkable outlet for groomers.

“I sponsor Creative because I love it,” states a beaming Sally Liddick. “Creative had a hay-day for awhile, but then entries began to plummet.”
“I didn’t want to lose this fun and exciting side of our profession” Sally continues, “So I began showcasing it at Barkleigh events. And it has never disappointed our attendees. It is one of the most popular events at our shows.”
Popular? That’s putting it mildly. At the 2005 Groom and Kennel Expo, held in Burbank, California, the Creative Grooming Contest boasted a standing room only crowd that was mesmerized by the incredibly talented contestants and their amazing creations.

When Sandy Hartness and her entry “Cock-a-Poodle-Doo” claimed the top prize, the crowd roared their approval with wild cheers and thunderous applause. This is the second year in a row that Sandy has been victorious at the Groom and Kennel Expo in Burbank.

What does it take for a groomer to become a champion in this unique and tremendously competitive competition?

According to Sandy Hartness, “You need an idea, and maybe a little guidance, and other than that – just go for it!”

But Sandy, who has been grooming for ten years and has her own shop in Yucca Valley, California, didn’t start out as a champion. In fact, Sandy had never been to a creative grooming contest before she entered one.

Sandy saw the winner of one on the cover of Groomer to Groomer and said to herself, “I could do that! I want to do this!”

“I love to draw and paint” explains Sandy. “I find it intriguing that you can take a dog’s hair and sculpt it and color it and turn the dog into something else!”
Sandy has a unique way to develop her ideas. She has a book with all of her creative ideas in it. Each page has an outline of a Poodle on it, and whenever Sandy gets an idea, she sketches it in her book. As the time draws near to a competition, Sandy goes through her idea book and makes her selection.
Most times, Sandy has her design all planned out in advance, but occasionally she goes with a last minute inspiration. At SuperZoo in Las Vegas last year, Sandy knew she was going to sculpt the word “VEGAS” on one side of her dog, but she didn’t decide what to do with the other side until she was in the contest ring.

“I used to get really nervous before a competition, getting butterflies in my stomach and feeling like I would throw up,” admits Sandy, “But not anymore.”
“One day I just stopped being nervous,” says Sandy. “I just decided to get up there and do my thing. If I win, I win, and if I lose, I lose.”

“You’ve got to have fun,” Sandy states emphatically, “If you are only out there to win, you have the wrong attitude. You’ve got to have fun!”

“I’ve had some fabulous wins, but I’ve lost a lot too,” Sandy says with a hearty chuckle. “If you learn something and you have fun, then you never lose!”
“The other creative groomers have helped me tremendously,” exclaims Sandy exuberantly. “I’ve learned about different coloring products like blo pens
and colored chalk and different techniques for applying them.”

Creative grooming is such a unique type of competition that it requires its own special guidelines for standardizing the competition. Sally Liddick recognized the importance for implementing these procedures.

“I was very concerned about some of the rules (or lack thereof) to keep creative safe and pleasant for the dog,” explains Ms. Liddick. “With IJA’s (International Judges Association) help, the judges have initiated many rules for products and props that keep it fun and safe for the pet.”

“We do not permit anything to hinder the sight or hearing of a dog, and no permanent colors can be used.” Sally continues, “Everything must be human-safe.”

Sandy Hartness and the other creative groomers have embraced these guidelines and are very enthusiastic about keeping the creative grooming experience the awesome and crowd-pleasing event that it has become.
The creative groomers as a group, and Sandy Hartness in particular, are extremely friendly, helpful, and willing to share their knowledge with everyone.
“Anyone that would like to get into creative grooming and would like some help, I’m willing to talk to, help out, and share all my secrets,” says Sandy. “I don’t want there to be any secrets – I want people to do more of this type of grooming and to see what fun it is.”

Sandy Hartness will gladly mentor anyone who would like some help. (Her Website address is www.sandypawsgrooming.com.)

Thanks to the seeds planted by the visionary Jerry Schinberg, the nurturing and generosity of Sally Liddick and Barkleigh Productions, and to all the groomers who support the creative grooming contests, champions like the amazing Sandy Hartness will continue to thrill and compel us with their spectacular
creations!

Barkleigh Veteran
Editor, Judy Ramey Retires
by Marsha Lohr

What does one do after retiring from the pet care industry? When you are Barkleigh veteran and Managing Editor of Groomer to Groomer, Judith Ramey, spending time with your grandchildren and new Westie puppy, Chloe, is what is on your agenda.

After eighteen years at Barkleigh, Judy decided she needed to relax. “For everything there is a season. Now is the time to enjoy life before you croak,” Judy jokes. Now her enjoyment will include taking her dog to training classes and taking advantage of her new found free time.

Before Judy joined Barkleigh, she was an English high school teacher for five and a half years until her daughter was born. After that, she stayed home for twenty years with her children. During that time she taught ceramics classes at her home and it was through those classes that she found out about Barkleigh. One of the ladies in her class told her about an ad that Barkleigh Productions was hiring a part-timer.

During her employment at Barkleigh, Judy has been in a variety of positions. She was hired to check cards in the production area part-time. Judy jokes that “I never worked part-time” because Barkleigh managed to keep her busy full-time. She progressed from checking cards to office work, which entailed opening mail and taking orders over the phone.

Then the inevitable happened and her true skills were discovered. Sally Liddick, Barkleigh Productions’ President, found out that Judy had a degree in English and moved her into editing and layout. Judy has seen Groomer to Groomer from the newspaper style-layout to the full-color magazine format that it is today.

Barkleigh Productions taught Judy a lot about herself. “I learned to face my fears,” she explains, “I was afraid to fly and after my first trip to California, I loved it!” She also learned that she was a more outgoing person then she thought. Judy had once hated speaking in front of others but found out if you have to do it, you can.

Judy confesses she is going to miss a lot of things about Barkleigh and the pet care industry. The thing she will miss the most is “the friendships I have made.”

Judy has seen many changes in the pet care field. “Many new products, groomers beginning to share their tips and ideas with each other, the growth of overall business, and the prospect of grooming licensing in the future,” says Judy.

Amongst her fondest memories of the company is the first Groom Expo. She describes it as “so exciting and really fun.”

“Going to work each day should be something you look forward to.” That is the advice Judy Ramey leaves to the pet care industry. We will all miss you and your interesting stories, Judy! Thank you for all your hard work and training.

Effective Pet Handling
Through Understanding

Natural Instincts
A dog’s natural instinct plays a vital role in pet handling. It is often difficult to differentiate between instinct and intelligence. Instinct is an urge from within. Instinct makes a dog act in certain ways and has no connection with intelligence.

A common misperception is that the expectations we have for dogs are far above their ability. Some people believe dogs understand complex thought patterns and are able to comprehend our moral and ethical codes. They assume a dog’s level of understanding is the same as our own. There is a scientific name for this, Anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism means: “to assign emotion or thought patterns to animals or objects, which are incapable of achieving such dimensions.”

This is not the case. Dogs work on drive levels and instinct. It is important while handling a dog to keep in mind that they do not have the capacity to comprehend the complex thought processes that bring us to understand human emotions, language and behavior.

Most instincts provide pleasure to the dog, and because it associates the action with pleasure, learning to use the natural instinct for handling purposes will produce a positive result.

The first is an instinct that is reinforced when the dog is a puppy. Female dogs carry their young by gently picking them up by the back of the neck. The puppy instinctually stops playing and/or wiggling when it is in this position. Using this knowledge and simulating the same pressure that a mother exerts in controlling her puppies will assist in handling the dog. It is important to remember this fact; the natural response of a mother or leader dog is to release the restraint or grasp as soon as the dog submits. Therefore, restrain when needed.

The second instinct is how a subordinate dog will be ‘muzzled’ by another dog. This puts that dog into a submissive state. You can illicit that same state by simulating the same behavior on that dog.

Employing these tactics will not only produce the desired response, but will also be consistent with the natural canine communication.

Pack Mentality

To understand a dog’s behavior, you must first understand that a dog is a pack animal. This Pack Mentality means that in a dog’s mind you are either a leader or a follower – depending on your actions. In a dog’s world, this is the natural order of life – each dog has his place in the pack.

Pack Mentality focuses on behaving as the leader commands. Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are wolves (Canis lupus) of many colors, shapes, and sizes. Wolves live by a very strict code of behavior, which is based on pack hierarchy. The Leader in any dog or wolf pack is considered the Alpha. The Alpha protects the pack, shelters the pack, feeds the pack, and determines how the pack reacts and behaves.

Dominance, Submission, and Aggression

The goal is to have the dog see you, the groomer, as the Alpha, which will allow you to use that authority to guide the dog – even though you cannot communicate with him on his own level. Therefore, understanding dominance, submission, aggression, and the dog’s affinity for group living are important to effective safe pet handling.

Dominance, submission, and aggression are complex behaviors between dogs. When you add in the human factor these complex behaviors are compounded. Dogs behave differently with humans than they do with other dogs. This is an important fact that must be considered every time a dog is brought into your grooming shop or van.

A dominant dog has an air of superiority, a way of demanding attention and challenging control. Dominance by itself is not aggression, but it can become aggression if the dog is given too much leeway to pursue his own agenda. In the grooming shop the groomer has to be dominant, not aggressive.

The Many Sides Of Dog Behavior

Understand this – a dog’s behavior is never 100 % predictable.

• A dog can be submissive to people and also be dominant
to other dogs.

• A dog can be submissive to adults and be dominant to children.

• A dog in the middle may quarrel with other dogs (or not) and vacillate
between tough guy and wimp in relationships with people.

• A dog may behave in a dominant fashion on one day and be
submissive the next.

• A dog will willingly obey one groomer and completely ignore
another groomer.

Bottom Line: A dog that is allowed to dominate humans can become a menace to groomers.

Groomers Taking Control – Understanding Pack Mentality and Using it
When a dog arrives at a grooming shop its natural instinct is to immediately establish his place in the pack. Some dogs assume an automatic submissive role and will automatically act like a subordinate. Others will be more aggressive, and exhibit pushy behavior, attempting to climb the social ladder as high as you will allow them to.

At this point it is important to remember that you must become the Alpha, and establish a dominant role is your grooming shop. This does not mean you need to treat the dog aggressively. Being leader of the pack has nothing to do with harsh punishment. It has everything to do with consistency and setting limits. This means you simply need to establish and maintain your authority. Properly restraining a dog while grooming will let them know that you are the Alpha and you are in charge.

Commercial grooming restraint products are a simple, inexpensive solution that humanely restrains the dog.

Authority is established through being firm, but fair. A dog that growls, shows his teeth or nips at lower pack members loses respect from the other pack members. Alpha dogs that display aggression are often challenged, as they are considered a threat to other pack members. Being aggressive does not earn respect.

Confidence is at the top of the list. Observing body language is pertinent to surviving in a pack. A dominant dog is confident, stands tall, ears forward, and maintains eye contact. Dogs are known for their intuition, and this is derived from a pack instinct. The dog will watch you for eye contact and confidence, and this is important in maintaining an Alpha position in the grooming shop. Remember a dog’s behavior is based on natural instincts derived from the Pack Mentality.

A lower ranked dog will not challenge a higher rank for food, or act aggressively towards a dog that is higher in the social structure of the pack. If a dog growls when you go to pick him up or put a leash on him, he is exhibiting a sign that he does not feel you have a higher ranking in the pack. An Alpha male will not accept commands from lower ranking dogs.

Dogs are a little like children in one respect, they’re looking for someone else to be the leader. They want rules and regulations because that makes their role in the pack more clear-cut and easy to understand. It’s scary being the leader. If you’re not up to it, the dog may assume the role because someone has to be in charge! You need to set the rules and apply them from the first moment you meet the dog.

Chuck Simons, the author of this article, owns The Groomers Helper
Pet Restraint, a simple inexpensive solution that humanely restrains
the dog. For more information contact chuck@petshots.com,
www.groomershelper.com,
(609) 822-6366 or request
Reader Service #1987.

Groom Expo
...has something for every Pet Care Professional

“We have something for every pet care professional,” says organizer, Sally Liddick. “Groom Expo is an international show now... with pet care professionals from all over the world coming to see, judge and compete in this huge venue.” Groom Expo will be held Sept. 15-18 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Groomers, kennel operators, mobile groomers, pet retailers, pet sitters, breeders, and dog trainers will be able to select programs to their liking at this event. Special pre-show education events are planned, including the Blue Ball Express Bus Tour of Lancaster country.

“One of our biggest assets is our trade show,” says Liddick. “Last year over 170 pet care exhibitors and 2000 pet professionals came to Chocolatetown USA, making it the largest professional pet care trade show in the world.” Groom Expo actually incorporates three professional shows under one banner... Groom Expo, Natural Pet Expo and the Animal Behavior & Health Expo.

Top prize money will be provided in the GroomOlympics Competition,
now sanctioned by the International Judges Association and GroomTeam USA, with the winner receiving $5000.00 and the cover of Groomer
to Groomer magazine! Top European judges will join the American judging ranks and all contests are open to trade show attendees.

The Barkleigh Creative Styling Contest will be featured again on Sunday. The contest offers $3000.00 prize money from Barkleigh Productions, Inc. The Winners Circle competition boasts $2500.00 prize money and a chance at a $30,000.00 jackpot for the winner of the Triple Crown (a three-time champion in the Winners Circle.)

The Natural Pet Expo will host top speakers in the health, holistic and alternative therapies programs, with exhibitors offering many products for pets’ well being and to extend the healthy years of our four-legged clients.

The Animal Behavior Conference will offer programs on animal health and behavior as it relates to training and grooming. The World Canine Freestyle Organization will offer the Northeast Regional Competition.

For more information about the show, call Barkleigh Productions at (717) 691-3388 or e-mail at info@barkleigh.com. Visit our website at www.groomexpo.com. Request Reader Service #1984.

Super ProGroom Vegas Huge Western Trade Show, Too!

Barkleigh Productions is again reuniting with WWPSA for the SuperZoo Pet Industry Trade Show and Super ProGroom. The seminars cover retailing and incentives, developing your own state of the art grooming salon, grooming and success topics and satisfying your clients. Featured speakers include Judy Bremer-Taxman, Teri DiMarino, Jarbas Godoy, and Kathy Rose.

Super ProGroom gives you the chance to see grooming tournaments from the front row. Watch competitors compete for over $10,000.00 in prize money! The tournaments taking place are Andis World of Poodle tourament, Creative Styling Contest, Groomer to Groomer / Western World Pet Industry Association Terrier / Sporting Breed Tournament, and PETCO Mixed Breed Makeovers and Purebred Parade.

Visit the trade show. It is huge! If you are considering retail for your pet care facility, this is the place to be! You get the chance to talk to over 800 retailing vendors and look at the fine array of products that could do well in your salon. Retailing brings in extra money and helps bring in more customers.
For online registration, visit www.barkleigh.com and www.WWPSA.com
or request Reader Service #1985.

The Groomging View: Money Making Additions
Part II
By Marea Tully

Add-on services can be a benefit for your business. Marea brings you more ways to better your bottom line this year

Tattooing. Some states allow ordinary people to do this, and some don’t, so be certain to check with local vets or the place where you buy the tattoo equipment. Tattooing inside a long-eared dog or the inside of the thigh is a great way to identify animals. Tags get lost or unscrupulous people remove their collars. Tattooing is permanent, and the number on the dog will become part of the national registry, so the pet can be returned to its rightful owner.
Pet Care Seminars. All those people who swear they brushed their dogs, but somehow they got tangled from the car to your shop can be invited to a Brush and Comb Seminar. Set up a time with about five people who will bring their dogs for a one-hour seminar. Have them bring their brushes and combs (or purchase them from you, along with a detangling spray). Show each person how to brush and comb correctly, going around the room and showing them where they missed.

You could also offer a nail cutting and ear-cleaning seminar, again selling them all the items they will need to do this properly.

There will be some people who want to learn to groom their own dog. Go ahead and sell them everything they will need. Don’t worry about losing a customer, because they won’t have the time or the patience to continue on their own. They’ll be back. I promise you. If you charge these people just $10 each, that’s $50 for you for one hour. If they want private or semi-private lessons, you must charge accordingly. I don’t know many groomers who get $50 an hour.

Mini Services. Post a sign itemizing your mini services, such as Nails Only, or Nails and Ears, Bath and Fluff-out, Comb Outs, Flea Baths, etc. You must charge much more for these mini services than you would if you were doing the whole job at once, because you’re waiting on these people as they come and go, and it’s interrupting your day.

Offer to cut the nails every two weeks on dogs whose nails have grown so long that you can no longer cut them back where they belong without causing discomfort to the animals. Nails on other animals can be clipped every four to six weeks, especially if they’re not coming to you on a regular basis.

Pick-up and Delivery Service. Do you or an employee drive past a customer’s home on your way to and from work? Maybe this person would be happy to pay for delivery or pick-up service. You should have insurance if transporting pets, but this service could be quite lucrative. Charge more if you have to drive out of your way because of extra miles and time. Remember to schedule pets from the same area on the same day.

Other Animals. Are there other animals in your customers’ houses? Add this to your list of questions for a new customer. Many of them will own cats, guinea pigs, ferrets and horses. Let them know you will be happy to book an appointment for these pets, as well. Horse grooming pays triple or quadruple what you charge for a dog. Miniature horses are growing in popularity, and they’re smaller than many of the dogs you now groom. Since you will be making “barn calls,” you’ll need to charge for travel time and gas. Don’t forget to bring cordless clippers. Any high quality clipper and blades you already own will work just fine on a horse.

Dog Washes. People are always looking for ways to save money. An article in USA Today told about a man in Oklahoma City who owned a self-service car wash. He found a lady hosing her dog at the car wash. He warned her that the high pressure hose could harm her dog. The dog was too big to fit in her sink and too big to lift into her tub. The man converted one car-wash stall to a Self Service Dog Wash. Perhaps you could offer self service dog washing in your shop in the afternoons when all your dogs are finished with the tub.

Hope I’ve given you several ideas to incorporate into your shop. If you have other ideas and would like to share them, please email me at mareatully@yahoo.com.

See you on the road.
Marea

Top Ten Retail Products
Sold in Grooming Salons
By Candy Jackson

Have you decided to put a retailing plan into action? Hooray for you! Statistics show that professional grooming salons are missing out on thousands of profit dollars from potential retail sales every month. Product purchases based on groomer recommendations are currently being funneled through neighboring pet supply stores. Most of these purchases occur shortly after the groomer’s customer has retrieved their freshly groomed pet. Providing a retail section in the grooming salon is a wonderful convenience for the customer and a great way to increase profits.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common items your customer purchases after leaving your grooming salon:

1. Dog Treats
2. Dog Toys
3. Collars and Leashes
4. Dog Beds
5. Natural Pet Food
6. Grooming Tools
7. Ear and Nail Care items
8. Shampoos
9. Fragrances
10. Flea Repellents

Dog treats and dog toys are purchased as a reward for good behavior following the grooming appointment. A new dog collar is a must. After all, who wants to place a stinky collar on a freshly groomed pet? A new dog bed provides a fresh smelling and flea-free cushion for the newly coiffed dog. Natural pet foods are high up on the shopping list since the groomer has finally convinced her client that chronic itching and hot spots might be diet related.

Grooming tools are frequently purchased once the groomer has effectively advised her customer that maintenance in between grooms greatly reduces the expense and stress of dematting during grooming appointments. Ear and nail care items are also purchased following the suggestion of the groomer.
Shampoos and fragrances are bought to keep pets snuggly fresh in between grooming appointments. Shampoos are also purchased to bathe dogs at home that are not professionally groomed. Flea repellents are necessary since a freshly groomed dog is only flea-free until it returns to the flea infested environment.

To begin retailing, pick one or two of the most commonly purchased products from the above list. Consumable products such as treats and pet foods are a great way to get started and will generate repeat sales. Pet food samples are often available from manufacturers and can help jump start pet food sales. Offer treat samples and display product brochures and you have just
completed the first steps to pet product retailing.

Congratulations, you are on your way to fun and profits! Happy Grooming and Happy Selling!

Candy Jackson is the President of The Shampoo Lady, Inc, a wholesale grooming supplies company that features an online store, www.shampoolady.com. Candy worked as a sales rep, trainer and consultant in the pet industry for 16 years. She resides in the Northwest and can be contacted at 1-877-476-7763. For information about her products, request Reader Service Card #1885.

The Old Lady
By Bonnie Wonders

I got a call from a new customer the other evening. She left a message on my answering machine. “I have a little poodle named Toby. My old groomer went and moved away without telling me. Could you please call me back and tell me when you could bathe my little dog? Thank you.”

That was it. No name, no number showed up on caller id. It was a nice enough message and I would have called her back, but I had no way.

Two days passed. I got in that morning and low and behold I had another message from the same lady. “Why didn’t you call me back? You’re as bad as my old groomer. Shame on you for not returning my call. Not that you will, but if you would call me back, I would still speak to you.” I catch heck for the darndest things, but at least this time she left me her name and number.
So I return the call. I honestly spent twenty-two minutes on that phone call. First she insisted my name was Maggie Mae. I told her that Maggie Mae is the name of the restaurant next door. Apparently one of her relatives brings their dog in to my shop and they must have told her that I was next to the place. You see, the lady is extremely hard of hearing even though she has a hearing aid. I kept telling her that I was Bonnie and she kept saying that she wanted to talk to the dog groomer, Maggie Mae. “My name is Bonnie,” I kept trying. I was talking in all capital letters at this point.

“Slow down! Whoever you are, you talk too fast. I can’t understand you,” she informed me hotly. I was now speaking in slow-motion. “Darn you young people,” she griped. “Quit talking to me as if I were a child!” she admonished. I was ready to give up. Finally, though by some twist of fate she understood the time I was trying to give her for the appointment. Ten a.m. was far too early, she would just be waking at that time and getting her breakfast. 3:00 p.m. was way too late, it coincided with her supper. Finally she said 1:00 p.m. a week from Thursday would be just fine. I felt like I was in Goldilocks and the Three Bears for a second there. It did occur briefly to me that this woman’s meals are two hours apart. OK by my standards. Seemed a long way from supper to breakfast though.

At any rate, we got done with the conversation. I could hardly wait to meet her.
(Yes, I am being sarcastic.) I didn’t have to wait long, however. She appeared the next day at 1:00 p.m. Never mind that she was more than a week early.
I knew instinctively that I would be facing a losing battle in trying to convince her that I didn’t tell her to come in the following day.

I saw her coming from across the parking lot. I knew she was meant for me way before she actually got to my door. Gazing out the front window, I saw the same lady that I had seen for many years at the local K-Mart and Walmart. There this lady would be perched upon her chair in the foyer of the stores, playing her accordian during the holiday season. Always a big plastic flower the size of an outfielder’s glove in her hair. Hot pink rouge smeared onto her cheeks that enveloped the entire sides of her face. Lipstick to match, of course. Always in very high heeled shoes even though she had to be in her 70’s at the time. She wore those accordian pleated skirts to match her musical instrument. A blouse with a big bow tied onto the front of the neck and her outfit completed with her horned rimmed glasses. Add to this a very big smile. Always. For the last 30 or so years I had seen this woman. Now, she was coming to see me. Without the accordian.

I knew she was meant for me as I watched her trying to go into the Restaraunt/Bar next door, Maggie Maes. Rather than let her go in dragging her Poodle, I opened the door and motioned for her to come across the parking lot. It took her quite some time to get over to my place and I noted the high heels that she tottered uncertainly on as she made her way to me.
She flashed that huge smile that I remembered so well. Then she asked the question that I should have known would come up. “Are you Maggie Mae?” she said, smiling up at me from her four-foot something or other stature. “I’m Bonnie,” I told her. “Who?” she asked.

“Bonnie,” I repeated louder. The smile turned to a frown. “Well, where’s Maggie Mae?” she asked looking past me. “Maggie Mae is a restaurant, over there,” I pointed out the window. “Well, that’s where I’m supposed to take my dog for a bath,” she said. “I was told Maggie Mae would do a good job. I don’t want you to do it. I want only her,” she said. Of all the grooming joints in the town, this lady just had to walk into mine. I sighed. We went through the next ten or so minutes trying to get past this name thing. I think I finally got her to understand. The darndest thing was that her husband was with her and his hearing seemed just fine. However, he just left me on my own to contend with her. Each time I looked at him for assistance he just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. Oh well.

I groomed the dog without incident and the lady returned at the right time to pick him up. She walked into the shop and promptly announced that she had to “Pee like Niagara Falls.” At that moment she grabbed onto my arm as she was about to topple over in those huge heels. “I have a restroom, but there are three steps to go up,” I told her. There are no handrails going up those steps and I just knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. “Oh, dear,” she sighed. “I really can’t wait any longer. Could you be so kind as to help me go up them?” she asked. (Of course this was another of those conversations where I was yelling my guts out to explain this to her.)

I led her back to the bathroom and she took one look at those steps and almost cried. I knew this would be a monumental task to get this lady up those stairs. She clung to me as I tried to hold her arm to steady her onto the first step. She placed her free hand on the wall and I pushed gently on her other side to hoist her up. No go. She just didn’t have the strength to get up there. She was near tears. “I have to go so bad. I can’t hold it much longer,” she said in a shaky little voice. I tried again from behind her to push her up. Still no results.

“Maybe you should take off your shoes,” I suggested. She did so and again we got zip. “I don’t know how to help you do it,” I said lamely. She looked up at me with genuine tears in her eyes. “Carry me,” she said simply. “Oh my Gosh,” I remember thinking. I was so surprised at this request that my eyebrows must have been all the way up to my hairline. “Uh, ok,” was my well thought out reply. I reached around her waist from behind her and lifted her up those stairs with surprising ease. I knew God had a higher purpose in life for me when he made me lift those 100-pound Golden Retrievers into the tub.

The lady accomplished her duties in the bathroom and summoned me to get her back down the stairs. I did it the same way as before. I set her back down after the last step and she looked up at me through those little horned-rimmed glasses. “You’re a good mommy,” she said, patting my arm.

There’s something scary in this whole story. I learned how to play the accordion when I was seven.....and I love flowers.

Backer Christmas Show Expects Record Crowd

The 39th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference is coming to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois on October 7 – 9th, 2005. More than 850 pet supply manufacturers and distributors will occupy more than 1,400 booths at the show, a new record.

The popular Product Showcase will open at 9 a.m. daily on Level 2 of the convention center. Retailers also will get a chance to vote for their favorite products in Pet Age magazine’s 8th Annual Retailer Select Award for product excellence. Gold, silver and bronze awards will be presented to winners on Sunday, October 9.

A new feature this year is Backer’s new online ExpoPlanner (a product/exhibitor locator available via the Backer website www.hhbacker.com). This will help retailers navigate their way through the show by making it easier to find the products and companies you are searching for.

For more information, please request Reader Service #1886.

Chris Pawlosky’s Grooming Tips
Hints to remove dead undercoat

Throughout the summer months we get many double-coated breeds in need of a lot of undercoat removal. My issues with breeds like Sheperds, Collies and Labs are that I hate dealing with all that hair blowing around the drying area. What I like to do to prevent that is to use the natural processes of water, shampoos and conditioners on the skin and coat.

First, wet the dog. Water softens the skin to allow the hair to be removed more easily than when brushed dry. Once the dead hair is loosened from the skin, the shampoo and conditioners on the coat help remove hair by lubricating the shaft. The wet, soapy or conditioned dead hair in most cases slides right off the healthy hairs and leaves behind an undamaged healthy coat. I like to use the HydroSurge shampoo system to apply product because it saves me a step by combining the water, air and shampoo together (Request Reader Service Card #1988).

When choosing a tool, start with a slicker brush and work your way down. If there is some matting you may need to use a mat splitter to get started. Once I get the coat broken up with a slicker, I follow with a clipper under coat rack. When I run out of dead hair, I finish with a carding tool and finally a metal comb. Start with course teeth and finish with fine teeth. If the comb is hairless your dog will shed less in the force drying process and dry a lot faster.

Breathe easier,
Chris Pawlosky

Groom Expo
Returns to Hershey

Photo by Jeff Davidson

Photo by Animal Photography

Photo by Jeff Davidson

Photos by Animal Photography

Groom Expo is returning to the sweetest place on Earth to showcase the biggest pet care trade show in the world. Crowds will gather in the trade show and take in more than 170 booths containing grooming products galore. Everything from clippers, combs, and shampoos, to kitty condos, training toys and treats, to tables, tubs and more. If it is made for pets, and especially petcare, it is at Groom Expo. See boutique retail and naturals, too.

Exhibitors are pulling out all the stops. See live mini-grooming demos by top professionals. Show specials and discount pricing will be everywhere you turn. Bring your business cards, checkbook and credit cards! Groom Expo is the place to buy, buy, buy. The selection is the best and you can make Christmas selections, too.

Another bonus of making a stop in the trade show is the exciting grooming events. You can watch GroomOlympics, Creative Styling, and the Winner’s Circle Grooming Contests. There is also the Disco Doggie Dancing Competition in the OFF LEAD Arena.

Come early to the four-day event and attend association receptions that are open and free to members and non-members. These receptions will be held Thursday evening and include American Boarding Kennels Association, American Mobile Groomers Association, Internet Social and International Professional Groomers. All interested pet pros are encouraged to attend.
There is so much to do at this Expo you won’t know where to start! Get our “Do It All” Super Deluxe package and you won’t have to choose! This package includes every event, seminar, and Expo meal from Thursday through Sunday. You may go in and out of any educational session. Many sessions do overlap. (This package does not include the bus tour, Establishing a Petcare Facility, or the Sunday Doggie Dancing Workshop.)

See the Oster Grooming Theater with grooming demos on our BIG televised screen. The Puppy Playground series, features lots of dog interaction that you will be able to see as well as learn about. Many of our A La Carte Programs include a Trade Show Special admission for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Take a notebook and pen with you because these seminars will be dispensing tons of new information!

The Blue Ball Express, our newest bus tour, will have some unique stops in Lancaster County. Judy Bremer-Taxman will again host this trip to the beautiful 18th century town of Lititz, brimming with museums, unique shops, the Wilbur Chocolate Factory and Museum, and the Sturgis Pretzel Factory. Then you will travel on to the Ephrata Cloister and the little town of Blue Ball for the BIGGEST buffet you ever saw.

The Mobile Van Round-up is being offered again! This event allows you to see what is new, beautiful and practical for the mobile groomer. You can stroll among mobile vehicles and get some great ideas! Show off your van in the Mobile Vehicle Round-up and get a FREE Basic admission!

Don’t forget our exciting meal events! Choose between the Wild West Mobile Grooming Luncheon and the Hawaiian Lu-Howl on Saturday! The Dancing with Dogs Dinner is being held Saturday evening and will feature, for the first time, the PETsMART Best in Show Awards. Sunday brings the Gospel Breakfast and Concert with Renee Basel in the morning and the 50’s Party luncheon.

For more information, contact Barkleigh Productions at (717) 691-3388, email info@barkleigh.com, visit www.groomexpo.com with convenient on-line registration or request Reader Service Card #1887.

NDGAA Fourth Annual
Carolina GroomFest

Div A - Best in show winner, Jodi Murphy center right, with judges (L-R) Liz Paul, Melissa Verplank, Joan Anderson, and Sue Watson. Sponsor Bob Thompson of Gibson Governor Insurance back left.

Div A - Andis Poodle Tournament winner and Best All Around Groomer, Lisa Leady center right, with judges (L-R) Liz Paul, Melissa Verplank, Sponsor Marea Tully of Andis.

The NDGAA’s fourth annual Carolina GroomFest was held recently in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Friday’s festivities began with a “Super Sessions” all-day seminar conducted by Jay Scruggs and Sue Zecco. Over 100 groomers attended. The Oster Career Start Grooming Competition was held on Friday evening and offered door prizes and pizza to all who attended.

Lectures, demos, and grooming tournaments were conducted on both Saturday and Sunday. Grooming tournaments were is Divisions A, B and C, with entries totaling 108 for the entire weekend.

Keynote speakers for Saturday and Sunday included Peggy Harris, Melissa Verplank, Mike Jackson, Sue Watson, Wendy Booth, Jay Scruggs and Sue Zecco. A luncheon on Sunday featured Scruggs’ presentation entitled “Why I Love My Job”.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s GroomFest in the Carolinas, June 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2006!

NDGAA Carolina GroomFest Contest Results 2005

Best In Show (Div.A)
Jodi Murphy
Best All Around Groomer
Lisa Leady (Div. A), Lindsey Berry (Div. B), Tammy Turner (Div. C)

Poodle
(Div. A) Lisa Leady, Jodi Murphy, Penny Underhill; (Div. B) Nicole Murphy, Debbie Slocum,Lindsey Berry; (Div. C) Rebecca Harrell, Audra Almond, Brandy Gamblin

Sporting
(Div. A) Penny Underhill, Jodi Murphy, Lisa Leady; (Div. B) Christy Kilz, Debi Hilley, Tiffany Smith-Harris; (Div. C) Tammy Turner, Autumn Bridges, Angela Browning

Terrier
(Div. A) June Beckwith, Tracy Duncan, Lisa Leady; (Div. B) Debi Hilley, Nicole Murphy, Debbie Slocum; (Div. C) Tammy Turner, Audra Almond, Rebecca Harrell

Mixed/Misc.
(Div. A) Jodi Murphy, Karen Tucker, Lisa Leady;
(Div. B) Tiffany Smith-Harris, Lindsey Berry, Debi Hilley; (Div. C) Yvonne Aitken, Kristen Byrd, Christy Nelson

All Other Purebreeds
(Div. A) Lisa Leady; (Div. B) Lindsey Berry, Kim Turbyfill, Lori Deal; (Div. C) Tammy Turner, Sandra Phillips, Lindsey Eanes

Best Groomed Dog
Christy Kilz (Div. B), Yvonne Aitken (Div. C)

Oster Career Start Competition
Laura Clemmer, Shana Ashley, Mandee Mauk

NDGAA Mat Contest
Clara Barker, Christy Nelson

Ryan’s Paw Brothers
Ultra Shears

Paw Brothers ULTRA Shears are the newest line of Paw Brothers shears now available from Ryan’s Pet Supplies. Paw Brothers designed, manufactured, and imported these shears to give groomers the best quality at the best price. These shears are made from the highest quality Japanese stainless steel alloy and have a Rockwell hardness of 60+ to ensure that they will keep their edge under the demands of professional use. Each shear features a dial adjuster knob for easy personalized tension setting. Titanium coating on the handles and finger rests provide a lasting, durable finish that will not rust. Request Reader Service Card #1744.

GroomeeZ Self-cleansing
Petbrush

GroomeeZ, Inc. announces its new product, GroomeeZ, the revolutionary self-cleansing pet brush. The one-touch, one-motion revolutionary self-cleansing pet brush also can be included in a pet travel pack. The pack consist of a brush, large or small, two-ounce shampoo, and two-ounce spray conditioner, all packaged in a clear vinyl pouch with a snap button and plastic hanger. GroomeeZ is good for all-size pets, including horses! Request Reader Service Card #1761.

Espree New Shampoo

Espree Animal Products brings a new shampoo to groomers. Milk n Honey Shampoo is a luxurious cleansing and conditioning treatment containing natural milk proteins. Natural wholesome milk soothes, heals and conditions the coat, leaving it healthy, soft, and glowing. This is due to milk being one of nature’s purest products, enriched with protein, calcium and vitamins. Milk n Honey Shampoo also contains pure bee’s honey with vitamins, minerals and potassium that are essential to health and beauty. To top off Espree’s new Milk n Honey Shampoo, a delicious ice cream fragrance is added. Request Reader Service Card #1766.

AfterGroom Comfort Spray

Paw Brothers™ AfterGroom™ Comfort Spray instantly soothes skin irritated from clippers, brushing and other grooming irritations. Formulated with aloe vera, chamomile and zinc, AfterGroom Comfort Spray moisturizes and provides long lasting relief. Don’t send pets home from grooming with irritated skin. Use Paw Brothers™ AfterGroom™ Comfort Spray after every grooming to soothe pets. Request Reader Service Card #1746.

New Member to Stray Dog Sales

Stray Dog Sales announces the newest member of their sales team, Clementine Smith, a.k.a The Bionic Chicken. Stray Dog Sales proudly serves the professional groomer with quality brands like Kim Laube Co., Kelco, Dubl Duck, Millers Forge, and Metro, as well as beautifully embellished breed handbags for retailing. Visit our booth at Groom Expo and meet Clementine. You’ll see what Clementine is crowing about! And you’ll find great items for just a little “scratch.” Request Reader Service Card #1868.

Best Shot New Flea and Tick Shampoo

Best Shot presents their new specially formulated Flea and Tick dog and cat shampoo. This highly effective pyrethrin-based formula was designed especially for active outdoor pets and those living in regional climates where flea and tick problems run rampant.Flea and Tick dog and cat shampoo is detergent and soap free, fortified with aloe vera, and finished with Best Shot’s trademark mint scent. This product is safe for puppies and kittens. Flea and Tick dog and cat shampoo is available in 16-ounce and gallon sizes. Request Reader Service Card #1757.

Bardel Bows New Scents

Bardel Bows introduces a new product for your clients, two new aromatherapy scents that are great for male and female dogs and cats. White Lace Cologne for the girls is a light, refreshing combination of jasmine and vanilla. Black Tie Cologne for the boys is a soothing combination of eucalyptus and spearmint. Bardel Bows also releases a new line of Butterfly Grooming Bows! These three new collections are a great addition when you need something really unique for your clients. Request Reader Service Card #1771.

Scentament Coat Fresheners

Best Shot Pet Products announces two new Scentament fragrances to its growing line of all natural coat fresheners. In addition to its trademark Original Mint cologne, groomers can now offer Baby Powder and Pina Colada scents. Scentament Coat Fresheners can be applied after bathing or in between grooming sessions. They also condition the skin and coat while enhancing their appearance, too. The fragrances are alcohol and aerosol free so they will not dry the skin, plus they are fortified with chamomile, rosemary, rose hips, ginseng and sage extracts. Scentament fragrances are available in 12-ounce size. Request Reader Service Card #1756.

Keyhole thinners from Talyn Shears

Keyhole Thinners are the newest product from Talyn Shears. These thinners were designed to allow the uncut hair to slide through holes at the base of the teeth, completely undamaged. Concave blades, twice as sharp at 50 degrees, cut clean with no splitting or damage. This prevents the hair from being forced between teeth by a sharp blade and leaving hair broken and rough to the touch. Every finish will now be a masterpiece. Request Reader Service Card #1753.

Royal Treatment Pet Spa

Prince Lorenzo Borghese has developed a prestigious, all-natural line of pet grooming products and accessories titled Royal Treatment Pet Spa. Prince Lorenzo Borghese utilized a connection to the cosmetic industry and developed a prestigious line of all-natural, human grade, gentle and effective pet products. All the shampoos and daily spritzes contain nature’s finest ingredients and imported fragrance oils. The products are also tearless and are blended in one of the world’s finest human cosmetic manufacturing facilities. Request Reader Service Card #1755.

Professional Pet Products ProCare Shave Relief Spray

Professional Pet Products Inc. devised the new product PPP ProCare® Shave Relief Spray. It is specially formulated to be used after a close shave that has caused the animal discomfort. PPP ProCare® Shave-Relief instantly relieves clipper burn and minor skin irritations using a soothing combination of aloe vera, chamomile, and zinc. The spray will also eliminate scratching and biting, which can further irritate the skin. Request Reader Service #1762.

New Petcare Software for Pet Owners

A new software program that helps your clients manage, organize, consolidate, and locate their pet’s valuable information in one place has been recently released. ORGIT Software Corporation brings Petcare Software. This software enables pet owners to set appointments, reminders, manage health records, and emergency situations, etc. This comprehensive package offers eleven key categories and more than fifty-three sub-categories. Petcare Software is so easy to use that you do not need a manual. The software does the thinking for you. Request Reader Service Card #1765.

Pet Jerky from Oxyfresh

Oxyfresh has developed a new treat for the four-legged friends in our lives: Pet Jerky. Oxyfresh Pet Jerky offers key nutritional support for all pets. The treats are made with 100 percent USDA beef and are super-powered with nutraceuticals, which are clinically proven to help maximize joint function and mobility. Studies have shown that the nutraceuticals in Pet Jerky may also stimulate healthy cartilage growth, making Pet Jerky perfect for performance/agility pets, working/service pets, hunting pets, and older pets with joint problems. Request Reader Service Card #1737.

New Premium Japanese Style Shears

Mink Shears introduces their new premium Japanese style shears. These new shears feature short shank ergonomically correct handles with super smooth action and superior balance. The shears are made of 440C ice-tempered stainless with a Rockwell hardness of 62. The blades are razor sharp with easy cutting action, slender in design and lightweight. The shears come in 7.5” and 8.5”, in straight or curved. Request Reader Service Card #1747.

Fresh’n Clean’s New Sizes

Fresh’n Clean introduces two new size bottles, 18 ounce and 128 ounce (1 gal) for their variety of flavors in lower concentrations for better performance. Fresh’n Clean shampoos, crème rinse and conditioners are formulated with deodorizing agent, aloe vera, pure water, and gentle cleansing ingredients and conditioners to help soothe the skin and condition the coat. The blend works into a rich, penetrating lather that washes away dirt and debris, leaving the coat clean, refreshed and fragrant. The products are pH balanced for dogs’ delicate coat. Request Reader Service Card #1745.

Groomers Helper 21 day Free Trial Period

The manufacturers of the Groomers Helper Pet Handling System stated they have begun offering their product for 21 days at no cost. The system will effectively and humanely make the grooming process safer, more efficient and less stressful for the groomer and the pet. It stops pets from spinning, falling off the table, biting and eliminates head-droppers. The groomer can groom hands-free and takes minutes to setup and use. Request Reader Service Card #1748.

New Self-Cleaning Slicker

An innovative, new concept in grooming has arrived. The Evolution Self-Cleaning Slicker is designed to quickly and efficiently remove pet hair, while saving valuable clean-up time. This is made possible with the touch of a button. When the pins retract, hair falls away and the pad can be wiped clean. You then reposition the button and are ready to go again. The comfort grip handle and stainless steel pins provide excellent grooming results with minimal effort. Request Reader Service Card #1839.

Charming Pet’s New Pet Clothing Line

Your clients want fun clothing for their pets. Charming Pet Products is here to help. Charming Pet Products, already known for its decorative Party Collars and Pet Jewelry, announces the arrival of their first line of pet clothing. Made from a thin weave of lycra and polyester, the clothing stretches to fit your dogs’ curves. The new Charming Pet Products clothing line come in different styles such as red and purple flames, hawaiian prints, graffiti prints and 50’s style tattoo patterns. They come in sizes XXS to XL to fit dogs from two pounds to fifty pounds. Request Reader Service Card #1772.

Lynx Grooming System

Anivac Corporation is bringing a new service to groomers with their new product. The Lynx Grooming System is a new and innovative tool that will allow groomers to provide a “while you wait” fifteen-minute basic bathing service for their customers’ animals. The patented design utilizes nozzles to probe into the fur, after which pressurized cleansing fluids are forced into and under the coat of the animal. After the cleansing fluid has broken down the accumulations of contaminants, the vacuum nozzle passes over the same area and the liquids and debris are vacuumed away. Request Reader Service Card #1837.

Alexis Creations’ Private Collection

Alexis Creations announces the addition of their new, upscale designer dog clothing, called the Private Collection. They are designed for the discriminating pet and pet owner who simply wants the very best. Fashions that are included in the Private Collection are manufactured from the highest quality fabrics and materials available, and are constructed to the highest quality standards. The Private Collection compliments the standard line of designer dog fashions at affordable prices. Request Reader Service Card #1736.

New Holiday Soft Claws

SmartPractice introduces Soft Claws Nail Caps for Dogs just in time for the holidays. For Halloween, there’s black; for Christmas, there’s red with green tip, or plain red. For Hanukkah, dog lovers can choose blue. Soft Claws let dogs make a holiday fashion statement while helping to protect damage to household furnishings. Fresh packaging includes easy-to-understand instructions to demonstrate application. The caps are also available in purple, pink and natural in sizes small, medium and large. Each package contains forty nail caps and two tubes of adhesive. Request Reader Service Card #1870.

Davis Black Coat Shampoo

Davis Black Coat™ Shampoo is specially formulated to intensify black, charcoal, blue and other dark colored coats. This super rich, luxurious formula adds extra depth and sparkling accents while moisturizing and conditioning the coat. It produces a show-quality coat that is easy to manage with just a quick brush. A fast growing favorite, Davis Black Coat™ Shampoo is conveniently tearless, pH balanced and leaves the coat full of body. Request Reader Service Card #1729.

Color Enhancing Shampoo

Davis Premium Color Enhancing™ Shampoo will intensify the natural sheen on all coat colors. Formulated with optical brighteners, your clients will immediately see the shining results in their pet’s coat. Davis Premium Color Enhancing™ Shampoo is also an excellent whitening shampoo to revive dingy, yellowed coats without using bleach. This high sudsing, easy-to-rinse shampoo effortlessly removes dulling dirt and grime while producing a brilliant and glowing coat. Request Reader Service Card #1728.

Canine Cooler Pet Bed

As our canine companions are living longer, they are enduring many of the same ailments as people. The Canine Cooler Brand Thermoregulating Pet Bed is an innovative cooling mat invented by SoothSoft Innovations Worldwide, Inc. This pet bed does not only have a cooling comfort, it also has therapeutic benefits. Fill the Canine Cooler with water just once to activate it. The water gives the ability to act as a heat sink and a radiator. The Canine Cooler actively absorbs body heat then dissipates it into the air while providing memory foam cushioning support for joints. For more information, request Reader Service Card #1867.

Silk Solutions Shampoo and Conditioner

Groomer’s Secret Silk Solutions Shampoo and Conditioner uses all natural, organic silk with seventeen amino acids and lipids. This composition will clean and penetrate the hair, while permanently moisturizing from the outside in. Silk Protein improves the feel and appearance, leaving the coat silky and static free. This product enhances all coat conditions, prevents mats, coat breakage, aids in the removal of undercoat and has a fresh, clean scent. Request Reader Service Card #1880.

Comfort Zone With D.A.P.

About 68 million Americans share their lives and homes with dogs. However, most of these households are empty during the day, leaving the family dog home alone. Farnam Pet Products now offer dog owners a sensible answer that uses a dog’s own language to discourage it from destroying the family home. Comfort Zone with D.A.P. (Dog appeasing pheromone) can be used to calm puppies and dogs in a variety of stressful situations, including separation anxiety, thunderstorms and fireworks. Request Reader Service Card #1878.

Pet Lift Mini Bath

Pet Lift presents their new Mini Bath that is ideal for bathing small canines. There is no bending for groomers, making this tub a true back saver. The tub is off floor to the front ledge. Pet Lift’s mini tub is constructed of sixteen gauge stainless steel and has a over-all height of 57”, 32” wide and the tub is 27” deep. The Mini Bath is furnished with tie down, stainless steel adjustable legs. Available with a selection of faucets and sprayers as an option. Request Reader Service Card #1882.

Is Your Dog Itching to Scratch?

When dogs engage in excessive scratching, it may indicate allergies, pyoderma or hot spots. Further, a dog’s nonstop scratching may cause increased irritation and possibly open the skin, making it susceptible to infection.

Farnam Pet Products’ line of Sulfodene skin medications, is here to help. The following products are now available: Sullfodene Medicated Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs, Sulfodene Skin Medication for Dogs, SulfodeneHC® Anti-Itch Lotion, Sulfodene Antiseptic Ear Cleaner, Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs and Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment Swabs. For more information, request Reader Service Card #1706.

Soujourner Farms Acquires Organic Pet Food Company

Sojourner Farms Natural Pet Food Company introduces Monzie’s Organics™ into its family of natural pet products.

Ward Johnson, Sojourner Farms president, says his company is happy to add Monzie’s Organic Muesli and Monzie’s Organic Cookies for dogs to its current line of pet food and treats. “These organic products compliment our efforts to meet the natural pet food market’s rising consumer demand for fresh, simple, healthy ingredients,” explains Johnson. “We feel good that this acquisition allows us to offer our customers more variety, including wheat-free, corn-free and organic products.” For more information on products or baking services, request Reader Service Card #1705.

Freeze-N-Chew Rubber Toy for Dogs

Dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes and temperaments will find something to like in the new Groovy Freeze-N-Chew from OurPet’s. The tough, natural rubber toy can be frozen, floated, thrown, rolled and stuffed to provide pets with countless hours of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

The Freeze-N-Chew has a cool mint scent, a fragrance that canines find very appealing. The Groovy Freeze-N-Chew comes in small, medium and large sizes. For more information, request Reader Service Card #1568.

De-Tangle Spray

Citrus Tug Free De-Tangle Spray, by Espree Animal Products, is a rich blend of natural ingredients that prevents difficult combing of tangles and mats. Just spray and the comb will slide with tug free ease. The power packed ingredients of Citrus Tug Free De-Tangle Spray will condition and repair each individual hair shaft to reduce breakage. Regular usage will enhance the overall appearance of the pet’s coat. Also provides high shine! Daily brushing and combing is no longer a painful and stressful event with Citrus Tug Free De-Tangle Spray. Request Reader Service Card #1583.

Environmenally Safe Flea Powder

The Fleabusters original, patented RX for Fleas Plus Powder is now made even more convenient for groomers. It comes in a three-pound retail-ready container, exclusively through veterinarians and pet care professionals. RX For Fleas Plus Powder is the same formula that, until now, has been used successfully by Fleabusters’ professional service technicians nationwide and comes with a one-year money back guarantee. One three-pound container covers five average rooms and includes a full-color foldout label complete with step-by-step instructions and photos for application. Request Reader Service Card # 1767.

The Original Dog Bible

BowTie Press has released The Original Dog Bible. Highlights include an extensive grooming section, covering the history of grooming, breed-specific and professional grooming. Other chapters feature health, more than 250 breed profiles, activities and careers with dogs, all illustrated by more than 600 full-color photos. Request Reader Service Card #1774.

New Dog Food Flavor from Breeder’s Choice

Pinnacle, from Breeder’s Choice, launched its third formula of dog food recently. Duck and Potato joins the existing flavors of oatmeal, toasted oats, and grain. Duck and Potato is designed specifically for dogs with allergies, containing no by-products or chemical preservatives and only the freshest ingredients. Pinnacle uses canola and grape seed oil to help with healthy skin and a glowing coat for dogs. The company also uses antioxidants to keep dog’s system cleansed of toxins and free radicals. Request Reader Service Card #1759.

Fancy Barrettes for Dogs

Fancy Furs is pleased to announce their new line of fancy barrettes. Fancy Furs already carries jewelry, including necklaces and decorative collars for the pampered pet. Their new line entails colorful flower barrettes. Request Reader Service Card #1773.

4-in-1 Shampoo

4 in 1 Shampoo by High Cascade Premier Enterprises offers four-way protection for pets and small animals of all kinds. This highly concentrated, low sudsing, all natural shampoo and conditioner is often diluted by as much as 1:5 or more. 4 in 1 Shampoo contains emu oil, which offers the benefit of show quality coat and skin with a unique flea, tick and fly control, germ protection formula. Request Reader Service Card #1838.

Organic Pet Bed

Ecobaby Pure-Rest Organics has created a new machine washable
and dryable, all natural, organic pet bed. This product is made of shredded natural rubber enclosed in a removable organic cotton shell. The bed is hypoallergenic and chemical-free for a soothing effect that is close to the comfort of feathers. It is available in all sizes. Request Reader Service Card #1742.

Canine Style’s New Signature Collection

When it comes to people and their pets, people spare no expense. Canine Styles developed canine gear catering to what dogs want: elegant style, perfect fit and complete comfort. Canine Style’s new Signature Collection is beautiful and durable for dogs and includes sweaters, coats (including reflective glow-in-the-dark), raincoats, accessories, leisure gear, traveling companions, beds and treats. For holiday cheer, Canine Style has the original carol-barking dog, along with carol-croaking frogs and ducks. Or you can give a present of a plaid bone or bear to match. Request Reader Service Card #1834.

Puzzle-Toy for Dogs

Canine Genius introduces connectable treat-release dog toys. Their latest invention called Leo (named after Leonardo da Vinci), is a challenging, bouncy, durable, hollow, treat-release puzzle-toy for dogs. Each toy is great fun on its own, and when dog owners connect multiple Leo toys together, they can design unique puzzle chains specifically for their dog’s learning ability. As dogs get smarter at solving the puzzles, humans can get more creative with their configurations, making the puzzles more difficult! Leo toys keep dogs’ minds busy in a positive way. They come in two versions, Regular (medium-soft chewers) and Extra (medium-plus chewers). Request Reader Service Card #1743.

Vacuum De-Shedding Tool

Scissor Man International presents the new Vacuum De-Shedding tool. This patent-pending tool has an efficient function as a de-shedding device. It pulls the hair by vacuum power, into a suction nozzle which arranges the streams of hair for the #40 blade to comb through and collect any and all loose hair, undercoat, and also impurities of any kind. This tool is also used for preparing animals for customer delivery after surgery and/or treatment. Request Reader Service Card #1989.

PetzLife Life For Teeth

Petzlife presents Life for Teeth and Brush Away to make the teeth cleaning process even easier. The Barkery Inc. in Lafayette, N.J. bought the product and had this to say, “We received our first order from PetzLife Products in April. Trying to get people to brush their dog’s teeth sometimes can be difficult. This product Life for Teeth takes some of the work out of selling and customers love the spray-on idea. We sold out of our first order by the end of April and doubled our next order.” Request Reader Service Card # 1884.

Island Dog Leis

Island Dog Inc. announces the immediate release of decorative Kukui Nut Leis for pets. Kukui Nut Leis are available in natural brown, black, tiger and cream colors. Hawaiian Royals traditionally wore kukui nut leis. Today, the kukui nut leis are worn in friendship, celebration and love. The leis are made from the nut of the kukui or candlenut tree, the nutshell is polished, pierced and hand strung to make beautiful leis. Island Dog is the original maker of the Aloha Dog Collar and Hawaiian Lead. Request Reader Service Card #1833.

Mila Accessories new line of collars

Your clients are searching for new ways to spoil their pets every day. An increasing proportion of grooming salons are finding supplementary earnings in cross-selling apparel based pet accessories to salon patrons. Milla Accessories offers a luxurious collection of collars and leads and accessories catering to the fashion conscious small dog owner. Request Reader Service Card #1769.

Vavadog Styles

Vavadog understands that die-hard dog lovers like to coordinate their own personal style with their pet. The latest collection by San Francisco-based Vavadog incorporates the coolest colors of summer and marries them with the warm undertones of fall, creating the perfect transition line. Fashionation Clutch and Lead/Collar Set contains a matching lead and collar for pups and a stylish wristlet for their owners. Also in this line is the Rocking Skull Tee. The black 100% cotton tee is adorned with a glow-in-the-dark skull and crossbones design. Pet owners can also get a matching tee. Request Reader Service Card #1832.

Flashflight for Dogs

Nite Ize introduces Flashflight for Dogs, a lighted flying disc designed for use with pets for day or night-time use. It combines complete durability (there are no wires, solder joints, or circuit boards to break), usability in all weather conditions, long battery life and ease of use. The Flashflight for Dogs is also water resistant and fully illuminated by a single LED and nine fiber optic strands. The disk has a long burn time (up to 120 hours) on a single, readily available battery. Request Reader Service Card #1869.

Urine-Off

Bio-Pro has discovered a way to eliminate urine odors or stains from your shop. The problem is the insoluble urine salt crystals that defy conventional cleaners. Most products seem to encapsulate, perfume, dry out the crystals, or attack them with weak solutions of low-cost, generic enzymes, but the smell returns. Bio-Pro’s Urine-Off is a concentrated urine-specific bio-enzymatic spray that breaks down and consumes the crystals at the molecular level. Even the worst urine stains and odors stay gone. You can use Urine-Off on any water-tolerant material, including carpets, clothing, furniture, and vehicle seats. Request Reader Service Card #1758.

All Natural Healing Salve

Happy Petz presents All Natural Healing Salve. This fast-acting salve aids in healing hot spots, skin irritations, rashes, fleabites, abrasions, cuts, excessive scratching, tender paws and more. Happy Petz Healing Salve speeds healing, while reducing chewing, licking, and compulsive biting. It also moisturizes and helps toughen dry, cracked footpads. Request Reader Service Card #1768.

Groomer’s Secret All Natural Line

Groomer’s Secret introduces their all-natural line of skin and coat products.
Developed and utilized by professional groomers to bring the pet industry back to the basics of natural balance with help from mother nature. The all-natural line is blended with only pure essential oils and replaces lost lipids using natural organic silk. Groomer’s Secret safely cleans, yet replenishes, using select healing agents. The products are sold as sixteen-ounce retail concentrate. Request Reader Service Card #1873.

Sally's Desk

Getting Creative with
Sandy Hartness

Barkleigh Veteran
Editor, Judy Ramey
Retires

Effective Pet
Handling Through
Understanding

Groom Expo
...has something
for every Pet Care
Professional

Super ProGroom
Vegas
Huge Western
Trade Show, Too!

The Groomging View: Money Making
Additions
Part II

Top Ten Retail
Products
Sold in Grooming
Salons

The Old Lady

Backer Christmas
Show Expects
Record Crowd

Chris Pawlosky’s
Grooming Tips
Hints to remove
dead undercoat

Groom Expo
Returns to Hershey