Some people only see the problem. Others see problems as undiscovered opportunities.
Did you ever hear that old adage Necessity is the Mother of Invention. This horrible accident with the dog food, though incredibly sad, can be a help to you and all your special pet parents.

I, like others, am steering clear of packaged and packet dog food for the time being. So being the good pet parent that I am, I have started giving my Afghan “people food.”

Months ago, our magazine was sent samples of frozen dog food. It was in one pound rolls like salami. I took it home and fed it to Xena. It smelled good. It looked good. It had great ingredients. And Xena loved it so much that I called the company to see if I could buy it locally. There were no distributors in my area. I asked if they could ship it to me. Unfortunately, no. Poor Xena was out of luck. It was back to the regular dog food for her.

On Saturday, I went to my usual shopping “haunts” and stopped in at the local farmers market. I love to buy free range eggs, and pretzels made by the Amish, as well as pizza by a chef judged as one of the top ten in a national pizza competition. Inside the door is a two booth stand of handmade dog biscuits and pet boutique items. The treats are so cute. They look good enough for me to eat. Colored cut outs, bar cookies, even carrot cake with icing. I perused the selections and marveled at the array.

Now with the recall of dog foods,I selected one dozen cute and healthy dog treats for $4.95 per dozen. After paying for them, I asked the clerk (not the owner unfortunately) if they had homemade dog food or had frozen dog food. The teenage clerk looked at me as if I had three eyes.

“Noooo,” was her answer.

What a lost opportunity, I thought. You already have a huge following for treats. Why not expand and put in a small chest freezer for frozen dog food? Or make a great kibble for everyone. It is a built-in opportunity with necessity as the mother of this invention.

Then I thought of you, the groomer. You have this same opportunity. What can be better than a product like this frozen food (look on the internet), or one of the high quality dog foods by some of the specialty suppliers. Holistic Solid Gold comes to mind as a great brand with a loyal following and the only one marketing to us right now. Or start making dog food and kibble yourself.

I really believe there would be good money in it and you only need a small chest freezer in your salon (the size of one that they use in hotel gift shops for ice cream cones, etc.) You have the kind of clientele that will support such an item, and the time is right. It can’t be found otherwise and right now there is the opportunity.

It’s just a thought. But mighty empires are built on such opportunities. God bless you.

Groom and Kennel 07 Results
Andis World Cup Grooming Games
Tammy Colbert
Catherine Wood, Level 2
Deena Holeman, Level 1

Nature’s Specialties
Winner’s Circle Champion IJA Open
Veronica Frosch

Kennel-Gear Creative Styling Contest
Sandra Hartness, Angelica Wright, Susan Tyner
People’s Choice Award: Christy Van Cleave

(BIC) Best in Class, (T) Technical, (P) Profile, (D) Difficulty

Petco
Poodle
LEVEL 3: Veronica Frosch, Deanise Stoops, Jackie Boulton
LEVEL 2 BIC-Catherine Wood, T-Noriko Hollis, P-Catherine Wood, D-Lena Swann
LEVEL 1: BIC-Dan Rick,
T-Marjorie Shirley, P-Dan Rick, D-Jessica Cave

Lambert Kay
Sporting
LEVEL 3: Deanise Stoops
LEVEL 2: BIC-Miranda Stonebraker,
P-Miranda Stonebraker,
D-Cynthia Grimmett
LEVEL 1: BIC-Deena Holeman, T-Kaylyn Szabo, P-Dottie Nadolski, D-Deena Holeman

Procoast
Terriers
LEVEL 3: Tammy Colbert, Kumi Tachikake, Marnie Mathison
LEVEL 2: BIC-Lena Swann, T-Lena Swann, P-Elena Levasusea
LEVEL 1: BIC-Dawn Mullin, T-Dawn Mullin, P-Dawn Mullin, D-Sara Condon

PetEdge
Mixed and Other Purebreds
LEVEL 3: Barbara Prueckel, Tammy Colbert, Kumi Tachikake
LEVEL 2 BIC-Catherine Wood, T-Catherine Wood, P-Diana Islas, D-Miranda Stonebraker
LEVEL 1 BIC-Joey Gonzalez,
T-Joey Gonzalez, P-Crystal Campos, D-Jessica Cave

 

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. recently held their annual Groom and Kennel Expo at the Burbank Airport Marriot in Burbank, CA. Almost 2000 groomers, trainers, veterinarians, bathers and other pet care professionals arrived to take in this ever-growing trade show, grooming contests, and pet care related seminars. The trade show was filled to the max with 94 booths, with a waiting list of exhibitors.

Thursday included the Brusher Bather Certificate Program with Teri DiMarino, and Animal Behavior Conference with noted author, trainer and animal behaviorist, Sarah Wilson. Additional seminars were: How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; and Pet Massage Techniques.

Weekend speakers included: Carol Boerio-Croft, Michele Cole, Jack Fovell, Bob Harris, Derrik Kassebaum, Randy Lowe, Chris Pawlosky, Lorna Paxton, Eileen Proctor, Marlene Romani, Dave Shorter, Becky Tarsala, Marea Tully, Sarah Wilson and Sue Zecco.

Friday topics were: Practical Grooming; Animal Behavior Conference; Owning And Operating The New Generation Of Pet Care Facilities; The Fun, Foibles And Financial Feasibility Of Dog Daycare; Clipper & Blade Emergency Clinic; and Financing Your Dreams.

Saturday topics included: A Profile Of Success... Cozy Inn Pet Resort & Orchid Spa; Applying Art To Your Grooming (Poodle Demo); Boarding And Grooming The Geriatric Pet; Dealing With Distractions; Dealing With People – Getting The Results You Want In A Way You Like; Drying, Removing And Deshedding Coat; Easy, Breezy Grooms With Snap-On Combs; From Salon To Spa… The Next Professional Big Leap!; Groom Longer And Stronger - Ergonomics For The Pet Pro; Grooming Tips And Success Secrets; Managing The Multi-Dog Household; Manifestation Of Your Dream (How To Grow Your Business); Relationship Games; Shears And Scissoring; Signs, Signs… Everywhere Signs!; and The Importance Of Bathing And Skin Care.

Sunday topics were: Bubbly Bouncy Bichons; Create A New Exciting Corporate Image (Adding Amenities To Your Facility); Five Ways To Communicate With Dogs; Grooming Those Big Dogs: Bouvier Des Flandrers Demo: Helping Shy And Sensitive Dogs; How To Increase Profits Without Grooming On More Dog!; Mixed Breeds Mania; New Marketing And Advertising Techniques For The Booming Pet Industry; Pet Medical Problems And Emergency Protocols; Surviving ( And Thriving) In The Midst Of Super Stores; and Women And Dogs.

Friday was the beginning of the three-day trade show. Exhibitors offered show specials and demonstrations to attendees. LAMBERT KAY Sporting Breeds and PROCOAST Terrier Tournaments drew competitors and spectators into the Contest Arena. IJA Judges included: Berno Bekebrede, Judy Breton, Teri DiMarino, Karin Kretschmer, Judy Kurpiel, Marea Tully, Melissa Verplank, Joey Villani and Director Kathy Rose. Multiple all day and evening seminars ran concurrently.

Saturday’s grooming contests included the PETEDGE Mixed and Other Purebreds and PETCO Poodle Tournaments. ANDIS COMPANY gave $4000.00 in prize money at the Best In Show Awards for the World Cup Grooming Games. The winner, Tammy Colbert from Wildwynd Mobile Grooming in Huntington Beach, CA, is on this issue’s cover.

Sunday featured multiple seminars, the NATURE’S SPECIALTIES Winners Circle Class and KENNEL-GEAR Creative Styling Contest. The champion of the Winners Circle Class, Veronica Frosch from The Paw Shoppe in Minneapolis, MN, won $1500.00 plus an upcoming cover of Groomer to Groomer. Plus, she now has the opportunity for a jackpot of $30,000.00. The first contestant who wins three Winners Circle classes, at major IJA world events, will win the Triple Crown Jackpot!

The Creative Styling Contest winner, Sandra Hartness from Sandy Paws in Yucca Valley, CA, came away with $1,500.00 and a Groomer to Groomer cover.

“Oh wow! It was so awesome!” exclaimed Tammy Colbert excitedly. “I’m still flying high.”

She was describing her fabulous Best In Show win at the World Cup Grooming Games held recently at Groom and Kennel Expo in Burbank, California.

Tammy wowed the audience and the judges as she did an absolutely flawless groom on a stunning Smooth Fox Terrier.

Tammy Colbert is no stranger to the competition ring or to the winner’s circle. This incredible gal has been thrilling the grooming world for almost twenty-five years with her prowess in the ring.

Just how did Tammy begin her amazing career and what led her into the competition ring?

“It was fate,” Tammy says emphatically. “I’m sure of that.”

“My parents had some business to conduct at an insurance agency. Instead of going into the insurance office with them, I decided to go into a grooming salon that was in the same
complex,” recalls Tammy and continues... “I walked in and I asked the owner, Marcia Hill, ‘What’s this dog grooming all about?”

“Marcia invited me to pick up a brush and under her direction, I began to brush out a Cocker Spaniel…She said I was a natural!”

That fateful day was the beginning of Tammy’s amazing career.

“I attended the Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Grooming School, where Marcia Hill was an instructor,” said Tammy. “For ten months I went to school during the day and also apprenticed at Marcia Hill’s salon in the evenings and on weekends.”

“Marcia Hill became my mentor,” Tammy said proudly, “and the gift of knowledge that she has given to me is priceless.”

Tammy began entering grooming competitions soon after she finished grooming school. She has a wall completely filled with ribbons, plaques and trophies.

Her career in the competition ring has included grooming many different breeds and she has also been tremendously successful in the Creative Styling competition.

In fact, Tammy has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She groomed her Standard Poodle, Walker, in an Easter themed creative groom with pastel Easter eggs, bunnies, and colorful spring flowers sculpted into his coat.

Anyone who has ever entered a grooming contest knows that it takes an incredible amount of work, dedication and sacrifice to have a successful career in the competitive grooming world.
Most competitors have special routines or rules that they follow when they get ready for a competition.

When preparing for a competition, one of Tammy’s most important rules is “Early to bed.”
“When I am going to compete, I have to get plenty of sleep,” says Tammy firmly. “In the ring, I have to stay focused on what I am doing. I go over and over in my head what I am going to do… then in the ring I can focus on the task at hand.”

“I have always wanted to enter a Smooth Fox Terrier,” says Tammy. “Many people don’t realize the amount of grooming that goes into them. That’s one breed of dog that you don’t want to make a mistake on. It will really show and will take months to grow out.”

Circus, the striking Smooth Fox Terrier that Tammy competed with, hadn’t had his coat touched in eight months.

Tammy and Circus entered the World Cup Competition ring prepared to give it their best shot. The competition was fierce. Many of the most talented groomers in the world were in attendance, with some coming from as far away as Japan to compete.

The World Cup Games is an IJA (International Judges Association) sanctioned event. The winner is determined by a panel of judges made up of knowledgeable experts who have multifaceted experience in the grooming industry.

Each competitor knew the importance of this competition. It would be the supreme test of their skills. Every hair had to be in place when the judges made their inspections.

Opportunity was knocking, yet only one contestant would win the ultimate reward and claim the elusive World Cup title and trophy.

The room grew silent and the contestants glanced anxiously at each other and at the beautifully groomed specimens before them, wondering who would be triumphant.

The judges made their final calculations. Every eye in the room was riveted on them as they lifted the trophy from its place of honor.

Tammy gasped as the judges presented her with the Best In Show trophy. She grabbed Circus and kissed him as tears of joy splashed down her cheeks. She and Circus had won the World Cup Games! Mission accomplished!

The Andis Company proudly sponsors the World Cup Grooming Games. In fact, Andis sponsors competitions at every show in the USA and conducts grooming seminars in many foreign countries.

“Grooming competitions are an important part of the grooming industry because they demonstrate to the other groomers the latest styles, techniques, and grooming equipment available,” states Marea Tully, International Grooming Consultant for the Andis Company.
“Andis sponsors grooming competitions to reward the best groomers for their courage and expertise which in turn educates the groomers attending the shows,” says Ms. Tully and continues, “We also sponsor to get the Andis brand of clippers and blades uppermost in groomers’ minds so they will try them. The groomers support our business in a big way and we want to give back to them.”

It’s true. All groomers benefit from grooming competitions, whether they participate in or just watch them.

For Tammy Colbert, the thrill of winning the World Cup Grooming Games is another exciting addition to her ever-increasing list of accomplishments. This ultra talented gal has expertise in many areas of the pet industry.

Tammy is a Certified Master Groomer and has been in the pet care industry for twenty-five years.
She owns and operates Wildwynd Mobile Grooming and has a highly successful business with clientele for both show and pet grooming.

Tammy’s kennel, which also goes by the name Wildwynd, specializes in Bedlington Terriers.
Tammy shows Bedlingtons, Cairn, and Fox Terriers in conformation and has skillfully campaigned several dogs to their championship.

She is an evaluator for the International Professional Groomers Association.
As busy as these interests keep Tammy, she has even more irons in the fire.

Tammy loves the excitement of competition and facing new challenges. She is able to experience all of that and more as she participates in obedience and protection training and is very involved in agility, tracking and therapy dog activities.

Tammy is a very active participant in the sport of Earthdog. She is an AKC Earthdog Judge at all
levels and is constantly in demand for judging assignments.

She is also a Companion Animal Hygienist and is a member of many dog breed clubs.
With all of her accomplishments, what do you suppose this dynamic gal is planning for her future?

“I really, really, really want to become a member of Groom Team USA!” confesses Tammy wistfully. “It is a dream of mine.”

“And, I am looking for a protégé,” Tammy continues with determination. “The knowledge I have been given is such a gift…I want to share what I know with others.”

Wow, Groom and Kennel Expo was such a wonderful place to get Ah Ha tips. One thing I have noticed about groomers (myself included) is that we need to hear things more than once for it to register. Last year (Groom and Kennel Expo 2006), I heard Dina Perry say “One thing to remember is, as long as the hair is, is how far away you hold the force dryer.” I said, “Hmmm.” This year (Groom and Kennel Expo 2007) Teri DiMarino said, “When using your force dryer, hold it as far away from the body as the hair is long.” Then at the Oster Theater with Chris Pawlosky and Judy Hudson, they explained how the force dryer works best when held as far from the hair as it is in length. I got it!!

Taking the elevator together, having a friend give you a ride, sitting together in a classroom, working in the same office together, are a few obvious examples. How about sitting in a movie theater watching preview after preview until the actual movie you are there to see starts?
These are situations or confines that we may be temporarily in for a short or extended period of time. Many retailers pay considerable amounts of money to create this lucrative yet elusive type of situation for consumers that visit their stores or locations.

What if we told you that all groomers have a built in captive audience and it’s free?
Customers who are patiently waiting in the reception area of your grooming salon are the best types of captive audience. These are people who are waiting to pay for a product or service that you are providing and have nothing to do but potentially spend more money while they wait. It‘s true.

Forget the comfy couch, chairs, magazines or TV in your waiting room. How about rethinking the purpose of your waiting room?

Sell some unique and useful grooming related items that don’t infringe upon your existing products or services. Remember you don’t need a large space. Any space can be converted into a section whose sole purpose is to present and sell products.

You don’t need anyone to work that section. Often, exceptionally good products can sell themselves with minimal product literature that can be provided by the company.
Don’t you want extra income each month with little to no effort on your part? Of course you do.

Many of today’s forward thinking and progressive groomers have eliminated these old style waiting areas in favor of converting them into a small, specialized retail space. A waiting or reception area can be turned into a mini – store that can accommodate as much product as you feel comfortable providing. Just a new coat of paint and a couple of shelves to start. It is extremely important to make the area inviting, well lit, easily accessible, and hopefully as close to the cash register or area of payment as you can get it! Get creative. Remember the way to present or display something is just as important as the product itself.

How do you find items to carry? Thumb through pet trade and consumer magazines, go to manufactures’ websites. If you see something in another pet retail store that carries something that you know your customers will love, contact the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
Your customers obviously keep coming back to you for the great services you are providing. Make sure the products that you plan to carry are on par with the excellent services that you are known for.

Research these products by asking the manufacturers or the distributors anything you need to know about the product or who they may currently sell to. Are they an ethical company that is considerate of animal’s well being and also environmentally aware? Remember your customers are trusting and relying on you that you wouldn’t sell anything that isn’t up to your standards or isn’t something that you would recommend. You have earned their trust, so earn some extra cash by providing them with some outstanding products to compliment your outstanding service.

Pet Aromatics is known for making some of the very finest award-winning chemical-free dog grooming and related items on the market today. Many progressive groomers not only use Pet Aromatics in their grooming salon, but also offer many of their fine products in their growing retail sections.

These revolutionary dog grooming products are free of Sulfates, Parabens, DEA, TEA, Alcohol, Pesticides, Phosphates, Detergents or Dyes. They use custom-made essential oils for fragrance and the retail items are packaged in eye catching, hip spa styled, biodegradable and recyclable packaging that your captive audience won’t be
able to resist.

To request a catalog or for more company information: www.petaromatics.com, 877-738-2766.

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. will be holding their Pacific Northwest Grooming Show at the Embassy Suites in Bellevue, Washington from May 17th – 19th, 2007. Last year, the show featured 25 booths and had an attendance of 403 pet care professionals.

This year, top pet care speakers and seminars return. Exciting luncheons take place! Trade show vendors will showcase new products and provide show specials. Those in attendance will find a wealth of information, products and services to meet their needs.

For more information on this show, contact Barkleigh Productions at (717) 691-3388, visit www.barkleigh.com, or e-mail info@barkleigh.com.

A while back a groomer from Bakersfield, California wrote us to say that although she has been grooming for thirty years and went to grooming school, she has never learned exactly what to clean or sterilize in her shop. She went on to say that one of her customer’s dogs contracted mange and the only place the dog ever went was to her and to the vet. She sure was hoping the dog didn’t get it from her shop.

Cleanliness and sterilization for groomers, shops and equipment should definitely be a part of any training program for groomers or kennel operators. It should also be included in the many different certification programs for groomers.

Think of your grooming shop as a doctor’s office, be it MD or DVM. Our shops should be treated the same way. A dog can pick up a disease, rash or illness from your shop just as easily as humans can contract problems from doctors’ offices or emergency rooms that are full of sick people. Doesn’t the doctors’ office change the paper you sit on fully clothed each time a patient leaves so it’s clean for the next person? How dirty could that paper be? Tee Hee.

ALL of your equipment that actually touches the animals should be cleaned and sterilized before EACH use. That would hold true for brushes, combs, blades, scissors, cages, tubs, tables, attachment combs, towels etc. Have you ever noticed the tall container full of liquid at the barber and beauty shops full of combs? Would you want your barber or beautician to use a comb on your head that he or she had used on someone else’s? No, of course not! So why would we do it to a dog? Just because a dog looks healthy doesn’t mean that it is. We can never be too careful when it comes to taking care of the animals in our care.

I am not suggesting we take our scissors and put them in a jar full of sterilizing liquid. I am suggesting that you read the instructions that came with the product for cleaning and sterilizing options. Read the industry pet supply catalogs where you will find many options for keeping your equipment, floors and cages in optimal condition. Several clipper companies make disinfecting solutions that are perfectly safe for metal surfaces when you follow directions.

When cleaning ears, always use a different cotton ball or swab and always put your hemostats back in disinfecting solution when changing from one ear to the other. When using solution in the ears, never let the tip touch the ear. All equipment used around the moist areas (ears, eyes and privates) of the dog must have particular attention paid to them to not spread problems.

Cages should be cleaned after each dog so they are clean for the next one. If an animal has an accident on the floor, in the cage or on the table, be especially diligent with the sanitizing.

We also must protect ourselves from catching things from the dogs. If we are doing a particularly filthy dog or one with obvious health problems, we should be using disposable latex gloves.

Doesn’t the doctor or dentist use gloves when he touches us? Doesn’t the vet don gloves when he examines our pets?

Have you noticed the sanitary wipes as you enter the grocery stores lately so we can wipe down the handles on the shopping carts so we don’t get sick from touching something that may be contaminated? We should have these wipes in our shops if old-fashioned soap and water isn’t convenient at the moment. Even cruise ships offer these just as you enter the buffet line to help combat disease. There is also a sanitary liquid solution that comes in a small purse size container for quick hand cleaning available through your regular supplier.

The air should be clean also. We have manufactures that make clean air systems that are advertised in our pet product catalogs. We should have them and use them and change the filters regularly.

For our safety and the animals in our care our shops, equipment, as well as ourselves should not just look or smell clean but BE clean.

See you on the road,
Marea
P. S. Email suggestions or comments to mareatully@yahoo.com

\roomers in the northeastern part of the country and those in the southeastern part have one major thing in common. We have a mutual “exchange” of clients during the winter and summer months. I for one, pity the groomers who get some of my customers for the winter.

These Snowbirds, as they are affectionately (or not) so known, flock from Pennsylvania to Florida to escape the often brutal winter weather here. When this happens, I am generally beside myself at the prospect of taking a sabbatical from some of these customers for three months. I actually look forward to losing the revenue from these griping, whining “it’s all about the price” people. Right after Christmas, my philosophy is “Let the countdown begin!”

This past year, one couple in particular had me next to hyperventilating at their impending absence. These people have more money than they could possibly spend during the rest of their lifetime even if they should live to be 150. They own several large franchises in this town. They own more than eight apartment buildings, seven huge farms and are major stockholders in a resort. They are on the advisory board of the largest bank here and are bigger pains in the rear than you could imagine.

They constantly complain about the cost of having their dog groomed. They bring in their own shampoo and expect an eight-ounce bottle of the stuff to last through at LEAST eight shampoos. Never mind that the dog weighs over 40 pounds and has long hair. Each time they come in I hear, “Now, don’t use too much of this shampoo. It’s almost $10 a bottle.” “I’ll try,” is all I usually say to them.

Last year, they were to leave right before Thanksgiving. There I was, SO looking forward to my freedom. I groomed their dog the week before they were to leave. “So you’re almost ready for your trip!” I said joyously. “Yes, we’ll be headed for Florida next Thursday,” Ann said. (Somewhere in the back of my head I kept hearing that church song, “Hallelujah!”) “Well, I hope you have a wonderful time down there,” I found myself saying. “Well, we’ll be missing you that’s for sure,” she was saying. “No one can groom Cassie like you do. They just don’t know how to do her correctly,” she was trying to schmooze me.

I don’t know whom she thought she was kidding with this remark. It had nothing to do with my grooming abilities. It was purely the fact that she would have to pay at least $15 to $20 more in Florida. I recall the previous year when they returned and how the dog looked after they tried to cut her themselves in an effort to save a few bucks. Apparently, they didn’t have enough left in their budget for a professional grooming after deducting their “yacht allowance” for their stay in the South. Also, I think they were over budget on what they had allotted for Ann’s yearly tune-up with her plastic surgeon. We won’t even discuss the increase in the green’s fees for the golf club.

At any rate, I was in a very good mood after she and her pooch left the shop that day. Then a very good friend of mine, who sort of is in the same circle as Ann, called me a few days later. This other lady is the total opposite of Ann; other than she is also quite financially stable, shall we say. However, she is overly generous in both her deeds and her praise.

“I have very bad news for you dear,” she was telling me on the phone. “What’s wrong?” I asked with genuine alarm. “Well, I saw Ann at the hairdresser’s this morning,” she went on. “It seems she isn’t leaving for Florida till after just before Christmas,” she told me. “WHY?” I blurted out as I nearly dropped the Maltese I was carrying. “Something about their indoor pool not being finished correctly. Ann said they need to be here to make sure the contractor doesn’t try to cut corners on the job,” she said. “You KNOW how Ann and Jack are,” she added. I sighed. “So when are they planning to go now?” I asked. “I think it’s the week before Christmas,” she told me. I heaved an even bigger sigh as I hung up the phone.

Two weeks before Christmas, Ann brought the dog in for another grooming. We went through the usual and customary lectures about the shampoo usage and then the price for the grooming. I kept my irritation in check by reminding myself that this would be the last time I would have to see Ann before she and her husband left for Florida. Three months of a reprieve without her, I kept thinking. When her dog was done, Ann’s husband came to pick it up. The amount he owed was $27.56. He gave me $30.00. I gave him change back of $2.45, not bothering to mess with the penny. He surveyed the change I had handed him and looked at me.

“Problem?” I asked casually. “Well, you shorted me a penny here,” he informed me. “No, you actually owed ME the penny,” I told him. “No, you owed me 46 cents... you only gave me 45,” he insisted. “It was $27.56... I owed you $2.44, but didn’t want to bother giving you four cents so I just gave you a nickel,” I said, getting irritated over this nonsense. “I thought I owed you $27.54,” he went on. I pulled the tape off the cash register and showed him the amount. “All right. My mistake,” he said. “You know a penny saved is a penny earned,” he threw in. If I had gritted my teeth any harder I’d have needed new crowns.

I wished him a good trip to Florida as he was going out the door. “We’ll see you in the spring,” he said. I heaved a sigh of relief as I watched him pull out of the parking lot.

It didn’t go two days before my friend called me again. “Guess what?” she asked me. “You are getting a new 8-track player?” I joked with her. (She’s 86 and still hanging onto one of those and using it faithfully as she sings along with Dean Martin’s old tapes.) “No, smart aleck. Your favorite customers aren’t leaving for Florida yet again,” she informed me. “What NOW?” I squealed. “There was a lot of damage to their yacht from that hurricane in Florida. They are waiting to get a new one delivered before they get there. I was in the beauty shop this morning and she was telling me about it. She said she’d see you again before they leave. So how about THAT?” my friend asked.

“I think it’s time you changed hairdressers,” was all I could get out.

A question pet owners often ask is “Just exactly what are anal sacs and what function do they have?” This article will attempt to answer that question in a way that will allow the pet professional to give an intelligent answer to the client and to offer assistance in relieving discomfort from impacted anal sacs. The terms anal glands and anal sacs are often used interchangeably. The two are closely related and distinctly different. Typically when one refers to the anal glands, it is really the anal sacs they are speaking about. Anal sacs are two hollow structures that serve as a reservoir for an oily secretion emptied directly into them by a heavy population of anal glands in the lining of the sacs. The glands are microscopic while the sacs are large enough to see or feel.

These sacs vary in size proportionate to the breed. They range from pea size or smaller in the Chihuahua to marble size or larger in the Golden Retriever. These paired sacs are situated between the circular muscle fibers of the anal sphincter at about the four and eight o’clock positions. The glands have no muscles and no contractile power of their own. The sacs exit via ducts near the anal opening and may be so small that they are difficult to find.

Their purpose seems to be for individual identification and territorial marking. The odor is distinct for each individual and is a reason for one dog to sniff beneath the tail of another. When a bowel movement passes over the glands, the pressure will cause the release of some secretion, thus marking the elimination and telling others who was here. Occasionally during excitement or fright the anal tone increases and the sacs may empty, releasing an oil that has a strong foul fish-like odor, that much like skunk odor, lingers for a long time and is difficult to wash away. Anal sacs in the skunk are modified to be voluntarily released and produce a larger volume and stronger odor than the dog. These sacs have no real useful or vital function for the pet dog and are often problematic. If the sacs become overly full or inflamed, the dog may suffer considerable discomfort.

Impaction is most common and happens when the secretion becomes trapped stretching and engorging the sacs. Toy breeds and other dogs under 20 pounds are especially prone to impaction. In contrast, larger dogs and sporting dogs rarely suffer from impaction. Possible causes of impaction include a secretion that is too thick to pass through the narrow ducts. Normal secretion is brownish in color and light to heavy oil consistency. Sometimes the secretion is normal and the ducts are too small. The ducts may be inherently narrow or they may become narrow due to scarring from repeated or long-term inflammation.

Another contribution to impaction may be weak or sparse muscle fibers surrounding the sacs giving poor assistance to emptying. This is especially common in obese dogs and dogs with generally poor muscle tone. Sometimes the glands become overly active and simply produce too much secretion, overfilling the sacs. Impacted anal sacs are usually relieved by digitally expressing the contents and the procedure will be detailed later in this article.

Sacculitis is when bacteria proliferate in the sacs, usually entering from feces passing over the duct. The secretion turns yellowish with or without blood and the condition is called anal sacculitis. This secretion may leak onto the surrounding area, causing the anus and underside of the tail to become moist and sticky. Sometimes blood is seen on the skin or streaked onto the bowel movement. Veterinary care should be recommended for these patients and may include antibiotics, flushing or infusing the glands and pain control.

Abscesses are a more advanced stage of sacculitis when puss is trapped in the sac. This causes the area to become warm, reddened and very painful. Eventually it may break through the skin over the sac, exuding its contents made up of a creamy or bloody thick material. Some abscesses need to be lanced to establish drainage and relieve patient discomfort. This condition is so painful that the dog may try to escape or bite when the area is approached or touched. These sacs are too painful to be expressed and veterinary care including antibiotics, antiseptic irrigation and pain control is indicated.

The last category of problems with the anal glands is neoplasia or tumors. Tumors of the glands are rare and can be a serious problem. The tumors may grow locally, interfering with normal anal tone and function. They may also spread or metastasize to other parts of the body, causing organ dysfunction and even death.

If anal sac problems of any description persist then surgical excision is recommended. This generally gives a permanent cure though there are infrequent complications the owner should be aware of. One possible complication is fecal incontinence or poor anal tone. Although infrequent, these signs may be permanent. An open draining tract or fistula may result if any portion of the sac wall is not completely removed. This condition can often be repaired with a follow up surgery to excise the fistulas, tract and remnants of the anal sac.

Signs of anal sac disease may be similar for all the categories, with impaction being the most frequently seen problem. Common signs of impaction include excessive licking and dragging the bottom on the ground, often referred to as scooting. This scooting behavior may help to relieve some itching and tingling sensations and sometimes provides enough pressure on the glands to express them. This scooting however often adds to the burden by causing additional inflammation and pain. Offensive odor results when some of the secretion leaks onto the pet or the environment. Sometimes owners will describe dark colored, foul smelling spots on their carpet or upholstery caused by the leakage.

Groomers should educate themselves so as to recognize the various categories of anal sac problems and be able to give good advice to the pet owner while being a pet advocate. Anal gland impaction is the only category that groomers should attempt to rectify; all other categories require immediate veterinary care. Some groomers may choose to express impacted anal glands as a valued service in areas where it is legal and does not violate the state veterinary practice act. Following is a description on how to properly express the anal sacs.

Expressing Anal Sacs
There are two types of anal sac expression, external and internal. The external technique is done from the outside and is the most common method used. The internal technique is done with a lubricated gloved finger inserted into the rectum. This technique may be preferred in some heavy dogs, very tense dogs or dogs with poor muscle tone when the sacs can’t
be easily trapped with the external method.

Since expressing the anal glands releases an objectionable odor, consider doing this in the tub and before bathing so that the area can be quickly flushed with large volumes of water and cleaned immediately. If the sacs are to be expressed on a dog that can not be bathed or showered down afterward then cotton or gauze soaked in a safe odor neutralizer such as chlorine dioxide should be used to trap the secretion and wipe down the anal area. The operator should wear gloves with either technique.

Start by raising the tail to a vertical position. The sacs will be a fluid filled compressible round structure and can usually be felt near the anus at the four and eight o’clock positions. Position the index finger and thumb to the outer edge and bottom of the sacs so as to form a C with the hand. The idea is to force the sacs in an upward and backward direction with the thumb and index finger. Be sure to cover the area with gauze or cotton before expressing. The contents will be under pressure and can shoot great distances very quickly! (You definitely don’t want to be in the line of fire.)

While pressing against the sac, begin to close the thumb and finger at the tips first then flattening out both so as to squeeze or milk out the sacs. More than one attempt may be necessary to completely empty both glands. Take care not to squeeze and block off the ducts during the procedure.

Internal expression of the anal sacs also starts with an erect tail. The gloved index finger is inserted into the rectum past the muscles of the anal sphincter then curled back to find the sac. The sacs are located one at a time and squeezed or milked out with the thumb on the outside and index finger on the inside in a manner similar to the way the glands were expressed externally. The internal method allows more direct pressure to be placed on the sac and is used when the external technique fails. Heavy dogs, very tense dogs and dogs with very thick secretions or very narrow ducts may need internal expression of the sacs.

With either technique one must use only reasonable pressure on the sacs to prevent them from rupturing. Rupturing does not occur often and demands immediate veterinary attention when it does happen. With a little practice you will be able to express the anal sacs for most dogs you see. This is a valuable and frequently requested service by dog owners. There is some debate over when the anal sacs should be expressed. Some people believe that the sacs should be expressed only if the dog is showing signs. Another group feels that high risk dogs, like those under 20 pounds, should be expressed routinely while leaving the larger dogs alone unless they are having trouble.

Dr. Boyd Harrell is currently practicing pet medicine in central Florida. He formerly owned two veterinary practices in Illinois nationally recognized for their exceptional management. He is an international speaker to pet lovers and veterinarians, a trained personal life coach, and a pet consultant with Oxyfresh Worldwide. Oxyfresh Pet Care products help the pets you love live healthier, cleaner, longer lives. Oxyfresh's complete line of pet care products include ingredients such as Oxygene® for maximum odor-fighting and oral health and adaptogens for robust health, nutrition, and stress relief. Pet product categories include Oral Care, Nutritionals, Hygiene and Stress Relief. Dr Harrell may be reached at 866-388-3578, at boydharrell@email.com or at www.healthypetwebsite.com.

Toe Nail Clipping. Do you quick, clip, grind or rasp nails? What about post nail clip bleeding? How do you handle your clients with this issue?

I am a mobile dog groomer and I clip the nails. I hardly ever draw blood, but Iv San Bernard company has a matchbook of Quick Stop that works well. My clients know me well, so if I quick the nail, they are not upset. ALeta, ALeta's Pampered Pooch, Santa Barbara, CA

I clip nails and then file. Post nail clip bleeding – I make sure the nail is treated with a styptic powder before the client leaves the salon. I also advise the owner to not let Fluffy walk on concrete or other hard surfaces for awhile. And if the nail begins to bleed again then the client is instructed on how to apply styptic or also just plain flour to the nail to help stop the bleeding. I also advise them that peroxide will remove any bloodstains on the coat. Tanya Avery, Puppy Palace Doggie Daycare and Spa, Shreveport/ Blanchard, LA

I trim all toenails with a nail clipper, then use my battery operated Dremel to further shorten and smooth them. Deidre Edder, The Phunny Pharm

I grind. I only have bleeding problems if I clip because the dog doesn't like Dremel. Tell client if there is a bleeding problem. Angela Hohenbrink, Carriage Dog LLC, Hamler, OH

I use a Dremel on the black toenails and nail clippers on white. I also am very lucky I work at a shop that I have help if we get a wiggle dog or biter. We use T-touching and rubbing dogs’ ears while I'm trimming, it really helps the animal relax. Kathy Hartigan, Paw-Zn-Around, Saco, ME

I prefer to clip and file. If the client wants them to the quick, I recommend a vet for cauterizing. Shirley Cooley, Noah's Sugar Creek, Greenfield, IN

In our shop, most nails are clipped and then ground to remove rough edges. Some dogs do not tolerate the Dremel well, so they are not ground. Occasional bleeding is inevitable and we explain calmly just that. Most understand and it does not affect their overall impression of the grooming. Judy Caruso, Caruso's Central Bark, Medford, NJ

I generally clip nails. If they are Poodles with clean feet I also grind and if an owner is complaining of sharp nails I will also grind after clipping.
I use Kwik Stop powder but sometimes gel. If I quick a nail and have trouble stopping the bleeding, I always tell the client and I will leave some Kwik Stop as a precaution. Sandra Hanrahan, Pet Styles Mobile Salon, Ringwood, NJ

I almost exclusively use a grinder. Nails go down much shorter and smoother than cutting. I have found that sandpaper drums WILL heat up during the nail grinding and can be uncomfortable for the pet. Diamond sleeve drums do NOT heat up so they are much faster to use. Janice Powell, ABC Grooming, Columbia, SC

I clip the toenails and grind them if requested. If we accidentally quick a nail, we tell the owner if we remember. It never figures that if we forget to tell the owner they call back and act like we cut the nail off. AnnMarie Saunier, Annie's Groomin Tails, Inc., Surfside
Beach, SC

Clip and/or grind the nails. Don't normally have an issue with post nail clip bleeding –
don't normally quick the nails. I have grown to love my grinder for nails. I have never had a problem with bleeding nails when I have used the grinder. I suppose it could be because I am very careful with it. I love the way the nails smooth up and are not left with sharp edges. Peg, Three Little Pigs Grooming, NE

Handling owners – Depends on the owner. I do tell them about nicking a quick in case it starts bleeding again. Some owners really understand that it happens, that's one of the reasons they don't do it themselves. Linda, Texas

When it comes to nails I just clip them but if I have an elderly client or a client with small children I will file them. I live in a small town and everyone knows everyone. For post nail bleeding, I use Kwik Stop and then when the client comes I tell them about the nail and then give them a little bit of the Kwik Stop with instructions if the nail starts to bleed again. This seems to make them happy. I think they just like getting something for free. Be it bandanas, bows or yes, even Kwik Stop. Paddy Rayburn, The Villagegroomer, Alexandria, Ontario, Canada

I either clip or grind depending on the dog, length of nails, and wiggle factor. On dogs with very long nails I often do both if the dogs are patient enough, clipping as much as I dare and then taking off more with the Dremel. The Dremel leaves a smooth edge but some dogs are put off by the noise and pressure.
Quicking – when nails are totally out of control I have done this lightly but I feel bad about hurting them. Styptic powder seems to work fine for stopping the bleeding.
The artery grows more as the nail gets longer. When you cut the nail, it then has a tendency to bleed. That's why I recommend cutting the nails at least every 15 days. Eduardo Salcedo

I use nail clippers to clip a dog or cat's nails (different sizes of clippers according to the size of the animal). If an owner is frail, with frail skin, I will use the nail grinder from Oster to file the nails so the owner is not injured with jagged edges. Sometimes, the nail is quicked and I use Kwik Stop. When the owner picks up the pet I tell the owner of the bleeding and give simple instructions to stop the bleeding should it occur, using flour, cornstarch or even a bar of soap. I do apologize to the dog and the owner.

I clip the nail and then Dremel the rough edge away. It seems easier this way because it's quicker and the nails end up short and smooth. I do nails before the bath and will tell the owner if I get one too short. I think it's a good idea to give the owner some Kwik Stop in a plastic baggie if you are worried the nail may bleed post grooming. If I were to suspect a dog might have problems with blood clotting I would refer immediate veterinary treatment. Carrie Paulson, Groovy Grooming, Sebastopol, CA

I clip all nails. (Quicking them would be completely accidental.) Upon customer request I do offer dremeling nails for an additional fee. If the customer has mentioned post nail clip bleeding, I will tell them the reason why this happens and suggest carrying pet (if small enough) and for large dogs, as little walking as possible and also to keep nails dry. Example – no walking through puddles. If a dog’s nail is bleeding at the time of his/her pick-up I will administer styptic powder and also put a little in a baggie for the customer to take with them. If customer’s dog has experienced nail bleeding at home and they do not have styptic powder I've offered household hints such as cornstarch or the like. Palma Todaro, BowWow Bathhouse,
S. Deerfield, MA

I have been clipping and buffing with a file for 40 years. Only difference is upgrading to better nail scissors and using acrylic/overlay nail file to buff. Love the large area, and it takes less time. I never allow an animal to leave until I am sure of no bleeding. I do tell the owner he zigged, I zagged and we had a closer contact than I wanted. I advise them to watch the foot. I suggest they use Alum or sugar to stop any seepage. BJ Darnell, Professional Kennels LLC, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

I clip the nails and sometimes grind them smooth with a Dremel, depending on the dog. If I accidentally quick one, I'll use styptic on it and always tell the pet owner. They understand that accidents happen, and I believe they feel more trust in me because I'm quick to admit mistakes and not try to cover things up. I respect people like that, so that’s how I treat my clients. Plus they appreciate knowing so they can watch for any more bleeding in their home or carpet. April Johnson, Hair of the Dog Mobile Grooming, Hendersonville, TN

Once upon a time a petite, soft-spoken pet stylist from Kansas City dreamed a little dream. The stylist was Joyce Laughery, and her dream was to create a community for pet groomers.
“Grooming has always been a rather lonely profession for me.” Joyce said. She believed that she “had been seriously overworked, underpaid and undervalued” for all of her working career. Joyce felt that if she could just organize a group of groomers, they could help educate each other, support each other, and take “a polite, united stand,” to improve the industry.

The first step Joyce took was in 1994 when she created a weekly chat room on America On Line (AOL.) The room was called the “The Dog Groom Room.” Back then, the Internet was in its infancy, and barely resembled the vast resource it is now. A group of early Internet pioneer groomers banded together.

I am happy to say I was one of those few!
Joyce was thrilled to be able to communicate with people who shared her profession. “I can tell you that after so many years of being totally isolated from other groomers, I nearly fainted from excitement the first time I ‘talked’ to another groomer online.” She continued, “I rarely ever get to
be with other groomers… and no one but another groomer really understands me.”

The chat room developed a small but devoted following and this encouraged Joyce to start her own web page. Originally dubbed “The Pet Groomers Pages,” she soon changed the name to “The Groomers Lounge.” (www.groomers.net). Here she created a site filled with information, education, humor and perhaps most of all, support and encouragement. With its friendly rose-patterned background, the site has very few rules. Two of the few are “Learn, teach, share, laugh, weep and enjoy!” and “Play nice; this is a clean, kind, friendly board.”

Dawn Southern (Alpharetta, GA) says, “In a world where civil discourse seems almost impossible, this board has always maintained its gentle tenor and has always welcomed new members with open arms no matter how many times a question has been asked before.” The “board” that Southern is referring to is the bulletin board area of groomers.net.

This section is divided into categories that range from General Groomers Chat to Seminar Information and everything in between. There are sections for French, Dutch, and German-speaking stylists, creating a truly international experience.

From the humble beginnings of a small chat room Joyce created a resource that continues to affect thousands of groomers across the globe on a daily basis. She said, “With the start of the World Wide Web, my dreams have been realized in the biggest possible way! I have been fortunate enough to grant all the groomers in the world a lively, active groomers association that’s available to them 24 hours a day,

7 days a week. There’s no need to leave the house or even get out of their pajamas to participate in it. It’s only a few keystrokes away!”

Her efforts were rewarded by the gratitude of thousands of pet stylists around the world. Joyce was also the extremely proud recipient of the coveted Cardinal Crystal Award in 2003 for her work, in a landslide vote from her many friends and fans.

One of her fans, Delores McGifford, (Dayton, Nevada) said, “Since the dawn of mankind, we have been struggling with the big question of ‘Why?’ Why are we here? What is our purpose? Some, like Joyce Laughery, found their answer. Joyce was destined to unite the grooming community via the World Wide Web. She had a dream and a purpose… Joyce fulfilled her dream, and the grooming community is better for it.”

Her goal achieved, Joyce left her beloved husband, Terry, family and friends on January 12, 2007 after a long battle with multiple systems atrophy. Always straightforward and to the point, when Joyce received her diagnosis she told her friends, “Don’t any of you waste one minute grieving for me. I’ve had what I consider to be a very nice life and I am looking forward to leaving this tired old body behind.”

Donna Cook, (Montana) joins the many of us who do grieve. She said, “I am sad for the loss of a person who changed my life. Sad that I never could meet her and thank her in person for this little haven in cyberspace, full of wonderful groomers and friends.”

Carolyn Brown, a Canadian groomer says, “I am so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. She was a mentor for me as a groomer, as well as a woman. She was always there with humble advice, helping guide my way in this crazy world.”

Joyce’s legacy continues, ripples in the pool of the grooming community. The small web site she began now boasts 127,503 posts, 5,810 registered members and averages between 1 and 3 million hits per month! There is also a very active email list that averages 250 subscribers dishing out information on a daily basis. All of this is now capably managed by Joyce’s long-time friend and ally Barb Hoover (Leavenworth, Kansas.)

Wolf Hartig (Illinois) says, “What a great and unselfish gift she has given to the international grooming community. I am humbled by the generosity and courage of an exceptional lady.”
Let’s celebrate Joyce’s life; the vision and wisdom she had to see the untapped potential of the early Web as a tool to unite an industry that was known for its divisiveness. Once upon a time a soft-spoken groomer in Kansas had a dream, and in making it come true she fulfilled dreams that others never dared even imagine.

Daryl Conner is a Master Pet Stylist, Meritus and freelance journalist who owes a debt of gratitude to Joyce Laughery for giving her a place to test her voice, set and achieve goals, network and grow as a groomer and a human being.

When trimming difficult ears, get your blending shears out. If a lot of length needs to be removed, I will first clip with a scissor or hold hair between my fingers and run a #40 blade over them. This removes a lot of hair.

Then I try and leave coat on ears hang naturally by taking my blenders and tweaking till it looks right. The quickest way to get both ears evenly trimmed is to look in a mirror. It makes it easier to see the big picture and the overall balance of the dog.

If you want the ears even shorter, try using a #10 blade on the inside of the ear and a longer #3F blade on the outside and then trim the edge. Very neat but still fuzzy.

Anne Rogers Clark, one of the pioneers in the sport of purebred dogs, passed away recently in Wilmington, Delaware at the age of 77 years old. The cause of her death was kidney failure associated with colon cancer. Ms. Clark was an owner, handler, breeder, judge and mentor who attended every Westminster Kennel Club show since 1941.

Ms. Clark became the first woman professional handler to win Best In Show at Westminster in 1956, handling a Toy Poodle champion named Wilbur White Swan to the first Best In Show at Westminster for a Toy breed. She also handled the winners in 1959 and 1961.

After retiring from handling, she quickly became one of a select group of individuals licensed by the American Kennel Club as an all-breed judge. Anne Rogers Clark was the only person to judge Best In Show and all seven groups at Westminster. She also judged the Junior Showmanship finals four times.

Ms. Clark bred English Cockers and with her late husband, James, bred Miniature and Standard Poodles, Norfolk Terriers, and Whippets. In 2002, a Miniature Poodle that she co-bred won best in show at Westminster.

Her latest book, Annie on Dogs! was a compilation of her monthly columns written for Dogs In Review magazine. Mrs. Clark was a past president of the Poodle Club of America and the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, and a member of the Ladies Dog Club. She was a frequent contributor to the AKC Gazette and is the co-author of the International Encyclopedia of Dogs.

She will be sadly missed by the dog show and grooming community.

Stephanie Bergner of La Verne, California has just been made $500 richer. Stephanie was the lucky winner of the Wag’n Tails $500 Cash Giveaway drawing held at the close of the Groom and Kennel Expo in Burbank, California.

Wag’n Tails will be holding the $500 Cash Giveaway at grooming shows they will be attending throughout 2007. Entry forms will be available at the Wag’n Tails vehicle display at the shows. Entrants do not need to be present at the actual drawing to win the $500 cash prize.

The World Wide Pet Industry Association, Inc. (WWPIA), a non-profit organization within the industry promoting responsible growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services, announces the launch of its new web site, PetSource.org. Designed to be a web resource with access to information, articles and expert advice on all types of pets, PetSource.org is to be a source for consumers, industry retailers and experts alike. The site features interactive tools, such as the national Pet Store Locator, where retailers can upload information and promote their business to consumers and industry experts.

Transgroom is having their first international grooming competition in Belgium with Puppet dogs. The competition is taking place in May.

On Saturday, seminars will take place with ten well known groomers demonstrating and giving seminars. Sunday features the first competition on puppet dogs. The dogs have a big coat on them and they are all the same, so all competitors have the same start.

Judges are not allowed in the room until the dogs are finished and they also don’t see the groomer that has done the dog. Transgroom is a young, dynamic team of animal lovers with a wealth of experience in the professional grooming and dog show world. For more information, go to www.transgroom.com.