As dog groomers, every once in a while we run into a special situation that makes us go “Eww!” Whether it be the poopy bums, the bleeding and oozy growths, or the owners that cannot resist calling their dogs deliciously sexy. What to do? Take pictures? Yes! Call your groomer friends?
A Tail of Two Cities Read More
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
When I lived in Memphis, I operated a house call pet grooming business for many years. One of my favorite customers did a good bit of community volunteer work, including delivering Meals on Wheels.
Grooming is a demanding craft. A professional groomer must be knowledgeable in many facets from animal handling to customer service. He/she must be proficient in hundreds of different breed styles, profiles, and handling various coat types.
Over twenty-five years ago I met my best friend and wife, Tracy. Those of you who know us understand how I owe my passion for the pet industry and career to her. That’s because behind every good man is a loving woman, and in my case, talented pet groomer. She introduced me to the joys of dog companionship, pet grooming as a profession, and ultimately my job in pet products sales.
Where Mindfulness & Innovative Technology Meet Read More
As people who work in the service industry, we’ve all been there. Times when you have to be the adult and deal with things that you really don’t want to deal with. I’ve heard the phrases, “Suck it up,” “Gird your loins,” “Pull the Band-aid Off”, or “Draw a Line In The Sand.” But, no other phrase seems to empower me more than “Putting my Big Girl Panties On.”
Time for the Big Girls Read More
1949 – 2016
On Saturday, April 23rd 2016 Gary lost his battle with cancer. As the Service and Repair Manger at Ryan’s Pet Supplies, and an industry fixture for over 30 years, he offered his “Tips” and knowledge in the way of videos, seminars and articles in Groomer to Groomer.
When you speak to a prospective client for the very first time, you are already beginning to build a relationship with them. Clients might find you through an ad in the local paper, a few words typed into a search engine, or the recommendation of a friend. Whatever it is that brings clients to your door, the relationship you build with them can be a major reason why they keep coming back.
Kayla Oliveira’s Story Read More
Aubrey Bird’s Story
Everyday heroes don’t dress up or write the word “hero” after their name, but even in their everyday-person-disguises, heroes are making a difference in the lives of the people – and animals – that they meet. A hero (or heroine) is a person with courage. We think of heroes as people with strong, brave qualities that we want to emulate, but those traits come in many forms.
From Chemist to Groomer Read More
Having a career that is fulfilling, and that allows her to be creative is a dream come true for Genesis Cuen. An animal lover since childhood, the now 25-year-old groomer has found a career that she is passionate about after being unhappy with previous pursuits. In 2012, Cuen was working in a bank while studying dance at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona.
Grooming is a Dream Come True for Genesis Cuen Read More
You can predict that when a customer asks for a full-fledged Poodle “Bikini Clip” on their Cocker Spaniel, the dog will inevitably wind up with a bout of Colitis that necessitates a Veterinary visit. Of course the waiting room will be full of other clients and EVERYBODY will want to know where the lady gets her dog clipped.
You Know You Are a Dog Groomer When… Read More
Living at home with six siblings, you grow up very quickly, and you learn how to do things on your own at an even quicker rate. Otherwise, you would never accomplish anything. When I groomed my first dog at the age of 13, I didn’t wait to be taught or supervised; I just did it. I had watched my mother and grandmother do it so many times.
There once was a girl I knew a long time ago. This girl had mild brain damage from the use of forceps at birth and was later diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. School was difficult because she needed the visual aspect of learning as opposed to auditory. The damage was done to the auditory part of her brain.