Groomer to Groomer November 2022

by Kathy Hosler

Bishop-Jenkins: Why We Groom

David: Get Your Zen On: Creating a

Faver: They Don't Know What They Don't

The Importance of Educating Clients

The Art of Saying "No" by Saying "Yes"

Educating Clients on the Importance of

Care for

Oquendo: Setting Your Clients

for Success

Hansen: You Say "Sani" I Say "Brazilian"

Hernandez: Wet Shave Wonders

All

by Daryl Conner

Meeting and talking to other groomers about our shared love for this profession is always inspiring. Our industry is currently seeking many new willing hearts and hands who choose to take care of dogs and pets as their career. So, it is worthwhile to reflect on what motivates people to enter the grooming industry in hopes that more aspiring dog lovers will join us.

I asked in the “Groomers Guide” Facebook group, “Why did you become a groomer?” The wide range of responses should not have surprised me. Some of these stories were incredibly powerful and all of them were heartfelt. While there are many paths into our industry, a common experience of devotion and joy empowers us to stay.

Whyby Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins

WeGroom

A STUNNING STORY

In recent years, I have had the privilege to get to know Kristina Robertson, owner of Barkley Square, a lovely boutique-style grooming and retail shop in Falls Church, Virginia. It was her story of why she opened a dog business that made me realize this column needed to be written.

Like me, Kristina is the survivor of a previous bad marriage filled with domestic violence. Many people unfortunately marry too young and to the wrong person. It was her dogs, however, that literally saved her life.

She married at only 21 years old and knew from the start—when he went out to drink on their wedding night—that it was already headed for trouble. He drank a lot, and regularly.

At first, he was verbally and then later physically abusive. His instability was hard to live with. They moved fourteen times in seven years of marriage. He was always pulling her off into some new scheme that later his drugs and drinking would destroy. She was immediately fired from her job as a manager of a small business when he came to her workplace to show off a new gun he had just bought.

Kristina was heartbroken. She called her parents asking to come home, but not reporting the beatings she had endured. She ended up moving to Georgia by herself, along with her two rescue dogs, Ariel and Sheba.

Sadly, her violent husband tracked her down and attacked her, beating her badly. At first her dogs cowered in

a corner of the A-frame house she was renting. She was trying to protect the dogs from his anger and begged to be able to let them outside. Instead, he pushed her so hard against the large plate glass window that it cracked. As she collapsed, suddenly Ariel and Sheba leapt to her rescue, turning on the man and violently defending her. They both charged him, biting him badly, even attacking him repeatedly in the groin area (smart dogs). They held him in place so she could escape. She ran to her neighbors, and the neighbors bravely went back to the scene and safely retrieved the dogs.

Afterwards, Kristina just sat there with her two heroic rescue dogs, hugging them, trying to process her traumatic shock and realizing that she had survived because of them. She told me that she had a profound moment of realization,

sitting there recovering with her dogs, about how much these dogs understood; how much they mattered to her; how much they know and how much they care. She saw and understood their perception and their emotions.

Kristina said to herself then, “You CAN rise above! You CAN get past this!” From that moment on, she would devote her professional life to the care of dogs.

Kristina Robertson found her calling in a moment of crisis. Few of us enter this profession in such a dramatic fashion, but having seen firsthand the lovely shop she now owns and runs, and the fierce devotion she has to best practices in all things for these dogs, it does not surprise me at all to see what a success she has become. Kristina defines her success by what she can do for the dogs’ wellbeing, and has done it all for the

love of, and gratitude for, the dogs.

FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS

In response to my wanting to hear stories of what steered people to become professional pet groomers, some common threads have surfaced. In my admittedly unscientific survey, the most common is a heartfelt love of dogs and other animals. The name of my own grooming shop is Love Fur Dogs, an homage to what an extraordinary co-evolved relationship we humans have with dogs.

Sherilyn Wright reported that she didn’t like working in her father’s chosen profession, so she took a job as a bather as an alternative, not knowing what lay ahead. Then she met and fell in love with her first ever client, Vinny the Australian Shepherd. Vinny was nervous about grooming but, she says, “We bonded

instantly. [His mom] encouraged me to practice on their pups…I knew from then on that I wanted to expand my skills so I could continue to bond with, and work with, other hesitant pups.”

Kim Kier’s love for dogs grew while she was helping rescue organizations and became aware of puppy mills and other horrible things being done to dogs in the name of profit. She started by selling collars to raise money to support rescue work and then moved into grooming. She says, “I can’t think of a more fulfilling career choice. We help the dogs and their humans to feel and look fabulous!”

A HAPPY ACCIDENT

Some groomers told me that, after high school, college just did not interest them nor was it within their reach financially. And, more schoolwork was not appealing after graduation to Emily

Brunn, now an ICMG and NCMG. Instead, she got her dad to send her to grooming school where her teacher, Jennifer Cockrum Smith, NCMG, absolutely inspired her. “I made my father prouder of his investment and showed an old academic that college wasn’t everything,” Emily shares.

Keely Mae reported that she was in college while learning to groom, but after attending Groom Expo, she realized the grooming industry had so much more to offer her. She went on to study under one of my favorite groomers, former fellow Illinois Professional Pet Groomers Association Board Member Kathryn Simard, who said she began her accidental career working as a vet tech. She struggled with the “gross parts,” so the veterinarian encouraged her to try grooming instead. She says now, “Thank you, Dr. Flood, wherever you are!”

While there are many paths into our industry, a common experience of devotion and joy empowers us to stay.

4H programs are often the place where young people first encounter grooming, as did Martha Cronin Bolin. Others come from the human cosmetology training world, like Christine Herrera, who says she “found her passion with pet skin and coat restoration.”

Chelsea Olivera was working at a big-box pet store while studying to be a vet tech. She tried literally almost every job in the store. None were a great fit for her until the General Manager suggested she try grooming. “I immediately fell in love. It was the perfect blend of working with animals, artistry, and customer service…a huge thank you to the amazing GM who pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find my forever career,” beams Chelsea.

Jenna Brooks said she opted for grooming when “being socially awkward made working with people difficult.” I

assume many people in our industry prefer working with animals over working with people.

RAISED TO IT

Leading competitive groomer and fellow Chicago-area resident Nicole Hillson-Hernandez said, at first, grooming was nothing more than that she just needed a job, any job. She grew up on a farm and knew how to work with animals and loved them. While her parents discouraged her from grooming, urging that it was not a good enough living, she has proved them entirely wrong. Grooming has turned out to be something she is not only gifted at, but also something that makes a good living.

Kelly McKinley’s mom was a groomer, but that was more a deterrent than incentive for Kelly. She definitely did not want to study for her career under her mother, so she took a job

with another groomer who trained her, instead. “Now I can’t imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life!” Kelly reports.

Lori Spiroplaus-Michelon worked in the jewelry industry. Her sister was a groomer and taught her. Lori says, “I wanted a job where I could use my creative skills, and this was it!”

MIDLIFE CRISIS

Some left other careers in mid-life that no longer brought them meaning or held their interest. Christine Ann found her twenty-year career in business bored her. She owned two Bichons and a Maltese and enjoyed brushing and styling them at home, so she decided to try grooming school. Now she says, “Each day is different, but my drive, passion, and tremendous love for dogs keeps me going every single day.”

Robert and Cindy Leveck Orta retired after thirty years of teaching middle school math. They wanted to help puppies get adopted so they learned to groom. Now it’s their life.

Jennifer Miller spent twenty years working in government administration. Her sister-in-law had a successful mobile grooming business a few hours away from where she lived. So, she bought an old school bus and learned some hard lessons about mechanical issues in cold weather, but she says, “This has been the best thing I could’ve ever done for myself and I have zero regrets. #MustLoveDogs.”

INSPIRED BY THE ARTISTRY

Tanya Sue Knapp got a job as a bather at a big-box store, never intending to make it her career. But she saw a groomer doing an absolutely beautiful profile trim on a Golden

Retriever and decided she wanted to be able to do that.

Leslie Bordelon similarly did not intend to start this career. She says, “There was a job open for a bather and to learn to groom. I wasn't really looking to be a groomer, but after just one month, I was in love. I enjoyed watching the master groomer and I loved learning. I have always been a dog lover, and at the time I was fostering 35 puppies for a rescue. It has been eight and a half years now and I am so thankful that I took on a completely different career than I wanted. I love working with the hard-to-handle dogs and puppies.”

Grooming can be for so many, as it has been for me, a life-long love affair that we never want to leave. Kelly Montfort says, “It’s still FUN twenty-two years later. I’d have to say that managing client expectations, setting healthy

boundaries, and being mobile are why I still enjoy my job.”

SHARING OUR STORIES

Maybe while reading this you have reflected on what motivated you to become a groomer. Considering the need we have to grow our profession, always be ready and willing to share your story and artistry with anyone who might listen. One of the important takeaways from all these stories is that we never know when someone might be looking to make a career move—they may not even know it themselves—but hearing a motivating story from someone like you, who loves what you do, could be just what inspires the next person to enter our profession. 

But Why?

Creating a Spa Experience

One of the things that I have always loved about working in the pet industry is how pet owners will go to great lengths to give their furry friends the best life they can. Some people may think it’s silly how people will treat their dogs like little humans. The idea of dressing them in cute clothing, carrying them in designer bags, donning them with jeweled collars and giving them organic, freshly cooked food might be too much for some, but for a huge portion of society, that’s exactly how they feel they want to treat their canine family members.

I’ve always loved how pet trends will often parallel human trends. As people became more focused on better health and nutrition in their own diets, pet foods have progressed in the same manner, offering a huge variety of healthy food options to satisfy finicky pets and discerning owners.

Just as society has become focused on nutrition, people have become hyper-focused on using healthy products in their daily lives. The market has exploded for healthy skin, hair and home products for people, and going to a spa for both physical and mental wellbeing has never been more popular than in recent times. And just like other trends, creating a spa experience for pets has exploded in popularity.

But why would you want to offer “spa services” in your salon, and how do you do it?

by Jonathan David

When I think of a spa, the words that come to my mind are “calm,” “relaxing” and “soothing.” From the moment you walk in the door, those three feelings are initiated by everything from the pace of the environment and the sounds and scents from within to the décor and services provided. If you’re thinking about creating a spa experience in your pet salon, consider the initial feeling that

a customer will get when they enter your business. Think about how you would want to be greeted upon entering a spa.

Sound

Having background music is also a nice touch to any business, in my opinion, but the music you choose is an important decision. What you prefer to listen to might not be everyone’s personal favorite, so choose music that isn’t overpowering or too loud. Choosing something softer and more calming is a good way to set a nice tone, create a relaxed feel, and it can help to sooth nervous pets and cautious owners.

Smell

Another important factor is the scent in the air. Nobody likes to walk into a pet business and smell foul odors—whether you’re trying to create a spa experience or not. The most obvious is to keep a clean and sanitized environment, but sterile smells aren’t the most comforting scents either. Instead, consider using diffusers or potpourri to freshen the air and create a pleasant scent from the moment your customers walk in the door.

It’s important to remember that dogs have extremely more powerful senses of smell than humans and many scents can be bothersome to dogs. Studies have shown that the scents dogs like the most and help to lower stress are vanilla, coconut, valerian and ginger, so using those scents can create a calming feeling for nervous pets.

Experience

So you’ve set up a nice salon with a nice reception area, calming scents and relaxing music, and your customers feel at ease leaving their pet with you, now what? The next important factor is the experience.

What services are you going to offer that differ from any other pet grooming salon in your area? Choose

“Calm,” “relaxing” and “soothing” From the moment you walk in the door, those three feelings are initiated by everything from the pace of the environment and the sounds and scents from within to the décor and services provided.

a focus that will set you apart from others. Whether it’s the physical services like expert styling, canine massage or dental services, or the products you use like skin and coat treatments, paw and pad treatments or aroma therapy shampoos and conditioners, choose your area of focus and market that. Become educated on the service or product that you’re offering and let your customers know about its availability. You should position yourself as the expert and educate them as to why they need that service or product.

As the groomer, it’s our responsibility to recognize when something isn’t quite right with the pets that we groom. When we discover a skin issue or an ear infection, there are times we need to direct them to the veterinarian for treatment, but there

are many issues that we, as groomers, can help to fix with the right products and grooming schedules.

Products

In my opinion, products are a key factor to a spa experience. Everything can look beautiful and relaxing on the outside, but if the products aren’t benefitting your clients, they won’t continue to take advantage of the services.

There are so many amazing products and services available for groomers to offer to clients in today’s market. I love seeing what new products are available to make the grooming experience better every time I go to a trade show. There are products to help clean out hair follicles, remove built-up plaque, and deeply moisturize skin and coat. There are muds and hot oil treatments, leave-on conditioners, essential oil products to sooth and calm, and custom scents to finish off a day at the spa.

Whether you’re doing a treatment to moisturize dry, cracked pads or a deep-cleansing mud mask followed by a soothing massage and fabulous haircut, creating a spa experience can boost business, raise your prices and create a niche experience that customers love giving to their furry family member.

Be sure your customers are aware that you now offer these upgraded services. You can do that by creating appealing signage to market the services and, if you have window space, create a window story to promote the services. Also, each time a customer drops off their pet, offer the services and remind them that they exist.

Upselling your spa services and recommending the best plan of action in treating any skin issues will create happy customers, stronger customer loyalty and can help increase your bottom line! 

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Unleashing Human Potential Unleashing Human Potential

by Kathy Hosler Photos by Abby Jaskolski

In the Kansas City, Missouri area, like many places all over the country, there is a lot of generational poverty. Children are born into it and that is all they ever know. The cycle continues generation after generation; single-parent families, abuse and neglect, crime, chronic unemployment and substance abuse all fuel this way of life that makes many think anything better is unattainable.

In an effort to help these people change their lives, Natasha Kirsch, founding CEO of “The Grooming Project,” now known as “Pawsperity,” came up with an innovative idea...

"My mom is a pet groomer in Iowa," Natasha says. "When I was growing up, she would drop me off at school, groom all day, then pick me up

after school. She scheduled her dogs around our needs and it worked out well. That's what made me think that a career in pet grooming could be ideal for some of these single parents."

In 2016, The Grooming Project began in Kansas City. One goal of the program is to train single parents a marketable and transferable skilled trade that will pay them a livable wage— and pet grooming is a perfect fit. Most of the applicants to the program are single mothers who have little education and limited skills. As these women go through the state-certified pet grooming school, at no cost to themselves, they receive hands-on and classroom training.

Many of the students have faced trauma, abuse and neglect since birth. That's difficult

There is no limit to what a person can do when they are given an opportunity, some encouragement and a little help along the way.

to overcome, but they get help with it. In addition to the pet grooming curriculum, the instructors at the school are trained in trauma-informed care and are supported by social workers. The trainees often say that they find grooming very therapeutic and the human-animal bond gives them something that they never had.

Pawsperity is also a program to help their entire family have a better life. While the students are there to learn to groom pets, they also go through a parenting program. It helps them learn other vital life skills that will enable them to better care for their children and change family dynamics that have been repeated for generations. In addition to parenting, financial literacy is a new concept for most of them. Many have never opened a bank account or know how to set up a budget to run a household. Now they are learning all these things.

The program has been a huge success. Since 2016, Pawsperity has graduated 100 students and has had 100% job placement. On average, their graduates are making about $40,000 within a year after graduation, with the highest earners bringing in $70,000-$90,000 a year. And, 73% of them have come off of welfare in their first year of pet grooming and become self-sufficient.

"One of our graduates owns a successful pet grooming salon, 'Classy Canines,' which employs other graduates from our program," shares Marketing Specialist, Leilani Haywood. "Truly, the art of dog grooming is transforming families."

In the last two years, they have had over 600 applications from people who want to get into Pawsperity.

"Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we can only graduate about twenty students per year," says Natasha. "They learn on dogs from our local community and we charge the pet owner a reduced grooming fee. But, we are booked out about two

Edge Refining Device

months in advance and have no room to add any new dogs.

"We are losing earned revenue by not having a larger facility, and there are a whole lot of people we are not able to help,” Natasha continues. “And with our limited space, we are not able to meet the demand for trained professional groomers that the community needs."

It was time for a drastic and exciting change. So, they are now introducing “The Empower Pawsperity Campaign.” It's about grooming, love and hope—and it's changing the lives of hundreds of families.

"We're changing our name to ‘Pawsperity: Pet Care that Unleashes Human Potential,’" says an enthusiastic Natasha. "It reflects the impact of grooming bringing prosperity to families in a historically, economically depressed area of the Kansas City metro. In June 2022, a groundbreaking was held for our

new building that has triple the square footage of our existing facility."

The new two-story, 16,000 sq. ft. facility will contain the pet grooming school, an indoor/outdoor doggie daycare and grooming staff offices on the first floor. It will also feature a new marketrate grooming salon staffed by graduates of the program. On the second level, there will be a training center for softskills classes, the staff offices, a break room and a food pantry for students. The training center will be large enough to serve a dual purpose and allow them to hold grooming conferences, and host meetings and guest speakers.

This new building will accommodate up to 80 pet grooming students per year, and there will still be no charge to the students for their training.

"We build our own housing," says Natasha. "There was such a great need. Before, we had students sleeping in the parking lot; some in cars and some just

It's about grooming, love and hope—and it's changing the lives of hundreds of families.

How about a little love on a monthly basis?

As an established groomer, you know the power of the human-animal bond and how lucrative this trade can be.

$10 a month can help up-and-coming groomers leave poverty and find a meaningful career.

GIVE TODAY

Pawsperity is the United States’ only nonprofit grooming school that trains struggling parents at no cost to them.

Learn more at www.pawsperity.org

sleeping on the ground. That spurred us to do family housing."

A lot of the trainees’ kids were in foster care. Through Pawsperity and their comprehensive parenting classes, many families are being reunited. And because of the parenting and life-skills courses they receive, when the students graduate and have a stable income, they know how to buy a car, get an apartment and live on a budget; things they could never do before.

The new on-site pet grooming salon will be run by the graduates of the school. In addition to honing their grooming skills, these graduates will learn how to run a business; how to hire employees, bookkeeping, customer service skills, etc.

"The new market-rate pet daycare and graduate-run salon will provide much-needed earned revenue for our organization," says Abby Jaskolski, Director of Communications.

"We're really excited about our expansion," Natasha adds. "The doggie daycare is brand new to us. With it, we are going to start a youth workforce training program in pet handling and safety. We've had such a great impact with the moms and the dogs, we're hoping we can connect with some of the teenagers in the same manner. If we can reach them through the doggie daycare training and help them find something positive to do, we can do a lot of good in their lives.

"There is a nationwide need for qualified pet groomers," Natasha continues. "Our hope is that everything we have learned through Pawsperity so far will serve as a model for future national replication."

Pawsperity: Pet Care that Unleashes Human Potential does so much more than train people to groom pets. Pawsperity is eliminating poverty and hopelessness one person, one family, one city at a time.

Visit www.pawsperity.org to learn more about Pawsperity and to follow their progress. 

trainees often say that they find grooming very therapeutic and the human-animal bond gives them something that they never had.

of Client Education The Importance

by Dr. Cliff Faver

Often we get frustrated with clients because they don’t do their part at home with their pets—they don’t brush the dog, trim their nails or brush their teeth. Why do they even have a pet if they are not going to take care of its needs? Perhaps we are just overlooking the fact that they don’t know how…

In years gone by, a large percentage of the population grew up in a farming setting and learned at a very young age how to care for animals. But many of the “new” pet owners have not had that experience, so they start off behind a knowledge curve. Even so, all the new products, techniques and tools we have to work with have changed significantly, making it hard to keep up with the latest ideas and trends.

In the past, it was not very difficult to purchase a brush for your dog when the only place to shop was the local feed store. You simply picked up the one brush that they sold. Now we have the internet and have tons of options, all of which sound amazing when you read the descriptions. But as professional groomers, you often read the same descriptions and laugh or just blow off the idea that they come close to the claims made. The pet owner, however, doesn’t come into the situation with the same level of understanding, so they do believe the sometimes outlandish claims.

As a veterinarian, it has become a daily battle (advice from Dr. Google) trying to convince an owner on things like feeding their dog matches (sulfur) won’t cure the pet of fungus. The article even says that, as a veterinarian, I will tell them it doesn’t work because all I care about is selling them medication. The reality is, if it truly worked, most veterinarians would recommend it, because the correct drugs are expensive and the average veterinarians are result motivated, not sales motivated.

As professionals, part of our job is being able to help a client—whether it be how to restore the skin back to health, or to make sure they have the correct

As a groomer, when you recommend the client brush their dog, we need to educate them, show them the correct way, and provide the right tools and products for success.

equipment or products to get best results. Can you imagine if I, as a veterinarian, diagnose cancer in your dog and then recommend you get on the internet to find a solution?

How is that different than when you tell an owner to brush their dog, but you don’t tell them the type of brush to use? They also need to know to use a brush-out or hydration spray to avoid damaging a dry coat, which is brittle. Often, instead of helping, we end up chastising them because they don’t do it correctly.

Let’s reverse this thought process…When I diagnose cancer in the dog, I am going to line out a treatment regime with time frames, explain what to expect, and I am going to use the best drugs possible; drugs that I have researched or had experience with, so I know that they work very well. And yes, I am going to

sell the clients these items, because if they decide to get them from the internet or at the local big-box store, I can’t be sure they will get the right ones.

So, as a groomer, when you recommend the client brush their dog, we need to educate them, show them the correct way, and provide the right tools and products for success. I also believe it is good to revisit everything at the next appointment in case they have questions (that they are afraid to ask) or concerns along the way. This helps the client to refocus on the goal and evaluate if they are accomplishing it.

Somewhere along the way, there has become a philosophy that if we sell a product, our only motivation is money. Yes, money is important to pay the bills and survive, but it should never be the driving force. If money is our only motivation, this will often compromise our outcome. If you use and suggest the best products, clients will have a high respect for your advice because they

Everything that leaves

will appreciate the results. My standard statement is, I don’t sell products, I sell results. If the results aren’t there, people won’t buy what you are selling. They want value for their money.

As professionals, we need to consider this in our strategic planning. Are we working for the best results? Are we charging appropriately to make a living? What opportunities may exist for other revenue sources like retail? Many groomers say they just don’t have room to sell products. Do you have a shelf or a closet that you could keep a mixed box of brushes and a box of brush-out spray? If so, you have room for retail. Who says you have to have a fancy set of shelves to display them?

Unlike the big-box store, at my hospital, I didn’t display my drugs, foods or grooming products, but I still was able to sell them. You can have the discussion with the client and then walk in the back and collect the things you need for their particular pet. Remember, even if they can see the products and tools, they don’t know what they need. Mobile is no different, other than you might need to plan in advance to carry it with you or bring it the next time you see the client.

Any time we can create passive income or income that doesn’t stress our bodies to accomplish, we are working

smarter, not harder. The older we get, the more we understand this, because our bodies eventually start limiting what we can do. It becomes important that we start looking at other ways of bringing in an income without the bodily stress. Spending time thinking about different ways you can do a value-added service is always time well spent.

Always consider it from the client’s perspective of what they need and how you can enhance the care of their pet by offering services and products that they don’t know about or how to use. Remember, this should be about offering great results, not just “selling things.” 

Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/ BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

Pre-Printed & Custom Doggie Bandanas

by Denise Heroux

Something I have realized in my years as a business owner— and as a person—is that the common denominator of a lot of people’s problems is not being able to say “no.” When we learn to say no, we can focus on moving forward, nourish our passions and, most importantly, protect our mental health. No good can come from people-pleasing behaviors and constantly denying our own needs.

So, why is saying no so hard?

Although a good question, it is a loaded one. Many factors play into the answer, including the simple fact that when people ask for a favor or for you to take something on, a lot of emotions come up. Saying no to these requests can be perceived as selfish—whether it is an internal struggle or a struggle with saying no to a client, coworker, employee or employer. Some people may take your “no” as not caring about them, or others may see it as a sign of weakness.

Think about when you have to tell a client that you are unable to groom their dog for one reason or another and how upsetting it typically is for both of you. Or maybe it’s time to tell an employee that their goals for their own career don’t align with your business model. It’s a difficult conversation to have, and it’s one that leaves both of you distressed. Human brains want good, positive experiences. We crave the “feel good” effect that comes from endorphins, and we don’t want to be seen as difficult.

This is even truer for people who are a part of the service industry. We have an image (a brand) to uphold. Society is quick to turn a “no” into a bad review or negative gossip about a business. The fear of the negativity that can fall upon a business plays a huge role in the difficulty many business owners and employees have saying no. This fear causes a downward spiral because we are not being true to ourselves, and this constant fighting with ourselves leads to burnout.

Did any of this resonate with you?

The odds are stacked against us when it comes to people-pleasing, so it’s no wonder we have such a hard time. Saying yes when people ask us for something is more natural, positive and what we are trained to do when providing a service in today’s society.

Ultimately, I got sick of being burnt out, trying to live up to society’s unrealistic expectations of grooming, and keeping up with the demands of potential and current employees, so I knew I had to find a way to change it. An active change had to be made to protect my mental health. But no matter what I read or did, it never seemed to stick, and I always found myself saying yes when I wanted to say no. I followed tips and tricks exactly as they were laid out and still wasn’t seeing results.

The problem was that I wasn’t utilizing what works for me and my thought processes. I needed something more than, “Do this repetitively, and

change will come easier.” No matter what I tried, I kept falling back into old habits.

So, I tried something new. I started to break each “no” down. Once I defined the no and the reason I wanted to say it, I could come up with ways to stand behind it. Next, I asked myself: How can I say no but yes at the same time? Following those steps, I found my own system that works for me. I am now able to say no without feeling guilty.

So, just how can we say no without feeling guilty or giving in?

Here a few tips that have worked for me:

1. List it out. We all have a list of things we want to say no to for one reason or another. List them out so they are not taking up space in your head. Don’t overthink it; just start writing. If you are a person who has a hard time concentrating in one sitting, try keeping a notebook with you or entering them in your phone. As you go about your day, jot things down when they pop up. Take your big list and narrow it down by placing each item in a category. I usually have two categories: personal and professional.

2. Focus. Pick one listed item to come up with a gameplan for. This doesn’t have to be the item that’s most important to you. You can pick something that may be easiest to work with at the moment. Sometimes the easier ones will give you momentum as you work on them so you can build up to the harder ones.

3. De ne your “why.” It is important to understand why you need to say no to this item. Your why will help you stay on track when following through with your no.

4. Plan for adversities. What could pop up that would stop you from following through with your no? Here’s a helpful hint when listing these things: It is usually the excuses that you tell yourself, so dig through those first.

5. Find the “yes.” We are wired to say yes, so why do we feel that we have to work against that? Come up with some alternatives to your no that you can say yes to. These options need to align with

The fear of the negativity that can fall upon a business plays a huge role in the difficulty many business owners and employees have saying no.

you and your values or else you will not stick with saying no.

6. Practice. Start these practices right away. The longer you dwell on them, the harder they will be to implement.

Pricing is a great example of something many business owners and groomers struggle to change. Raising prices can be scary because you know the client probably won’t be happy with having to pay more money. Regardless, we need to raise prices for a multitude of reasons; being able to pay competitive wages, pay for increased costs, manage inflation, account for advancing skill levels, etc. When we raise prices, we fear conflict, getting our feelings hurt or losing clients. But those fears are some of the adversities we should plan for that could get in the way of saying no.

Now, what kind of yes’s can we give to our clients to stand behind the price increase? Can they come in more often to offset a bigger increase? Can you go shorter with the cut to lengthen the time in between grooms? Can you add in an extra service that doesn’t cost much but adds value for the client? Whatever works best for you and your business model can be the answer to walking that line

between yes and no. Once you’ve decided what your yes’s are, you can start saying no with more confidence and less conflict.

This system has allowed my groomers to become more confident in their choices and make saying no so much easier. It allows me to make smart business decisions and stand behind them.

People will always have something to say, and while we cannot control other people’s reactions, we can control the decisions we make behind growing our businesses. Make saying no easier from the start so you will have more time to focus on the things that matter to you and make sense for your business. 

Denise Heroux has spent 25 years in the grooming industry. She became a business owner in 2014, and since then, she has built her brand to include over 20 employees and three locations with no end in sight for expansion. Taking the step into the next chapter of her career, she has decided to use her extensive experience to help the business owners in the grooming industry. She’s calling this new endeavor “The Ambitious Groomer,” offering coaching, leadership, and employee seminars to help create a great grooming business both for the owners and their employees.

on the Importance of Oral Care for Dogs

by Nina Anderson, S.P.N.

I’m willing to bet your clients brush their teeth every day. But what about their dog’s teeth? How often are they brushing them? This is a question you should be asking your clients.

Humans are schooled on the importance of maintaining oral health to avoid tooth decay, gum disease and all sorts of immune responses to dental infections. If our dogs could talk to us, they would have plenty to say. Apart from reminding us of when the food bowl is empty, they would be able to tell us when they had tooth pain.

Groomers who identify problems with dogs’ teeth should advise their owners to consider in-home oral care if the condition is not bad enough to warrant a visit to the doggie dentist.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), by the time all dog breeds are three to four years old, 80% may have periodontal disease. A breakdown of healthy gums can allow infection to enter the bloodstream, weakening the immune system. This not only could exacerbate bone loss, but can add to problems that may affect their heart, liver and kidneys.

Groomers can assist with client education and compliance and help eliminate this alarming statistic by mentioning any oral problems to the dog’s owner. If a little tartar is present, you can suggest some inhome care. You should never advise using human toothpaste on a dog as it contains fluoride and detergents that can cause gastric upsets if swallowed. Dental sprays and gels made with natural ingredients specifically for pets are easy to use and can be effective in preventing the escalation of dental disease.

However, it is still important to read the ingredients on the dental product. Even though some may appear on the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list by the FDA, you want to consider alternatives. A few to be warned about include Polysorbate 80 (P80) (emulsifier), Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (anti-calculus) and Sodium hexametaphosphate (anti-staining). These additives could potentially have deleterious effects on dogs such as cancer, kidney damage, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and mineral deficiency, as discovered through many studies. 1 And with some additives, even the FDA warns that excessive consumption should be avoided due to possible side effects.

So, what are the alternatives?

It has been discovered that by using more natural ingredients you can reap similar results without the potential toxicity.

Looking for dental products that contain the following can help keep the visits to the doggie dentist at a minimum, as well support their immune system:

1. Propolis is a product from bees that has powerful antimicrobial properties that can kill the oral bacteria that causes cavities and reduce plaque.

2. Cinnamon is useful in combating tooth decay, as it is antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial.

3. Deer Velvet (harvested humanely from antlers without harming the animal) is rich in nutrients including calcium, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. It is incorporated into dental sprays as an antiinflammatory and to stimulate the immune system.

4. Probiotics, specifically the Lactobacillus species, discourages the colonization of harmful

bacteria that contributes to dental disease. A 2009 study published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association found that probiotics were effective in treating and preventing dental disease.2

Oral health is among one of the most preventable and treatable problems, and getting your clients to take doggie oral healthcare seriously is extremely important. Groomers who discuss the dog’s wellbeing with their clients can advise on the importance of in-home oral care and encourage them to consider alternatives to the more chemically based products to keep their dogs safe. 

References:

1. NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Polysorbate 80 (CAS No. 9005-65-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies). (1992, January). National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/12616296/

2. D. Grenier PhD et al. Probiotics for Oral Health: Myth or Reality? JCDA. (2009, October). Vol. 75, No. 8.

Nina Anderson, S.P.N is the author of “Super Nutrition for Dogs n’ Cats” and “Are You Poisoning Your Pets?” [www.safegoodspublishing.com] and coauthor with P.J. Broadfoot, DVM of “The Efficacy of Velvet Antler in Veterinary Practice.” For a copy of the free informational ebook “Natural Doggie Dental Hygiene…and More,” email the author your request at safe@bcn.net

Philip Schafmayer NCMG

Champion Groomer, Judge

Photos by Anjie Coates

Picture Perfect!

Adding Pet Photography to Your Services

by Daryl Conner

“It was sort of an accident. I saw these little St. Patrick’s Day hats at the Dollar Store. I thought it would be cute to put them on dogs and take pictures of them,” says Anjie Coates of Furry Tails Grooming Salon and Spa in Massachusetts. “This was pre-cell phone days. I brought my digital camera to work and took some pictures. I printed them up and gave them to customers. They loved them. They were nothing special; just the dog on the table wearing a green plastic hat.

“It wasn’t until November that I thought, ‘Oh, for Thanksgiving I could do something really fun!’ So, I bought a turkey tablecloth, hung it up behind the dogs, put some inexpensive orange satin under them, and took pictures,” Anjie continues. “For the last thirteen years, I have taken a photo of every pet I’ve ever groomed.”

This is how one groomer began taking pet pictures in addition to grooming. Others started because they

wanted something to share on social media, or they had a background in photography and it was a natural step to add taking pictures of pets to the grooming service.

Having a pet’s photo taken when it is freshly groomed and looking its best lends this add-on service to groomers in a very natural way. It can be as simple as taking a photo while the animal is on the grooming table or going to more elaborate ends by setting up a dedicated area of your workspace with backdrops and lighting.

Deanne Morris of Purple Poodle Grooming in Mississippi says, “I take pictures of most dogs and put them on my Facebook grooming page. I have a simple backdrop behind my tool cart. At Christmas, we put up a background in the lobby so clients can take their own pictures. I started that last year because I did not have time to take pictures of all the dogs. I like to use a fabric backdrop because they can be washed if a naughty dog piddles on them!”

Heather Leeman of Hollyoaks Dog Spa and Studio in Maine says she gets her seasonal theme inspiration from walking through the local TJ Maxx store. “When a theme isn’t obvious due to a season change or holiday, I mosey around until a single item sparks an idea.”

She has a dedicated photo area set up right in her grooming area. “Once the background is set up, it only takes me about 30 seconds per pet to snap a picture. After the groom is complete, we wheel the grooming table to the backdrop and set up the rest of the photo props. Each dog is already used to being on the table at that point, so it’s a super easy transition,” Heather says.

“The real value of the portraits has become clear when I have had doggy clients pass away and their family has told me how much joy the portraits now bring to their family. That is when I know it is what I am supposed to do,” she adds.

Heather shares the pictures with customers via Facebook messenger, email or by texting full-sized highresolution JPEG images.

Anjie Coates echoes this. Although she prints photos for her customers: “They cost me about ten cents each to print; how could I not print them? When we get that call that the pet has passed, the owner always tells us the best pictures they have are the ones we took. Those memories last long after the pet is gone. Those pictures are precious to them. It’s well worth the time, effort, and expense to keep themes fresh, new, and different yearly because we get far more back because of the pictures.”

So, how do groomers get the pets to pose?

Heather Leeman says, “Oh, gosh, this is the hardest part. Dogs get smart and bored. A wide variety of noisemakers helps. We use balls, kazoos, crinkly paper, and coins in cans. Treats work great for some, but getting their attention away from the door is hard

Photos by Christina Linsalata

"The real value of the portraits has become clear when I have had doggy clients pass away and their family has told me how much joy the portraits now bring to their family."

-Heather Leeman

when they know they are about to go home. We sometimes use noise apps or YouTube videos like ‘How to make your dog tilt their head.’”

While some groomers share their photos at no charge as gifts to clients, others charge a fee for the service, and some offer both. Christina Linsalata of Louie’s Bath House in New Jersey has a background as a professional photographer and is currently setting up a dedicated portrait space in her salon.

She says, “I have a ring light attached to my grooming table. It gives fantastic lighting when I use my phone to take quick groom photos. I also have several digital cameras. These take the best pictures, and I save those for paying jobs. When I take quick groom photos, I keep them looking like a groom session; hair or tools are on the table. I keep my beautiful, professional

paying photos separate from the cute phone photos. Keeping the two different styles makes my professional images stand out and is worth the added money.”

When I ask how adding photography has impacted her business, Anjie Coates says, “We stopped taking new dogs within a year of being open. Everyone wants pictures of their pets in cute themes. I have customers that book by theme since I set up the calendar for the year by the end of November. They all book for the year and will come in every three weeks instead of five because they can’t miss the cowboy or superhero theme.”

Whether it’s plastic hats, elaborate themes, quick grooming shots or elegant portraits, adding photography to your grooming can be a creative outlet for you, add cash to sales and make lasting memories for your customers. 

Photo by Christina Linsalata

"When I take quick groom photos, I keep them looking like a groom session; hair or tools are on the table. I keep my beautiful, professional paying photos separate from the cute phone photos."

-Christina Linsalata

Setting Your Clients Up For

by Mary Oquendo

We all know that when we take the time to set ourselves and our business up for success,

it gives us the tools to anticipate and effectively deal with any roadblocks that could hold us back. But, what if we could also set our clients—both the two- and four-legged ones—up for success?

Setting clients up for success leads to a mutually beneficial relationship and pleasant client interactions.

So, how do we go about setting our clients up for success?

1. Establish trust.

We accomplish that by being the professional. How does your facility look from the perspective of your clients?

Think about how confident you would be with your surgical team if they showed up at the pre-surgical appointment to go over things in T-shirts and sneakers. When you look around that doctor’s office, you expect to see diplomas.

Where are your continuing education certificates hanging? They should be in the lobby where your clients can see them while waiting to be checked in.

Is your facility neat, clean and calm? Let’s go back to that doctor’s office…

There may be a lot of activity going on, but the clients don’t see it as chaos as employees appear relaxed and are easily identified as employees by their clean uniformed appearance.

“I greet my clients wearing crisp tunics from the human spa industry. My lobby smells like high-end hotels and my career achievements are on display throughout. This sends a message that I am a professional and an expert in my field before I’ve even uttered a word. Thus, clients tend to be deferential in their interactions.”- Riza Wisnom

2. Craft a "What to Expect" handout.

We cannot expect clients to know what we do. It isn’t what they do for a

living. I have no idea what my mechanic does to fix my car, nor does he expect me to know. When we contracted a company to build our home, the first thing they gave us was a 111-page document on the process. It detailed everything they did and significantly reduced the number of questions we had for them.

Your “What to Expect” handout does not have to be 111 pages, but should contain enough detail to cover what you do and put a stop to those repeated questions you get all the time.

This is how mine reads: After check-in, your pet will be treated to a gentle, hands-on experience to assess coat condition, as well as any overt medical/behavioral concerns. Then it’s off to the bath for a relaxing hydromassage with appropriate shampoo and conditioner selection. Ear cleaning is done during the bath and nail clipping directly afterwards. Your pet will be hand dried and provided with ear protection. Then the magic happens. Your pet will be combed,

brushed, along with the agreed-upon styling. To finish off the groom, there is a selection of accoutrements to choose from.

Feel free to use this or add anything that you are continually asked about.

3. Explain why the pet needs a set schedule.

A pet that comes in on the schedule that you, the professional, sets is in the best interest of the pet. The coat will be in better shape, reducing the pet’s discomfort from de-matting. Pets on a regular schedule become those who accept grooming as a part of life instead of something that just needs to be endured a couple times per year.

This is a good time to discuss owner maintenance, as I am sure they brush their teeth and their own hair daily and would never think that they could forgo that in between their own personal appointments. Sometimes owners need to see how something impacts their pets in terms they can relate to.

4. Establish your "Terms of Service" .

This should detail under what circumstances and policies you accept pets. This should include arriving late, rescheduling, no-shows, drop-off, pick-up, payment, vaccinations, video recording and expected respectful behavior from clients. Terms of Service sets healthy boundaries and lets the clients know that you are in charge of your business, not them.

“Having a Terms of Service saved me many times over the years. Once a woman came in with her dog with fleas. I found them on intake and told her we do not take dogs with fleas. She said she didn’t see anywhere that it said we don’t take dogs with fleas. I explained it was in our Terms of Service and she had gotten a

Pets on a regular schedule become those who accept grooming as a part of life instead of something that just needs to be endured a couple times per year.

copy, signed that she had gotten a copy, and it was on our website under ‘Terms of Service." She fumed, picked up the dog, and went to her car. About 10 minutes later, she came back in and apologized saying, ‘It is in your Terms of Service. I’m sorry.’ Then paid me in full for the appointment without me even asking her to.”- Anjie Coates

5. Require signed waivers for any problematic circumstances.

My waivers included matting, aggressive pets, senior pets, anal glands, ear plucking, cats, and flea and tick. Remember, “No” is a complete sentence. Refusal to sign my Terms of Service or any waiver I presented to them resulted in no groom for them.

6. Provide your clients outside professional recommendations.

This may include a veterinarian, trainer or another groomer who specializes in a specific pet. We do not have to be good at everything. Area groomers would refer senior pets and cats to me. In turn, I’d refer out any pet that required a show trim or needed breaks in grooming. This tells the owner that your concern is always for the wellbeing of the pets in your care.

Not every client cares about anything other than their own convenience and needs, and that’s OK. Not everyone is or should be your client. But, if you can communicate to your clients why

are in their

have achieved setting them up for success. 

You Say SANIYou Say SANI

I Say BRAZILIANI Say BRAZILIAN

by Deborah Hansen

Terminology goes a long way when selling and promoting your add-on options. Clients will often use words like “pee-pee area,” “thingy,” “man parts” or “booty shave” when asking for a sanitary trim. Or they use words like “naked” or “shaved back” when asking for a lion cut.

Add-ons sell best when clients understand their choices. It is important to use words on your list of services that your clients will understand. Customizing your add-on options to the vocabulary that your clients use can enhance your branding.

When thinking of what to call your different services, begin with your theme, then consider the trending vocabulary for your ideal client. When your business can apply words of wellknown concepts to the service options your business offers, it helps your clients feel more comfortable when asking for what they want. After you

have picked what to call each service, you can add pictures of the options to your website and list of services to add clarity for your clients.

Many cats need a sani. It is helpful for cats that race in and out of the litter box, have a long coat or are prone to matting between their back legs. Outside of pet grooming, the word “sani” is not well known. Some clients won’t ask for it because they do not know what to call it. Other clients will make up their own words.

In my opinion, a sani is the most important add-on service for a cat grooming client to understand. My

business runs off of a spa theme, and my clients spend a lot of time around pools and at the beach, so “Brazilian” was a term they were familiar with and easily understood. That is why my business calls a sani a Brazilian. Think about your theme and what the majority of your clients might understand when choosing titles for your services. Some other popular terms for sani are “manscaping” or “booty trim.”

Another term that clients need help understanding is “comb cut.” Most clients know that they want a comb cut, but sometimes it can get confusing because clients do not know what word

to use. They also forget how you get the look of the comb cut. Often clients will say they want an “inch off the ends.” Sometimes my clients will try to argue and insist that last time I used scissors instead of clippers to perform a comb cut.

When I changed from using the term “comb cut” to “teddy bear cut,” my business ran smoother. Many clients know they do not want a lion cut; however, they are not sure how to explain that they want that plush look a comb cut results in. Using the word “teddy bear” was very easy for clients to understand and relate to.

Other terms like “half belly,” “full belly” and “de-shed” are self-explanatory. Clients seem to understand these words very easily. However, here I would like to caution you: If you decide to change these terms on your list of services, be careful that the new words you pick are not going to cause confusion for your clients. The first goal for our list of services is to make requesting services easy and understandable for the client. After our terminology is clear to the client, then we can fit the terms we choose for our services into our branding. If the words we choose to name our services cause us to take a longer time to explain the options to the client, it is not enhancing our business and needs to be reconsidered.

Sometimes the terms we use will make us stand out above our competition. After all, who wants just a nail trim when they can have a pedicure? Both a nail trim and a pedicure may be exactly the same service, but when a client is choosing between a nail trim and a pedicure, a pedicure will be much more appealing for many client bases. Keep in mind,

the opposite is also true: Some clients will automatically assume a pedicure is too expensive and fancy for their cat. When choosing what to name your services, it is important you understand your client base.

Some fun terms I like to use that enhance my branding and spa-based theme are “facial,” “paw-dicure” and “massage.” If you are just starting your business or are considering rebranding, spend some time thinking of words or concepts that fit your theme. You may find it helpful to perform web searches of your theme and look for words and concepts that are common. Another fun route to take is to make up words that fit your branding. It is ok to make up words when the meaning is obvious, like “paw-dicure.”

Sometimes mistakes happen when our list of services is not clear. When we have clear and concise terms that clients understand, it helps us make sure our business is providing the services the client is requesting.

Once I had a client tell me she wanted the back of her cat shaved naked. In my mind, “back shaved naked” was a lion cut. When I presented the cat to the owner, her mouth literally dropped. When she asked for the cat’s back to be shaved naked, she had intended for the cat to be left in full coat and have a sani. This is why words that the client can understand are important on our list of services.

Another lesson I learned that day is that, no matter how clear you are with

your words, it is always a good idea to show the client exactly what you intend to do while their cat is in front of you. If I had said, “You want all of this shaved?” and ran my hand over the back, the owner would have stopped me and said, “No I want here shaved,” pointing to the sanitary area.

Add-ons are important to the financial health of a business. Using terminology that clients understand and are comfortable using will make sure the client gets what they want. When you can fit those terms into your branding, and add pictures, it is a win for your business.

Elevate Your Grooming

by Blake Hernandez

This is a step-by-step process for handling something we deal with more often than we would like… matted dogs. Dogs who have been matted are more likely to have skin irritations and potential infections, or worse. The process of wet shaving keeps the skin cool and soothed as you remove the matting. Wet, clean and conditioned hair will stretch a little more, allowing a longer blade to get under the mats.

BeforeAfterWet shaving is a technique that uses the pliable nature of wet coat to save some length with ease. The length saved is not to suddenly make a shave-down candidate into a fluff y puppy; however, the length saved can be the difference between a painful sunburn or not. Running the clippers over cool, wet skin also minimizes your chance of clipper burns. This method can be used on any coat type that gets matting and requires being clipped short to start over.

Fig 1) This shows a dryer blowing the freshly bathed hair to reveal lots of mats, which is continued all over the body. At this time, I know for sure to use the wet shave method.

Fig 2) After choosing the longest-length metal blade for the matting, you will hold the skin tight and begin clipping under the mats. It is important that the skin be pulled tight when using this method as the matting already causes pulling and you don't want to add to that discomfort with your clipping. On this dog, a wet shave permitted a #4F blade on what would have been a #7F strip on a dry, dirty coat.

Fig 3) Next, hold the ear up and out of the way which will open a space for you to begin shaving, in addition to creating taught skin so you can shave the matts off smoothly.

Fig 4) Clip in reverse on the throat latch in order to help separate the head from the neck.

Fig 5) Holding the legs in the manner that they naturally move can be an easy and effective way of stretching the skin.

Fig 6) Finish up taking off any matted areas, which include the legs on this dog.

Fig 7) Now it’s time to dry and fluff the coat for the real haircut.

Fig 8) Using the same blade length you used initially, shave the entire dog again once it’s dry for a smooth finish.

Fig 9) On the face of this dog, I'm taking the cheek the same length as the rest of the body so I can start setting the proportion of the head.

Fig

Fig

Comb out and trim the ears to the

length or customer request.

Fig 15) Then, while positioning the head down and viewing from above, trim a round shape back from the tip of the nose which again reduces staining and aids in oral health.

Fig

Fig

Again, it would be out of proportion if you trimmed the

at

So, for this #4F shave-down,

of the head.

Starting from the outside and working in, I use a small straight scissor to open up the eyes and create expression over the brow area.

Fig 14) In order to keep the dog’s mouth clean and stain-free and avoid dental issues, I trim the hair to the lip line so no hair can wrap around teeth in their mouth.

Fig 16) To finish, comb all the hair towards the eyes and scissor the muzzle shape you desire while clearing the dog’s point of view.

Remember that wet shaving will not magically take a matted dog to a fluffy dog. Wet shaving allows you to leave a fraction more hair than if you didn't wet shave, and this is super important for the dogs to avoid sunburn. Wet shaving can be used on any coat type that becomes matted and can be clipped safely.

"Bruin" "Bruin"

by Anjie Coates

Photo by Anjie Coates

Bruin is a sweet, silly and very large Newfoundland that comes in every month and a half for grooming. Grooming him takes quite a bit of time, but what seems to take the longest is convincing him that he has to leave the picture room after his grooming…

“OK buddy we’re making progress, but I’m going to need you to stand so I can work on your side,” I say.

Bruin, not moving: “But that’s why I’m sitting, so you can’t brush that.”

I chuckle and say to him, “I realize that; however, I’d like to go home eventually, and I’m sure you would too, so let’s just get it done, OK?”

I wonder if he’s forgotten that I always brush his bum as I help him stand.

Bruin: “OK, but no brushing my bum.”

Bruin: “Can we go to the treat room now?”

I grin and say, “Yes, we will eventually go get your picture taken, but not until we’ve finished the actual reason why you’re here.”

Bruin looks at me with a quizzical expression on his face.

He then presents me with a beautiful grin to demonstrate.

Bruin: “And picture! I smile big. Mom likes it when I smile.”

I laugh and say to him, “Yes, and the picture, but that’s extra too, I’m afraid.”

“Don’t get me wrong, you are lovely in your pictures and simply adorable in the costumes you choose, but that’s just to show off how cute you are once you’re all done,” I reassure him.

Bruin grins then kisses me on my left eye, cheek and forehead: “I am cute.”

As I wipe my face on my sleeve, I say, “Oh, thank you… I was feeling a bit dry. Should be good now.”

Bruin, grins and sits: “You’re welcome. I know you love kisses.”

“I do love kisses,” I say, “but I also love it when you stand. I need to brush your bum.”

Bruin: “Naw, don’t need to brush that. No one wants me to have a brushed-out bum except you.”

I put my arm under him and slowly jack him to standing as if he were a car, and tell him, “And your Mom. And since she’s paying me to do it, she’s getting that bum of yours brushed.”

Bruin ignores me until I slide my leg under his waist to ensure he doesn’t sit: “Oh, that’s not fair.”

“I know you, and I know you mysteriously slide back far enough to sit with the belly band on. You’re kind of big you know, and I’m getting tired.

Once this is done, we’re off to the picture room,” I say.

Bruin stares at himself in the mirror and has to admit he is looking very handsome.

“OK buddy, let’s get your picture taken,” I say as I unclip his loop from the table.

Bruin hops onto the platform and opens his mouth like a baby bird: “Sitting!”

“Yes, I see that. Here’s your sitting treat,” I say as I toss a small freeze-dried liver treat in his mouth.

I toss the second treat in and say, “OK, you ready?”

“A knight in shining armor, good choice,” I say as I slide the requisite pieces onto his massive frame.

Bruin: “Costume treat!” Then again opens his mouth like a baby bird.

We rocket into the picture room, my feet barely touching the ground as he leads me in.

Bruin chews once and swallows as I offer him costume options: “That one.”

“You’re the best boy!”

snap

say as

bunch of

“Yes, here’s your all-done treat,” I say as I flip it into his mouth and take the costume off. “OK, c’mon bud, let’s go call your Mom.”

Bruin plops down on the platform: “I want to stay here.”

“You just want me to bribe you to go,” I say.

Bruin: “Maybe…but it is comfy here. We could do more pictures. I could be a wizard!”

“No more treats, buddy. C’mon,” I say waving him toward the door.

Bruin: “One more treat… please???” He then gives me squinty eyes and a submissive grin.

I know I’ve been bested yet again by his cuteness and utter,

Bruin grins from ear to ear.

“I am! All-done treat now!”

dear�”

ANDIS COMPANY DEBUTS NEW VIDA RASPBERRY CORDLESS CLIPPER

Like the original green Vida Cordless Clipper, the new raspberry Vida has an adjustable blade that quickly switches between 5 different lengths (#40-#9) to get the perfect groom every time. The tool's easy-to-hold, slim body shape reduces hand and wrist strain for the groomer and makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The tool also comes with a USB-C charging port, convenient for charging in the salon or on the go. You can purchase the new Vida Raspberry Cordless Clipper from authorized Andis® dealers and at andis.com

ROWAN INTRODUCES CLEAN COLOR COLLECTION

Taking inspiration from the world of sweet treats, the Rowan Color Collection consists of three bright candy colors including Heavy Petting Pink, Tailwag Teal and Pawsitively Purple. These complementary hues were made to flatter every type of dog coat. And since everything's better with sparkles, the kit includes the brand's signature coat shimmer, a coat creme made with dog-friendly Mica. Everything in the kit is made with non-toxic ingredients and formulated according to clean beauty standards using the Credo Clean Standard as their guide. For more information, visit www.rowanfordogs.com

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW

October 2023 Sturbridge, MA www.newenglandgrooms.com

OHIO

PETQUEST

6/22/2023 - 6/25/2023 Wilmington, OH www.pqgroom.com

TEXAS

GROOM TEXAS

July 2023 Houston, TX www.txgroom.com

ILLINOIS

ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/9/2023 - 8/13/2023 Schaumburg, IL www.aagroom.com

NEW JERSEY

INTERGROOM

3/30/2023 - 4/2/2023 Secaucus, NJ www.intergroom.com

WASHINGTON

NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW

3/16/2023 - 3/19/2023 Tacoma, WA www.nwgroom.com

CALIFORNIA

GROOM EXPO WEST 2/16/2023 - 2/19/2023 Pasadena, CA www.groomexpowest.com

PENNSYLVANIA

GROOM EXPO 9/7/2023 – 9/10/2023 Hershey, PA www.groomexpo.com

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE 11/7/2022 – 11/10/2022 Hershey, PA www.petboardingexpo.com

info@barkleigh.com (717) 691– 3388