This page is to inform you of the quality of care I give and experience that makes this salon unique. I also explain the physical strain my body has been going through and how I would love to continue my business and stay healthy. 

The one-on-one express grooming is a luxury experience. All the care is focused solely on your dog! What this means is there is less traffic coming in the salon.

Some salons may take 10+ dogs in the morning, groom like an assembly line, pushing mass production for top profit. Bathe the dogs, put them into a kennel dryer for as long as it takes, then finish a passable groom.

Now I don’t want to put down other’s for doing this, as I have done so in the past as well, although I could never do enough because it stressed me out along with the stress pushed onto the dog (they feel your stress!!!). If a dog isn’t liking something, I stop and assess the best course of action whether that may be doing something else while a stand-up dryer blows from a distance or just taking more time and patience with the dog.

My experience, continued education and staying up to date with the most recent grooming standards are what make my work worth it. This is important because in our state, dog grooming is not regulated. I want to add that I use high end products such as Les Pooch to beautify and cleanse the skin and coat.

As you can imagine, I’ve done thousands of dogs since starting in 2012. This brings great stress onto my body. Dog groomers are put into weird angles that cause our posture to be off. I’ve attached some pictures as examples. 

Over the years I’ve done plenty of physical therapy to learn proper workouts. But I am at the point where I need to focus in even more on my body to continue giving the utmost care to my clients. The chiropractor took X-rays of my neck and back. He suggests I go 2-3 days per week to fix my neck where my nerves are pinching, which can contribute to the numbness I feel in my arms to my hands to my carpel tunnel. I do have sciatic pain here and there depending on the day. Yes, I have gone to neurology to confirm I do have mild to moderate carpel tunnel syndrome. They suggest surgery when it gets so severe that I cannot function. I’d rather not get to that point!

Now my right elbow is hurting almost every day. I believe it is tennis elbow, or tendonitis. The repetitive movements of washing, drying, brushing, and clipping the dogs day in and day out contribute to tendonitis. What could help relieve some of the work is a bathing assistant. I would also have more availability.

To do this, I must raise my prices on the breeds that require the most work. My goal is to expand my business where I have a helper. This would also give me space to have time to go to the doctors or chiropractor or physical therapy. I would be able to continue grooming for at least another 20 years!

I would love to be able to groom for the rest of my life, without pain, and to expand and hire help. For me to do this, adjustments are critical. I LOVE what I do! Being able to know exactly what to do majority of the time, leaving customers satisfied is very fulfilling. When clients are so happy (animal and human), it warms my heart.

Every dog (naughty or nice) is treated like family. I’m grateful I have a career that I love coming to every day. Thank you for your support – kiss your dog for me!