I started my first job at a little shop during the summer as a bather, I was newly married and I had a cosmetology license however I did not enjoy every client in my personal space, over sharing and such…I figured I would have a go bathing dogs to see if I liked it enough to go to pet grooming school. I loved it obviously, but what I learned that summer was mostly what not to do. I can not remember the shop owners name but I’ll call her Jackie. Jackie was nearing the end of her grooming career, she was 59 or 60 and usually by that time your body has some issue, either your hand, wrist, or back. For me it’s been my eyesight , just not as crisp as before. I did not know the first thing about grooming, bathing, or running a pet salon, I did know that she was too relaxed about the dogs in terms of safety. Jackie would leave her client’s dogs on the table and walk away, either to the restroom, to eat, chat, or anything else . I knew this felt wrong and would worry and watch from across the room. One afternoon I was bathing a large dog, my back to the center of the room, my mind on my work, when suddenly I heard a loud thump. I turned around and Jackie wasn’t there, but a sweet older sheltie named Sunshine was on the floor, convulsing. I am re traumatized even now as I struggle to write about it. Sunshine was left unattended on the grooming table, she was just being a dog. Dogs are unpredictable animals, and beloved family members. Sunshine didn’t see another day, she had tried to jump off that table and hit her head on the corner of a nearby desk on the way down. I tell this story today to help you understand that the grooming salon is much more than that cute reception area. You need to know and meet the actual person who will be entrusted with the care of your fuzzy friend. Follow my tube channel for specifics on how to find the right groomer. You can find this and more tips in my playlist-Tips from a pro groomer at Traveling with dogs@
TravelingwithDogs-o4e
Leave a comment