It is no secret that I am moving in a parallel direction to grooming. Several times a week, I would pass by and notice an office for rent, which overlooked a golf course. I could hear it call my name. I am not sure what took so long (maybe fear), but on New Year’s Eve 2012, I made the decision to follow my dream and open up a Reiki Wellness and Educational Center for both people and animals.
Setting Up a Business Read More
As I write this article, I am sitting in the office of Pawsitively Pretty still wearing my paw-print grooming smock. I’m a little bummed today because I lost a paw print hoop earring. However, as I look around my office I see all sorts of paws on my walls, schedule book, and business cards. I know I’m not alone in my paw obsession. I bet all sorts of paws surround other groomers on a daily basis.
I was driving somewhere with my kids who, at the time, were five, four, and two years old. They were playing a game in the back seat identifying other vehicles on the road. My four year–old very excitably pointed out the soda truck. My five year–old promptly corrected her. “That’s not a soda truck, that’s a Coke truck.”
What is Effective Marketing? Read More
I was sitting at a client’s kitchen table after I finished grooming Misty. I was talking to Mrs. about something funny Misty did when Mr. handed me the customer survey I had given him when I first arrived. He told me that the reason they followed me from the shop I worked at was because I had the best customer service they had ever received from a groomer.
The 140th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
I remember the first time I went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I was a baby groomer and the school took us on a field trip. I was absolutely floored by the grooming. And I had never seen so many well-behaved dogs at one time. That is until the min pins entered the ring. It was, in two words, awe inspiring.
I set my free security plug-in to alert me whenever someone tried to hack into my website. I would get the occasional notice so it wasn’t annoying, until one night there was over 30 alerts. My phone dinged all night long. The free plug-in I installed would lock out a user after 20 failed attempts. That means there were over 600 attempts at logging on to my website.
Back when I was a baby groomer, a client walked into the shop where I was working with her two dogs. I had the client cards already out and knew what to do!
Client: You’re new. Is Katie here?
Me: No, unfortunately she is no longer working here.
Client: Ok, do the same thing as last time.
Setting Client Expectations Read More
We all groom a “challenging” pet. Mine is Molly, a soft-coated wheaten terrier. Molly is a sweetheart. She is easily one of my best-behaved clients. What makes Molly a challenge is her health issues. I have overcome this difficulty because of effective communication between Molly’s owner and their veterinarian.
Effective Communication Read More
I consider one of the most important aspects of a nose to tail assessment during check-in for each pet is noting the condition of the pet’s teeth. Mind you, I do not just willy-nilly open up a pet’s mouth. I exercise caution and approach with care as any pet may pose a bite risk.
As a groomer, why should you care about that pet’s teeth?
Keeping Them Current
Grooming Rosie (AKA The Vibrating Wonderdog) was always a challenge as she vibrated as if she was standing on a washing machine with an unbalanced load during the agitator cycle. Rosie suffered from a neurological disorder and I was always on guard when using any sharp tools around her.
What if I wanted to use natural cleaning and disinfecting products for my day-to-day cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting needs? Do they exist and are they effective?
The good news is yes, they do. However, some of these choices are not labeled for this practice, so we do not have a handy reference for proper use.
Alternate Cleaning Supplies for Groomers Read More
A Mobile Grooming Hazard
Nothing like driving in the pouring rain with all the windows rolled down… Now why would I do something like that?
While windswept, slightly mussy hair might be attractive on someone who looks more like Taylor Swift;
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Read More