About Me:

I am a professional Pet Groomer. I have been grooming for 28 years. This Blog is a kind of diary of my work. I wish I had started years ago, writing some of the experiences I have had while grooming. Most days are fun, some can be sad, some can be just down right crazy. If you are a pet owner and come across this blog, I hope it helps you understand how your pet is groomed. If you are a Pet Groomer, I hope you can relate to some of the stories. Maybe even learn a grooming tip or can leave a friendly grooming tip for me. There is always something to learn, no matter how long you have been grooming.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

An Open Letter....

.....From A Dog To Their Owner About Their Grooming Needs:

To my owner and caregiver,

      I was so happy the day that you brought me to my new home. You feed me, walk me, clean up after me, and take care of my medical needs. There is just one problem.....my grooming.


       No matter whether my hair is short or long, I like to be clean just like you. I may not be crazy about water, or the brush, but it sure does feel good to be clean, and get rid of my shedding, or matted hair. To get a nice moisturizing shampoo to get rid of my dry skin, and to be flea free.


      Grooming is not torture, although I may act like it is sometimes. It is up to you to make sure that I am groomed regularly whether I like it or not. You don't like going to the Dentist, but you go anyway, right?






      Regular monthly baths (with the right products) and groomings help to keep me and my coat healthy.






      Overgrown nails hurt and can permanently twist my toes over time, sending pain through my feet and legs every time I take a step.

    
       Mats hurt, and are best removed by clipping rather than brushing. So, please do not ask, or expect the groomer to brush and comb out my mats that you let build up in my coat by not brushing me regularly.





      My haircut will only last 4 to 6 weeks before my hair grows back onto my eyes and my hair starts to mat up. Just like your own haircut, I need my grooming on a regular basis. Don't get  upset at my groomer if my hair grows back too fast.




     Please don't laugh, or get mad if my groomer has to shave my coat short, because no one was brushing me at home. Yes, I may get embarrassed if you make fun of my haircut.




         Take the time to find a good, caring groomer, who knows what they are doing. Please do not just call around looking for whoever will groom me for the cheapest, or the soonest. You may have to wait  to get me an appointment with a good groomer, because they are most likely pretty busy.


      My grooming will cost more than your hair cut. My groomer pampers me, brushes and combs my whole body, clips and files my nails, cleans out my ears, gives me a nice warm, massaging bath, blow drys my hair, and gives me a beautiful haircut. Best of all, I get hugs! Isn't all of that work worth the money?



      I may not always enjoy the ride to the groomer. I may even balk at walking into the Grooming Salon, but that is only because I know that I will be away from you for a while. I have to confess that I actually have a little fun trying to make you feel bad for leaving me, but once you are gone, I get a lot of loving and hugs from my groomer, and it really does feel good once I am all groomed and clean.


       I can not comb and brush my own hair. I must rely on you, my owner and caregiver to keep my coat clean and healthy. I know that you are busy, so a professional grooming is just the thing.

      The very best thing about being clean and groomed is all of the attention that I get when I come home from the groomers. Everyone wants to pet my nice soft, clean coat. Everyone makes a fuss over me. No one pushes me away anymore saying; "go away, you stink."

     So, please dear owner, please find a good groomer to take me to on a regular schedule so that I can be happy, clean and healthy all of the time.

                                                                                                                              Unconditional Love,
                                                                                                                               Your Furry Friend






26 comments:

  1. That is just beautiful. Every new puppy (or newly adopted adult dog for that matter) should (no, MUST) come with this letter as an "owner manual."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tvergirl,
      That is a good idea. :)
      Lisa, MFF

      Delete
  2. Love this. LOVE. It informs without ostracizing the owner.

    ReplyDelete
  3. this is great, its been a while since i dont read your blog (or anything, i get pregnant :P yay! ) but i sure miss it, you gave great advices and i love this letter, can i post it on my grooming salon in mexico? people in here really needs to read this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations on your new baby Nikole!!
      Feel free to post the letter for your customers. I hope it helps to educate them. :)
      Lisa,. MFF

      Delete
  4. What a wonderful post, EVERY dog who leaves its place of breeding should have this with it. With your blessing all my dogs will have one of these sent to them with their next appointment schedule. I could not agree more with every word you have spoken and thankyou very much. Carol Perth, Western Australia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol,
      I will have to work on a printable version.

      Delete
    2. A printable version would be great!!! i would show it to all of my customers!

      Delete
  5. Love, love, love this letter! The only change I'd make is a typo correction from "sink" to "stink" ;) Then it is PERFECT!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for posting this valuable information. Re-posting for our clients at our spa for a gentle reminder heading into spring! <3.

    Faith Chipman

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wish we could print and hang this in our salon!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi there, would you mind if I shared this on my work blog? Would give you credit of course

    Cheers
    Dana/Braid Pet Salon

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely letter! I think you meant "balk" instead of "bulk," though.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This was great and so true...nothing better than a "Happy, Clean" Dog or Cat...

    ReplyDelete
  11. .I spoke with a breeder in Northampton and she has a little book to give the people who buy bichons from her and offers to show potential owners how to groom a bichon .....I think that's wonderful a really caring breeder one who loves her dogs and wants to make sure her pups get the best care..... take my hat of to her ....
    ....

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is great! Thank you! My only thought would be to incorporate how often we find lumps inf. ears etc. that need to be followed up on by vet..Preventive maintenance is invaluable.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is wonderful! I am a new groomer in an externship, who also volunteers at Animal Allies. I was just discussing with my mentor that it would be a good thing to get some sort of letter together to give to people who are adopting pets. This would be perfect! Please let me know when you get a printable version and if we can share it! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love it. This is a great idea to educate people

    ReplyDelete