Circle of fluff

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

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07/06/2026

🐾 I don’t like the phrase “he tolerated it.”

As a dog groomer, I hear it often.

“The groom went well. He tolerated it.”

But tolerance isn’t the goal.

Understanding is.

Trust is.

Choice is.

I’ve groomed Toy Poodles who were labelled “difficult” when they were actually frightened of having their feet handled.

I’ve worked with rescue Maltese who “tolerated” brushing until someone noticed the subtle signs of stress they had been showing all along.

I’ve met Cavoodles who appeared compliant but were quietly overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and sensations of grooming.

A dog standing still doesn’t always mean a dog is comfortable.

A dog who isn’t growling doesn’t always mean a dog feels safe.

Sometimes they’re simply coping the best they can.

The longer I groom dogs, the more I believe our job isn’t to make dogs tolerate grooming.

Our job is to understand what they’re communicating, adapt where we can, and help them build confidence through positive experiences.

Because the goal shouldn’t be a dog who silently endures.

The goal should be a dog who feels safe, understood, and supported.

Language matters.

And so does listening. ❤️🐾

07/06/2026

🐾 A pet owner who truly loves their dog shows it in the little things.

Not the Instagram photos.

Not the expensive accessories.

The everyday moments.

As a dog groomer, I see this all the time.

I see the elderly gentleman who brings his 14-year-old Maltese every four weeks because he knows comfort matters more than appearance.

I see the busy family who carefully follows their Cavoodle's grooming schedule because they don't want her coat becoming painful and matted.

I see the owner of an anxious rescue Shih Tzu who spent months building trust, attending training sessions, and learning how to advocate for their dog in situations that felt overwhelming.

Love isn't just affection.

It's showing up on cold mornings for walks.

It's keeping veterinary appointments.

It's maintaining routines.

It's learning about nutrition, behaviour, grooming, and health.

It's remaining patient when progress is slow.

Dogs teach us empathy, responsibility, consistency, and unconditional love.

And after years of grooming thousands of dogs, I've learned something important:

You can often tell how much someone loves their dog by the care, understanding, and respect they show them every day.

Not because they're perfect.

But because they keep showing up.

❤️ What is one thing you do for your dog that shows how much they mean to you?

07/06/2026

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