06/10/2026
Humanity over Vanity is a term used by dozens of groomers, usually when talking about matted dogs that need to be shaved off. But that doesn't mean that's always the case.
Pam is my dog, the dog I learned how to groom on while doing my City and Guilds. I went from giving her a choppy fringe to a modified Asian Fusion, the big bevelled legs, the long topknot, the exaggerated round face. She looked amazing but as time went on, I realised she didn't feel amazing.
She was uncomfortable being brushed, and a long coat means a lot of brushing, she didn't want to stand for as long on the table and seemed really subdued on walks. So despite my own feelings and how I wanted her to look, I'd rather have a happy dog so it all got shaved off.
Yes she's choppy but also she's nearly 14 and doesn't cope that well with the grooming process anymore. This was about what is good for her, not what I think looks cute or pretty.
She'll still have her dyed ears and tail, she'll still come to work with me and curl up in her bed but will be much happier doing so. She's already been running laps around the house as if she's 4 years old, not 14 years old.
