08/06/2026
🐶✂️ Not apologizing for the time I take to groom your dog is a hill I will die on. Are there exceptions to this? Of course, but this is my general belief I stand on. While there are more, here's 6 reasons why 👇
🐾 Bonding. We want a healthy relationship with your dog. This looks different for every dog because every dog is an individual and has their own needs. How do you expect your dog to not be stressed if we can't take adequate time with them and just blow thru the motions? I want your dog to feel comfortable and stress free with me. While some dogs will never LOVE the grooming process, they still need to feel safe away from their parents! Knowing your dogs like I know my own is necessary. I want to understand their emotions from whatever is going on in your home that month or if they are feeling under the weather. These are the days they want to take it slower and need more affection. I will never say no this for them.
🐾 Sometimes 💩 happens. Literally. Things like, rain, snow, heat, cold, fireworks, storms, be rushed to leave, excitement, ate too much ice cream or snacks the day before, strong winds or simple just not being a mild 68 and sunny makes dogs not use the bathroom all the way before they come in and go in the salon. This means, extra cleaning and another bath and blow dry sometimes which puts the entire day behind.
🐾 People. Y'all know I love a good conversation but sometimes conversations last longer than anticipated. As much as the dogs are most important, we care for our clients too. Especially those that have been with us for decades. Sharing your milestones and life changes (both good or bad) is a privilege for me. I'm beyond grateful for all the amazing human connections I have also made in this career.
🐾 Playtime. Despite what most people think, we don't just "play with dogs all day," but that doesn't meant we don't WANT to. We want to have fun with your dog and your dog wants to have fun with us!!! If they want some play time, they're getting it.
🐾 Breaks. Sometimes, your dog just wants a break. Period. It is up to us to see those signs and they shouldn't be ignored. Also, your groomer needs a break too. This industry has joked for years that we don't get breaks and just shovel food in our faces mid groom while inhaling hair. It needs to stop. We need an adequate break to eat, refuel and reset. A stressed out groomer is not healthy.
🐾 Danger. Facts are that grooming is dangerous. Sharp objects near a moving object is not easy. We hold our breath more than not every single day. Someone runs in the door and starts shrieking about how cute the dog on the table is will forever be our worst nightmare. We want to be transparent so people can see where we groom but to be frank, it takes years off of our lives. Stress and rushing also heightens the risk of injury. Calling me 10 times to hurry up is just not it. Trying to rush your groomer with sharp objects on a moving target is just not smart.
Let's not also forget, we all have outside stresses and are tired. We have loss just like everyone else and sometimes, we're simply moving slow, trying to push thru the day just like you would in your own job and while it may sound selfish, taking our time and hanging with your dog helps us thru these days. What a beautiful thing it is to share your dog's love. It is beautiful that they love us back enough to know when we are sad and do their best to help pick our spirits up ❤️
