RUFF Salon

09/04/2026

Small Business Reality Check 💭

​If you’ve been following along with our Refined by RUFF training rollout, I want to share a disappointing update:

we are putting our formal behavioral training classes on hold for now.

​Building new programs comes with high highs and unexpected setbacks. Transparency is everything to me, so I want to be straightforward about the facts: after everything was built and ready to go on our end, our hired trainer unexpectedly resigned right at the starting line.

​I’ll be honest—I’m deeply disappointed and discouraged by this setback. More than anything, I’m sad for the clients and dogs who were genuinely excited to start their training journey with us. It’s tough when a plan falls apart at the last second, but as a business owner, when variables outside your control change, you have to pivot.

​The training program remains under development behind the scenes while I search for the right candidate who shares our long-term vision. However, with the busy holiday season quickly approaching, hiring and onboarding a high-quality candidate will take time.

I want to be realistic with you all—behavioral training classes likely won't launch until early next year while we take the time to find the right fit.

(If you or a certified trainer you trust are interested in building with us down the road, my inbox is always open!)

Instead of dwelling on a delayed launch, I’m refocusing our energy where the future is bright!

​Thanks to a very generous sponsor who recently gifted us our new perimeter fence, we are officially able to move forward with planning our Retreat boarding and daycare expansion! While we don't have a firm launch timeline or finalized schedule just yet as we work on building out our team support, this is where my primary focus is shifting.

​To the clients who reached out or booked training—thank you so much for your patience and support. I am reaching out directly to handle those reservations.

​Thank you all for walking thr

09/02/2026

Why we offer toothbrushing at the salon (it’s not just for fresh breath!) 🪥🐾
While a toothbrushing session every 4 to 6 weeks isn't a substitute for daily dental care, it serves a huge purpose: it gives us a chance to inspect what’s actually going on inside your dog's mouth.
Case in point—my own boy, Drake! He’s been eating, drinking, and playing like his normal happy self, with zero signs of pain. But during a toothbrushing session, we caught this broken tooth hiding in the back.
Dogs are absolute pros at hiding discomfort, and a fractured tooth like this can easily lead to infection, severe pain, or deeper health issues long before a dog ever shows symptoms. Because we caught it early, we can get him to the vet before it turns into a major problem!
That’s the real value of routine salon care—it’s full-body hands-on wellness from nose to tail.
Next time your pup is in, ask us about adding a toothbrushing check to their visit! 🧼🐶

09/01/2026

Why we offer toothbrushing at the salon (it’s not just for fresh breath!) 🪥🐾

While a toothbrushing session every 4 to 6 weeks isn't a substitute for daily dental care, it serves a huge purpose: it gives us a chance to inspect what’s actually going on inside your dog's mouth.

Case in point—my own boy, Drake! He’s been eating, drinking, and playing like his normal happy self, with zero signs of pain. But during a regular toothbrushing session, we caught this broken tooth hiding in the back.

Dogs are absolute pros at hiding discomfort, and a fractured tooth like this can easily lead to infection, severe pain, or deeper health issues long before a dog ever shows symptoms. Because we caught it early, we can get him to the vet before it turns into a major problem!

That’s the real value of routine salon care—it’s full-body hands-on wellness from nose to tail.
Next time your pup is in, ask us about adding a toothbrushing check to their visit! 🧼🐶

08/31/2026

Weekend vendor fair fun! 🎪✨

Spent some time exploring a local vendor fair over the weekend and saw so many creative, talented makers! Between the cool folded-book paw art, custom hats, and endless inspiration, it was such a fun outing.

Of course, I couldn't leave empty-handed for the kiddo who couldn't join us—meet Theodore the Griffin! 🦅🦁 He was an immediate hit at home.

Now we’re back in the salon and ready for a great week with your pups! Lilka has openings this Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, so if your dog needs some pamper time, text us at 217.714.4444 or book online at ruff.llc to grab a spot! 🐾✂️

08/28/2026

Lilka is doing a fantastic job picking up more skills and making her place on the RUFF team. We are so happy to have her! She's had a slight schedule change from Thursday evenings to Wednesday evening, making her available on:

Tuesday 2-8pm
Wednesday 2-8
Saturday 9am-2pm

She will have some Thursday mornings 8-1 open as well soon! Book online or shoot us an email to [email protected] with any questions!

08/26/2026

Refined by RUFF with Catalina is officially LIVE! 🐾🎉
You can now lock in your pup’s spot for our very first classes kicking off Saturday, September 5th!
A quick note on how to book:
Because we are still building out our main website to link everything under one roof, our training program is currently running on a separate booking platform (Square) from our salon services (Vagaro). We’ve set it up to be as simple and smooth as possible, but since it’s brand new, please let us know if you hit any technical bumps along the way! We want to make sure the process is effortless for you.
Quick Reminders Before You Book:
Vaccines: Age-appropriate proof of vaccines (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella) is required. Please email records to [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to your first session.
What to Bring: Treat pouch/fanny pack, standard 6 ft flat leash + 10–15 ft long line (no retractable leashes), body harness, stationing place mat, high-value soft treats, and ONE quiet, low-arousal chew toy.
Private Lessons: 1-on-1 and in-home training require an initial consultation form first so Catalina can build a custom plan for your pup.
Workshops: Workshop topics will rotate regularly, so follow our page to stay updated!
With group classes strictly capped at 4 to 5 dogs max for personalized attention, spots are super limited.
Head to the link below to snag your spot—we can’t wait to see you and your pups on September 5th! 🐶✨

training.ruff.llc

08/26/2026

Refined by RUFF with Catalina is officially LIVE! 🐾🎉
​You can now lock in your pup’s spot for our very first classes kicking off Saturday, September 5th!
​A quick note on how to book:
Because we are still building out our main website to link everything under one roof, our training program is currently running on a separate booking platform (Square) from our salon services (Vagaro). We’ve set it up to be as simple and smooth as possible, but since it’s brand new, please let us know if you hit any technical bumps along the way! We want to make sure the process is effortless for you.
​Quick Reminders Before You Book:
​Vaccines: Age-appropriate proof of vaccines (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella) is required. Please email records to [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to your first session.
​What to Bring: Treat pouch/fanny pack, standard 6 ft flat leash + 10–15 ft long line (no retractable leashes), body harness, stationing place mat, high-value soft treats, and ONE quiet, low-arousal chew toy.
​Private Lessons: 1-on-1 and in-home training require an initial consultation form first so Catalina can build a custom plan for your pup.
​Workshops: Workshop topics will rotate regularly, so follow our page to stay updated!
​With group classes strictly capped at 4 to 5 dogs max for personalized attention, spots are super limited.
​Head to the link below to snag your spot—we can’t wait to see you and your pups on September 5th! 🐶✨

training.ruff.llc

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Whoops, total start date mix-up on my end! Catalina will be starting our classes on September 5th rather than August 28th so she can head to NY for her school orientation first. Since we have a few extra days, I’m taking the opportunity to tweak our booking site a bit more to make sure it’s completely seamless for everyone.

Here is the exact game plan so we do this right:

Today (Monday): Check out the graphic below for our official class descriptions, pricing, and details!

Wednesday, August 26th: Online booking officially opens.

Saturday, September 5th: Our very first classes kick off!

A few quick notes before you pick your spot:

Vaccines: Age-appropriate proof of vaccines is required. Please email records to [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the start of your class or lesson.

Private Lessons: In-home and 1-on-1 private training require an initial consultation first so Catalina can tailor a personalized plan for your pup.

Workshops: Workshop topics are TBD and will rotate! Follow our page to stay updated on upcoming masterclasses.

Group classes are strictly capped at 4–5 dogs max to ensure personalized attention, so take a look at the class details today and get ready to grab your spot on Wednesday!

08/23/2026

Heading to the Market on the Square today?

Come say hi! 🛍️✨

The Woof-fle Spot is back at the Farmer City Square today from 3:00–5:00 PM with fresh, house-baked treats for your pups!
Plus, our new trainer, Catalina, will be at the booth! If you’ve been thinking about dog training, have questions about your pup's behavior, or just want to chat about your training needs, stop by and meet her in person. 🐾🐕
Come grab some treats, meet Catalina, and support local! See you soon! 👋