Grooming by Gina

09/02/2026

An update from Grooming by Gina:

📅 The 2026 schedule is FULL for the rest of the year. I am currently booking into 2027.
If you are a regular client, please plan ahead and book multiple appointments whenever possible.

If you have already reached out to me about your 2027 schedule, please know it's in the works and I will get the dates to you as soon as I can.

🐶 If you get a new puppy, adopt another dog, or simply need to add another dog to your appointments, please understand that I may not be able to accommodate them. I unfortunately cannot continue squeezing in additional dogs, making last-minute exceptions, or doing favors when my schedule is already full.

🐕 Large dog availability will also be very limited.
Going forward, I will have very select availability for larger dogs as I continue to prioritize the smaller dogs that make up the majority of my schedule.

As my larger-dog clients naturally move on over time, I will not be replacing those spots with new large-dog clients. This means that large-dog availability will continue to become more limited, so please plan accordingly and pre-book your appointments whenever possible.

💰 Pricing will also be increasing January 1st.
Prices will increase approximately $5–$15 per pet, depending on the size, coat, and services needed.

I know changes like these aren’t always exciting to hear, but they are necessary for me to maintain a sustainable schedule and continue doing what I love without the burnout.

Thank you so much for understanding, for planning ahead, and most importantly, for supporting my small business.

Gina Buteau

05/19/2026

03/25/2026

Missing in Avon-Westbury/Wiltshire Lane
This little girl went missing yesterday evening around 8pm. She’s wearing a red harness. We are asking neighbors to please check your cameras, around your yards and decks and porches. She could be hiding. If seen please do not call out or chase her, she will run which will put her in harms way! Please call the number on the flyer immediately to help bring her home!

03/25/2026

Nutella is my client! Please share to help to bring her home!! Avon friends if you are in the area please keep your eyes open for her.

🚨Nutella was LOST on March 23, 2026 in Avon, CT 06001 near Huckleberry and Westbury.
Please spread the word for this lost dog by sharing this post.

💬 Owner's Message: "She means the works to us ❤️"

🐾 Description: "Tan 12 lbs toy poodle with red hardness"

🔗 For more info or to contact Nutella's owner, click here: https://www.pawboost.com/p/72701706

📣 Lost or found a pet? Report it to PawBoost here: https://www.pawboost.com/l/rpl

⚠️ WARNING: Please be cautious of users offering ‘pet tracking services’ in comments. We recommend only working with local shelters and verified organizations. Never send money to unknown services.

11/05/2025

📢 NOTICE TO CLIENTS

Effective January 1, 2026, Grooming by Gina will be transitioning to premium pricing. This change reflects the high demand for appointments, results of market research, and increased product costs.

Clients can expect price increases of approximately $5–$15 per dog, depending on coat type and service needs.

To help keep your services affordable, consider:
• Choosing shorter haircut options
• Extending time between appointments

Thank you for your continued loyalty and support!

– Gina

09/26/2025

Booking update, all 2025 appointments have been filled.

I’m now here part time so make sure you have as many appointments booked as you can to secure preferred times and days.

2026 pricing update email to follow soon. 🐾

09/03/2025

I'm excited to share that I will be back from maternity leave starting Tuesday, September 9th! I truly appreciate your patience and support during this time, and I can't wait to see you and your pups again.

A few important updates about scheduling and appointments:

- By Appointment Only: I'll now only be working four days a week (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat) and no longer keeping a set 8am-4pm schedule. Please keep in mind you cannot rely on me being in the salon all day.

- Pick-Up Policy: Please plan to pick up your dog as soon as they're finished. If you need your pet to stay longer, you must check with me first to confirm if I will be available.

- Limited Availability: My next openings aren't until mid/late October, so I highly recommend booking in advance. With holidays around the corner, openings are starting to going fast.

- Plan Ahead: My schedule is now open through the end of 2026, so feel free to book as many appointments as you'd like, to secure your preferred times.

To schedule or reserve future appointments, call/text me at 860-698-5727.

Thank you so much for your continued trust and support! I'm looking forward to getting back to work and pampering your pups.

04/05/2025

Understanding Littermate Syndrome in Puppies

Bringing home two puppies from the same litter might seem like a great idea—they’ll have built-in companionship, right? However, many dog owners are unaware of the challenges that come with Littermate Syndrome, a behavioral condition that can develop when sibling puppies are raised together.

What is Littermate Syndrome?

Littermate Syndrome is a set of behavioral issues that arise when two puppies from the same litter (or even unrelated puppies of the same age) are raised together. These issues often stem from excessive bonding between the puppies, making it difficult for them to develop independence and proper social skills.

Signs of Littermate Syndrome:

Severe Separation Anxiety: Puppies become highly distressed when separated, making training and socialization more difficult.

Fearfulness: They may become overly reliant on each other, leading to increased anxiety in new situations or around unfamiliar dogs and people.

Difficulty in Training: Since they focus more on each other than their human, training sessions can become ineffective.

Inter-Puppy Aggression: As they grow, fights between littermates can become more intense, sometimes escalating into serious conflicts.

How to Prevent Littermate Syndrome

If you’re raising two puppies together, consider these steps to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, independent dogs:

Separate Training Sessions: Train each puppy individually to ensure they learn to focus on you rather than each other.

Encourage Independence: Allow them to spend time apart daily so they learn to be comfortable alone.

Socialization: Expose each puppy to different people, dogs, and environments separately.

Individual Bonding: Spend one-on-one time with each puppy to strengthen your personal relationship with them.

Should You Get Two Puppies?

While raising two puppies is possible, it requires significant effort and commitment. If you’re considering adopting littermates, be prepared to implement structured training and socialization strategies to prevent Littermate Syndrome.

By understanding and addressing Littermate Syndrome early, you can help your puppies grow into happy, confident, and independent dogs!