04/15/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot about the quiet struggles of grief that so many of my clients have faced, and I want to acknowledge it here.
Really, since opening my shop, I’ve seen so many people going through grief. As much as grief is such an awful, messy, emotional thing, it has also brought me some of the closest and dearest relationships. Working in grooming isn’t just about washing, trimming, or styling dogs—it’s about people. It’s about connection.
I’ve had grandparents bury their grandchildren, parents bury their children, siblings bury siblings, children bury their parents, spouses lose each other, and people lose beloved animals. I’ve seen animals outlive their humans and have to go to another home. I’ve also seen dogs whose owners are no longer capable of caring for them due to age, and how hard and heartbreaking that can be. There’s no handbook for this. There’s no right way to react. There’s only grief, loss, and trying to make sense of it.
Grief is different. It’s hard to talk about, and a lot of times it doesn’t get talked about at all. I’ve seen it try to grab hold of people in ways that are hard to explain. People I know—past, present, and future—carry some of the hardest things with them, and it’s not easy.
Grief is an unbalanced kind of emotion—it doesn’t move in a straight line, and it can catch people off guard. I was watching a documentary last night, and a woman who had lost her daughter described grief as being like a muddy puddle—you can try to avoid it for as long as you can, or you can just jump right in. Either way, at some point, you’re going to be in it—and nothing about it is the same after.
My shop will always be a safe space for people—friends, family, customers, and even strangers. So many conversations and stories have been shared here over time, and I value that deeply.
I am always here to try to be a helping hand, an open ear, and open arms. Sometimes it’s just about letting someone talk, being heard, or having a place where it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling.
A few of my clients who don’t get much interaction love seeing my kids, interacting with my family, or just having someone care. And I love seeing the comfort it brings them.
If you’re struggling, grieving, or just need a moment of support, please know this is a space where you’re welcome—no judgment, no pressure, just care and understanding. You’re not alone, and even in the hardest times, a little kindness and connection can make a difference.
I have clients who tell me they love me, and I tell them I love them right back. In a world where tomorrow isn’t promised, it’s really not hard to be kind. You never truly know what someone is going through.
If you need someone to listen, to share a story, or simply not feel so alone for a moment, I’m here. You are always welcome here.
-Rosalina Finch 💛
