The Polka Dot Pup

04/15/2026

04/01/2026

Okay folks, it’s time to get serious. With all that is going on in the world and the close relationship I have developed with many of you over the years, I am starting to experience something that I haven’t dealt with since opening and it needs to be addressed. You are allowed to hold whatever opinion you like on any topic, but you cannot come into my salon and spew openly racist and hateful remarks. Not only should it be embarrassing to tell others that you hold those opinions, you are also openly insulting my family. Effective immediately, behavior like that will result in the cancellation of your appointment and removal from my schedule going forward. Just so we are clear, I am not at all concerned about losing clients over this. This behavior isn’t allowed in my home, and the salon is in my home. No one is allowed in my home who is openly hateful and disrespectful. I also do not wish to talk about politics with every client. No matter what side of the aisle you find yourself on, that’s exhausting for anyone. Good vibes and happy dogs only 😎

This picture is near and dear to my heart. My Abuelita, holding my son while my childhood dog jumps up to give him a kiss. I was lucky enough to have mole and turkey at Thanksgiving, tamales at Christmas, and riblets with quesadillas for an afterschool snack. Spanish was spoken around us often and she shared her culture with us. Our lives are richer for all of that, the way she has loved us, and now loves her great grandchildren.

We are all neighbors. Let’s act like it.

03/27/2026

Soooo many people ask me how I wear mascara and groom dogs. My secret? I don’t!

You can catch me cozied up on Kaylin’s table once a month for a lash lift and tint & facial. This keeps my lashes dark and curled & my skin GLOWING! My morning routine has never been easier 💅🏼

My girl fills up FAST & this is too good of a deal to pass up! Get in while you still can and treat yourself 🧖‍♀️

03/23/2026

PENDING

Okay friends, I need your help! It’s time for this thing to go so I can start growing veggies again. I am willing to accept all offers both reasonable and unreasonable 🤣 trades, barters, don’t care!

Information you should know:
🐾 this will need to be moved by a professional. The last estimate someone was given to move it was $1500. I have no idea if it would still cost that, but it’s worth mentioning.

🐾it’s fully insulated, and I regulated the temp in there for years with a heater/ac combo from Menards. Worked like a charm!

🐾there is currently a ceiling fan that is unattached for transport, but will come with the shed

🐾there are a few outlets and a small electrical box inside. There is a hook up (shown in pictures) where a professional can run electric from your home to the shed.

🐾 the front window has a slight crack from an over zealous goat. If you’ve been around since the hobby farm days, Artemis didn’t like when I was inside and she wasn’t 🤣 it still keeps the rain out etc.

All in all it would make a great hunting shed, she shed, or even a separate space for a small business of some kind on your property! It’s large enough that I had a day bed, full dining table, tv, coffee bar, and still had plenty of room to walk around in.

Please share this post! I need to get planting 🌱 and yes! I’ll share! 💕

02/17/2026

Hey friends! Lots of important info ahead:

🐾Please make sure you have the correct phone number for me! The salon # changed in November of 2024. I have tried my best to post and inform people via text or in person. Occasionally i can get that phone to turn on, and can retrieve unanswered texts to the old number, but this is in no way a reliable way to reach me. As a reminder, the current salon number is 815-216-5647! That is the best way to reach me as facebook messenger has proven to be unreliable!

🐾Currently I am booking out 3-6 weeks 😵‍💫 please plan ahead! Yearly schedules are available upon request and you can always book your next appt while you’re in the salon. This is especially important if you need certain days or times.

🐾Lastly, due to the above I am closing my schedule to new clients. I am truly humbled and grateful to have a full schedule, and want to make sure that I can always comfortably accommodate my current clients. Thank you, all of you, for sending your relatives, neighbors, and friends my way! In the meantime, if you are not a current client but would like to be placed on the wait list, please TEXT me with your dogs info and your name! I will reach out if a slot becomes available on a first come first serve basis.

I love you guys, year 10 is looking good! 🐾💕

02/05/2026

Tragic crash - but, you can help.
A pet rescue van from Geneva, IL based Starfish Animal rescue crashed in Indiana with 64 animals on board, the transport vehicle has been totally destroyed.

A gofundme has been established, if you’re interested in helping out.

[Link in the first comment]

Starfish Animal Rescue, a non-profit, writes:

“Starfish Animal Rescue’s Transport Sprinter Van—the lifeline of our mission—was recently involved in a serious accident that resulted in the vehicle being completely totaled. This van isn’t just transportation; it’s how hope moves. Every other week, it carries us across miles to save animals who have nowhere else to go, bringing them from overcrowded, dangerous situations to safety, medical care, and a real chance at a new life.

At the time of the crash, 64 animals and our dedicated rescue team were on board. By sheer grace, every person and every animal walked away alive. We are endlessly grateful that there were no injuries—but the loss of this vehicle has brought our lifesaving work to a sudden halt.

Without this Sprinter, we cannot continue our regular rescue transports. That means animals who were counting on us may be left behind, and time is something many of them don’t have.

We are asking for help to replace this critical vehicle so we can get back on the road—back to saving lives, back to being the bridge between suffering and safety. Every donation, every share, brings us one step closer to rescuing the next van full of animals who are still waiting.

Thank you for standing with us during this unexpected setback and for believing, as we do, that every life is worth fighting for.”

01/20/2026

Hi folks! I am finished with 2026 schedules and have sent them all out! However, it has recently come to my attention that some people did not receive the picture of their schedule 😵‍💫 if you had requested a schedule for 2026 please TEXT ME at 815-216-5647 and I will send it over again immediately!

01/15/2026

**DATES FOR FEBRUARY LOW COST SPAY AND NEUTER**
Tuesday February 17th will be cats only along with the low cost vaccine clinic.
Friday February 20th is open to both dogs and cats.

12/30/2025

We’ve had multiple confirmed Leptospirosis cases recently, and it’s a serious reminder that this disease is closer than many realize

Lepto is caused by bacteria that thrive in the environment. It’s commonly spread through:

👉🏻Standing water (puddles, ponds, lakes)

👉🏻Moist soil or mud

👉🏻Urine from infected wildlife or rodents

Here’s the scary part: Leptospira bacteria can survive for weeks to months in the environment. That means a puddle left behind after rain can remain dangerous long after it looks harmless

Leptospirosis is so dangerous because its symptoms can look like other diseases at first. One important clinical sign is anemia, which on initial lab work may appear like a bleeding concern or autoimmune condition, but really only masks the real diagnosis - delaying the right treatment if Lepto isn’t on the radar. That’s why awareness and the right diagnostics matter.

Leptospirosis is dangerous, deceptive, and resilient - but it’s not unbeatable. Staying informed, recognizing that symptoms may not always be what they seem, and trusting your veterinary medical team that knows how to dig deeper can make all the difference!

You’re never too old to learn something new—and when it comes to Lepto, that knowledge can protect lives!

12/03/2025

Grundy County Animal Control is hosting an event with Safford Veterinary Services for low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats, and spaying and neutering for just cats on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 310 E. Dupont Road.

11/19/2025

PSA: I only have a few slots left for the year! I am completely booked solid from 12/15 until January. If you are wanting to get your dog in before 2026 please reach out ASAP! I do have two cancellations this week as well, so if you wanted to get in before Turkey Day, now’s your chance! 🐾💕

11/14/2025

📅✨ Check out what’s happening at Morris Area Public Library next week! From hands-on activities to creative programs and community fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Take a look at our weekly program calendar below and mark your favorites. We can’t wait to see you at the library!