09/25/2026
This October will mark 5 years since I opened Pampered Pooch. As we get closer to that milestone, I’ve been reflecting on what these five years have really looked like behind the scenes.
I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built—the dogs who have walked through our doors, the clients who trust us, and the employees who love this salon as much as I do.
But if I’m being vulnerable, these have also been some of the hardest years of my life.
Before becoming a mom, I worked 6–7 days a week pouring everything I had into Pampered Pooch. I worked until two days before Luca was born, and even during my short maternity leave, staffing changes had me back sooner than planned.
After Luca, I worked hard to rebuild our team. At one point we reached 9 full-time groomers. During my pregnancy with Madelyn, that changed quickly, and I went on maternity leave with only 5 other full-time groomers.
I worked a completely full grooming schedule until the day before Madelyn unexpectedly arrived 3½ weeks early. One week postpartum, I needed surgery due to a complication. Now, because of another unexpected medical leave and an already fully booked schedule, I’m returning before I’m even 4 weeks postpartum.
It isn’t how I imagined spending these first weeks with my daughter.
Because behind the business owner, the appointment book, and the person trying to figure out where another dog can possibly fit… there is also a mom recovering from childbirth and surgery with two little babies who will only be this little once.
I love what I’ve built and I’m incredibly proud of what Pampered Pooch has become. But I can love this business deeply while admitting that carrying the responsibility of it can be really hard.
As we approach five years, I’m asking for a little patience and grace while we rebuild our team.
To everyone who has been patient, flexible, checked in on me and my family, and continued supporting us through these changes—thank you. 🤍
Behind every “I’m sorry, we’re booked” are people who genuinely care and are trying their best.
