09/27/2026
What makes "us" special? Frankly, it's our ability to attach ourselves and bond with your pets as if they are our own. Many times we introduce them to grooming at an early age, we train them to stand on tables, accept loud blow dryers and more importantly, to match our energy and trust us with their care.
But every so often, there is a dog that crosses our path who actually trains us. These are the dogs that define our career and shape who we grow into. Many times without us even realizing.
For Taylor Bentley, that dog is Ace.
Ace came into her life as a fluffy ball of energy with zero grooming manners. His coat had a thickness like no other and his stark white hair would attach itself to everything, but the dog 🤣
Aces owners followed Taylor through several location changes. From the very beginning they trusted her with his care. No other groomer ever received the right to groom him. From beginning to end Taylor and Ace shaped each other through her entire career.
When Taylor joined the poodle pack, Ace and his family followed her with devotion. She would spend hours scrubbing and fluffing his incredibly thick coat, only for him to go home and roll in the dirt as some kind of a practical joke. 🙈
A few months into her hiring, Ace's mom sent me one of the sweetest messages. She complimented how happy and comfortable Taylor was in our salon. She mentioned how it was the happiest she had seen them together in a very long time. I kept that little message to myself for a long time.Every time I would see his owner it made me smile, knowing how much she cared for our Taylor.
From the very beginning , Taylor allowed Ace to do things that frankly she did with no other dog from climbing in his kennel to make sure that he was comfortable through every aspect of his groom. Face kisses were specifically reserved for the one and only Ace. We would play musical tables to make sure that he was happy even in his old age. And we would sacrifice our drinks to the hair tumbleweeds every time he came in for a blowout🤣
Last night, Ace lost a very brief battle with lung cancer. It was an honor to have him in our salon, and to watch the way him and Taylor had bonded so strongly. We are so grateful to have his owners in our lives. They gave Taylor so much unconditional support though the years.
Ace may never have lived in Taylor's home, but he definitely set up shop in her heart. The pain of losing the dog that shaped us, is one that is hard for many to understand. For the ones who do understand, thank you for sharing your babies with us. They really do take a piece of our hearts with them.
Sleep well Ace. 🌈 We love you. 🤍
