Pampered Pets

09/25/2026

I have been out of the shop from July 9 until September 21. I broke my arm/shoulder in 2 places. I have finally been able to start Physical Therapy. I have not posted any detailed information what was happening because I was not sure when I would get to return to work. The doctor told me if it didn't heal correctly I would have to have a complete shoulder replacement. The Physical Therapist seems to think I may possibly still have to have surgery. Because she says I have the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff. She is sending her evaluation records to the doctor to see about getting an MRI.
With all of that being said, I am back in the shop, which the doctor wasn't really happy with. He said I could "try" to groom "tiny" dogs. He said that I cannot lift, push pull or jerk my arm due to the possibly of the breaking my arm. I have several small, calm dogs that I have groomed in the past and I am going to try to groom the ones that need groomed again. I am going to do nails trims also but I may need help holding wiggly dogs I had a list of 161 people who called the shop not counting the ones who messaged and texted. I am trying to get everyone called back to explain what had happened and see if they still need an appointment. But with that many people to call back it is taking some time. Please be patient I will be back grooming big dogs as soon as the doctor releases me. My next regularly scheduled appointment is the 3rd week of October.
If you need a grooming appointment or nails done and are willing to help hold or lift your dog for me if I need help give me a call and I'll get you scheduled. Thank you for your patience!
276-963-6440 leave me a message if there's no answer.

09/14/2026

07/22/2026

You took the trash out in the dark and I was near the edge of the driveway. I arched my back. I growled and hissed loudly. Then I stood straight up on my hind legs.

You dropped the bag and ran inside.

I'm a raccoon. I've been living under your deck for a year. I move by touch and sound more than sight at night, and the performance you just watched wasn't aggression — it was me trying to convince you I wasn't worth the trouble so you'd leave me alone.

🦝 The growl, the arch, and the stand-up are designed to give you every chance to leave.

I do this because bluffing costs me. That dramatic display takes energy and can leave me exposed if it turns into a real fight. Every time I stand up for something that wasn't a real threat is energy I could have spent foraging safely. I don't want to waste it on you.

Here's what most people don't know. While you sleep, I dig up grubs and beetle larvae that ruin your lawn. I raid ground-nesting yellowjacket colonies. I eat the insects and mice working their way toward your foundation. I clean up fallen fruit and carrion that could attract other pests.

By midsummer, you might see a mother leading a group of young raccoons through the grass at dusk. They're learning to forage and hunt grubs. They already know how to arch their tiny backs and stand up tall.

🌿 If you see me:

Stop moving and speak softly — I rely on my hearing and sense of touch at night. Let me know you're a person and I'll amble the other way

Back away slowly — the bluff ends the moment I feel you retreating

Don't trap and relocate me — you'd lose the only thing in the yard actively cleaning up grubs, yellowjackets, and mice before they become problems

I've been working your property line for a year, eating the things that sting and the things that chew your turf. You only noticed me the night I asked for space.

That's because I'm good at my job 🌱

07/09/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances Pampered Pets closed until Sept 9th at the earliest.

I WILL BE returning to the shop as soon as possible.

I will be checking the shop voicemails and calling to see if you still need to schedule an appointment when I know that I will be able to return to the shop.

With that being said please leave voicemail. I look forward to seeing everyone as soon as I am able to return to the shop.

I will update my post as soon as I know more to let everyone know when I will be back at the shop. I miss seeing "my" puppies and their owners.

I AM SORRY for any inconvenience.

THANK YOU for your Patience.

07/08/2026

Wild mullein grows tall like it’s trying to talk to the sky, and the old folks in these hills knew how to listen. When July settled in and the stalks stood straight as fence posts, they’d walk out at first light and choose the one that felt steady. A clean cut, a quiet breath, and a moment of holding it upright was how they asked the plant to help. They always thanked it for standing watch before carrying it home.

If you ever find a tall mullein yourself, you can follow their way. Wrap a bit of twine around the base, three slow turns, the same number they used every summer. They said three knots kept the good in and the bad out. Hang the stalk by your porch door where the wind can touch it, and smooth your hand down the length so it knows whose home it’s guarding. Speak the old line that’s been passed down through more hands than mine. Stand tall for me and keep my threshold clean.

Leave it there through the season. When it dries and fades, thank it again and carry it back to the woods. A simple thing, but the porch always feels different once it’s hanging there, like the house itself is breathing easier.

06/04/2026

There are days when I force myself to act like everything is fine, going through the motions, replying to messages, keeping my thoughts tightly held, and pretending the weight on my shoulders isn’t there. Yet, somehow, my dog always knows before anyone else does. They quietly follow me from room to room, rest their head a little longer on my knee, or gaze up with those patient eyes that seem to understand far more than words ever could. In those moments, I realize that I don’t need to explain myself. Their presence alone is a steady reassurance, a gentle reminder that love doesn’t need reasons, conditions, or solutions—it only requires attention and care.

This silent companionship transforms even the heaviest days into moments of comfort. Their quiet loyalty fills the gaps left by the world, making the home feel warmer, safer, and full of unspoken understanding.

05/09/2026

Hello. I'm the Toad.
I don’t chase pests—I wait for them.

What I eat:
Beetles, flies, worms, moths.

The myth:
I do NOT give you warts.

What I need:
Cool, damp shelter during the day.

What to do:
Place a small overturned pot in shade.
Skip chemicals—they poison me instantly.