04/29/2026
I have been a dog groomer for nearly 40 years and have mentored many others along the way, my own children included... Wizard Of Paws opened 13 years ago with just my 1 daughter and I and since then have grown to include several other talented and caring individuals... we built this business on a few main principles... the 1st being our motto which has always been Humanity before Vanity... this means always taking into consideration what is best for the furbabies that are entrusted to our care... for example... if a dog has trouble standing, we will do the best we can without forcing the dog to be uncomfortable... or if a dog has significant matting we will not inflict pain on those dogs by going through the process of dematting... did you ever have a large snarl in your hair? It was very uncomfortable working through it and getting it out wasn't it? Now imagine that on your whole body... we dont get paid to hurt dogs, we get paid to help them, so in that case we recommend getting below the matting with the longest blade we can without it pulling and this is always discussed with the pet parent before doing so... is this what we want to have to do? No of course not... these dogs are our living, breathing advertisements, so we would love to be able to do beautiful grooms on them all, but we believe humanity always should come before vanity even if that means they walk out not looking pretty... now if the pet parent wants to take their dog home to demat their dogs themselves before we groom, that is their choice, but we won't ever put dogs through that painful process ourselves... a 2nd principle we use is we keep our prices reasonable so that clients can keep their babies on a regular grooming rotation... when people can't afford to have their dogs groomed it is the dog that suffers... many older individuals on fixed incomes greatly appreciate that we do this, and for those that can't drive we offer pick up and drop off service... again we are here to help... our 3rd principle is family... these hard working bathers and groomers bring their children to work with them so they can work full time jobs and still be full time moms and dads too... we have a kid's corner where they have toys, snacks, activities, and other children to become friends with... when we first opened I had only 1 grandchild... I now have 10 and they have nearly all spent at least some of their toddler years playing in the kid's corner with each other and the children of our other workers... it has been a real blessing to all of us... no one can please 100% of the people 100% of the time, and that's not what we were ever trying to do, but for those that can appreciate our principles we greatly appreciate you.
Thursday morning I am having surgery on my dominant hand and am sadly aware that I may never be able to groom again, so as I sit here tonight reaffirming our mission, let me also reflect on just a few of my grooms over the years... I have been lucky enough to do a job I love, with people I love, and getting to know the best clients and many I now consider friends... I have grieved with you when your pet has crossed over the rainbow bridge, and shared your joy and excitement over the new precious souls that have joined your family... after 13 years I have shared both ends of that life with a few of you... thank you so much for choosing Wizard of Paws... I am so greatful to have been your groomer and God willing can be again... God bless you all