A Real Job??

I had a women ask me the other day if I was ever going to get a real job or if I was just going to keep on grooming through my working years. WHAT?? I thought grooming was a real job. Granted, I didn't have to go to college for years like a doctor or a Lawyer to become one or make the kind of money they get either. But I work very hard and did practice over the years to have the skill and knowledge it takes to make a matted dirty dog cute again. Not everyone out there can do what I and other groomers do and deal with every day!

It was kind of frustrating to realize that my chosen profession is somewhat looked down upon by others in the community. Just because I have decided to work with animals instead of people-I suddenly have a career that isn't considered just as respectable.

Do human hairstylists have to put up with remarks like this one? I doubt it. I would like to see a human hairstylist put up with getting bit, peed on, pooped on, anal glands exploding everywhere-not to mention the fact that the one they are trying to give a haircut to never sits still and squirms constantly.

I am a business owner and can now decide on my own hours and days I want to work. I am making better money than I ever did working in any of the other professions I have done over the years. I am happy and have become very successful-business is constantly growing and I now work six days a week. Not to many other people can actually say that they are happy in their jobs or have some of the freedoms I now enjoy.

So I guess a real job is whatever you decide to make of it. I think what I do is just as respectable as any other job that took years of college education to get-plus it is something I enjoy and am content to keep doing. Someone has to keep those dirty puppies clean-it may as well be me!  :)

I'm Not Really Sure What I Want???


 Some people know just what they want when they come in to get their dogs groomed. Those types of owners are pretty simple to work with-I can accommodate most of their requests prettily easily as long as they aren't to outlandish. Then there are those other owners who for whatever reason, have absolutely no idea how they want their pooch to look when they are finished.

Me: What kind of a groom would you like me to complete for your pup today-Just a bath and a brush out or shorter summer cut to keep him cooler?
Owner: I am not sure. I just got this dog recently and have never had a long haired dog that requires so much grooming. I like him long and love the fluffy coat, but think that it should be shortened some-he pants all of the time. But not shaved. I love his face with the beard, but don't like that its always dirty and wet all of the time. I also love his long ears, but they are always matted.
Me: So you love his coat long, but really want it shortened. Would you like to try and have me take off the beard and ears this time and see if you like it? They will always grow back if you don't like them.
Owner: Oh I don't know-my husband may hate that. I just want him cleaned up and look nice. But he definitely needs a haircut.
Me: So you just want the coat shortened all over in a puppy cut so its the same length all over?
Owner: Will that keep his beard clean and his ears from matting up if they are longer? Is it okay to clip this breed of dog shorter? I heard it would ruin his coat and not grow back right if we cut it?
Me: Clipping him won't ruin his coat. Its very beneficial for his skin health to keep him clean and mat free. It won't keep his face completely clean and dry or his ears from matting up, unless you are willing to make a little effort with combing and brushing at home.
Owner: No I don't have time to do any grooming at home, plus I really don't know how to anyway. I guess go ahead and do whatever you think will work for him. Just make sure he looks cute when he's finished!
Me: Okay, I will make him look pretty for you.

I then go ahead and do a puppy cut with shorter ears and a shortened beard. A very cute look on her little dog. Plus she loved it as well, despite her not really knowing exactly what she wanted to begin with. Drives me batty sometimes-I just never know if they are going to love it or flip out and hate it. I have become much better at trying to read peoples minds since I became a dog groomer!