Dog Grooming/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer pretty much anything related to the dog and cat grooming process. This includes specific question about any part of the grooming process, home how to do its, grooming behavior issues, how to find and keep a good groomer etc. I specialize in dealing with behavior issue pets and handicapped pets. I thrive on the challeng of figuring these guys out and finding was to make the grooming process as pleasant as possible for them. I like to experiment with new technique but I also rely on "tried and true" technique. I have experience with hand stripping, show grooming Brittany Spaniels, Bichon Fise, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chow's and all 3 varieties of Dachshunds. I have always groomed without a breed predjudice and look for the good in every dog. I am seldom disappointed!

Experience in the area

Pet groomer for over 33 years. Certified Master Groomer with NDGAA and IPG. Taught all phases of grooming with Pedigree Career Inst. for several years. Worked in 3 Veterinarian offices as a groomer. Began and developed 7 successful grooming businesses for 7 owners. Owned my own business. Have written articles for numerous local businesses. Have appeared several times on television programs answering and demonstrating grooming. Have written articles for my current employer's publications for the past several years. Have done several interviews for his web based newsletter. Have volunteered with Rescue groups and trained, given demonstrations, etc. for them. Have trained dozens of accomplished groomers on an individual basis. I have groomed at least one of every breed of dog recognized by AKC and many breeds beyond that.

Organizations

Currently volunteer with numerous rescues

Publications

Villa La Paws Newsletters (also video article)

Education/Credentials

High School Graduate. Self taught groomer while attending college. Taught at Pedigree Career Institute and completed trade school educator training. Have attended 100's of seminars, trade shows, etc. of the course of my career

Past/Present Clients

I have a very loyal clientele. I have not groomed any famous dogs, but I have numerous clients that will supply a reference letter if needed. I have had clients continue bringing me their dogs to groom even after moving. One client traveled over 8 hours to bring her dog back to me every month. I have groomed in my current area of town for over 14 years. I am on 2nd and 3rd generation of dogs in many cases. I am also grooming for my clients children as they mature and leave home

What do you like about this subject?

Any time someone wants to discuss dogs it's interesting to me. This is a fantastic field that is constantly changing. I am always looking for avenues to be able to share my passion for dogs with.I feel a well groomed pet it a work of art. A well cared for dog or cat is usually a healthy and happy one. .

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I want to continue to learn in this field until the day I die. I don't forsee every truly retiring. I want to always keep one foot in the Grooming shop door. I always want to learn what my clients are thinking. That way we can become a team to help better the pet's quality of life.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

When I first started grooming I attended a seminar in which the Instructor noted that this was a multi-million dollar a year Industry. Last year at a seminar, it was noted that pet grooming was now a multi-billion dollar a year Industry. The growth of grooming has been phenomenal. Owners need to be active partners in their pet's care and should always feel comfortable asking questions.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

There are still a large group of groomers that lack ethics. I strongly feel that a groomer should be in this business because they have a passion for it. A groomer who is only looking for a paycheck is doing the customer a dis-service. Educating the client is almost as important as grooming their pet.