Thursday, October 24, 2019

Pocket's Ode to A Groomer


On Wednesday, River and I undertook our favorite endeavor, going to the groomers. My parents have been taking their dogs to the same groomer for 23 years since that magical moment occurred in May 1996, when Mommy finally relented and agreed to get a dog.

Daddy's Aunt Bev was the catalyst for my parents getting a dog. Mommy had mentioned offhand that she wouldn't mind a small fluffy dog. Daddy remembered Aunt Bev recently had a Lasha. He rushed mommy to her house, and Aunt Bev convinced mom to get a dog. Fortuitously, there were Shih Tzu puppies listed in the Globe the next morning. Mommy was skeptical about going to see them, but when they did, Blake ran up, put her paws on Mommy, and looked at her with deep brown eyes. Mommy was in love.  That love for dogs continued for a quarter of a century.

Once they had Blake, they had to figure out how to care for her.  Mommy had a lot of dog questions, including where to go for grooming.  Aunt Bev suggested a business, in Middleboro, half an hour away. Thankfully, my parents did not look for a closer alternative. Aunt Bev had never steered them wrong, and they were confident her grooming recommendation would not be the piece of advice that would break that streak.

If not for Aunt Bev, I could be getting groomed at a big box store. I shudder to think about it. I don't have an issue with how they groom, but, because the groomers do their work behind windows, and everyone can see what is happening, we don't get the perks we do in private salons.

If you go to a private shop groomer, you will get your haircut and shampooed, your nails done, and a nice bath.  It is beautiful, but no frills. A private groomer offers is so much more.

At our groomer, there is an exclusive backroom where our parents can't see.  We spread out on fainting couches and sip wine or Foleytinis. Then we receive a  mani-pedi as the sound of dogs sweetly howling in unison adds to the ambiance. Next comes bath oils made from green tea and shampoos made from watermelon and peppermint.  Then a full hot rock massage which eases our tension. We lay back and have cucumber slices placed on our eyes until we get hungry and eat them. That is followed by rejuvenating steam.  By the time our parents pick us up, we are ready to deal with all their problems and give them the support they need. 

During Foley's first year with my parents, the groomer opened her own business. It was run out of a small building on her property. Her mom worked the desk, her father cleaned up, and they kept the same groomers working for them for years.  People loved knowing the person who did their last grooming would do the next. 

Earlier this year, we were shocked to see a for sale sign outside their shop.  Our groomer's mother, Pat, who owned the building and the adjoining property, wanted to travel the country with her husband.  We wanted her to be happy but wished she would not sell.
  
Sadly in what may be a case of being careful what you want to for Pat suddenly went to the Bridge last month. She was always so sweet to us.  She had gentle hands and a kind disposition. We looked forward to our spa days so we could see her. I know she is petting Foley and many other dogs right now.  I am sure she has about a thousand of them at the Bridge
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There Is still a for sale sign in front of their establishment, but no one in the family knows if they're going to sell.  They're going to have to travel the road through grief first. I would gladly go to a big box store groomer if Pat could be home with her children and pups again.

For our parents, it isn't just how the grooming looks on us but who does the grooming. A good groomer is every bit as valuable as a good vet.

We have been blessed with the best.


13 comments:

  1. we hear ya and we hope your groomer is always da best of da best ... and our ode to da groomer who gave our fox terrier a poodle cut is very short: loser, grab your scissors and cut hedges... da whole furmily cried as da pup with the poodle cut appeared... ;o(

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  2. We've been to groomers that skinned us....well, right down to the skin. We hope you find another great groomer. Unfortunately, we're groomed at home, so we look funny for a few days.

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  3. Aww, so sad that Angel Pat left this earth! Having a good friend, who is a professional, is invaluable. Here's hoping you find a new groomer that you like just as much.

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  4. So sorry about Pat. How sad. I agree it's all about the groomer. We had a great one with our Little Bit. We're ever so grateful that she took such great care with her. Little Bit loved her so we knew we were in the right place. It was private too.

    Have a fabulous day. ♥

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  5. I sure hope just the right groomer finds you or you find them!

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  6. I just love my groomer, Miss Jacquie!

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  7. At our groomer, there is an exclusive backroom where our parents can't see. We spread out on fainting couches and sip wine.
    Please forward me the address of this groomer....BOL BOL
    Hugs Cecilia

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  8. Awwww, such a charming story, and yet very sad. Hope you can find another groomer, Pocket. One that serves Foleytinis!

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  9. It is hard to find a great groomer. Sorry the one you loved passed. ((( hugs ))).

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  10. Awe. Sam get a bit nervous at grooming time, but when it's done, she prances to show off her new look. It is her way, I think of thanking the groomer. They can be special people in a dog's life.

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  11. I'm not letting Xena read this. Or perhaps you are under the influence of a wonderful sedative while at the groomers. Did you also see lovely swirling colors and hear 1970s music?

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  12. We had the same groomer for years and she was nice. Then she retired and Dad started grooming us. That's why we look so shaggy. He doesn't have a regular schedule for trimming us and just thinks about it when our furs get out of control. Syd and Mackey have little short furs so they just need a bath and a brush.

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  13. So sorry about your groomer friend. We know how hard it is to find someone you trust and treats you right
    hugs
    Mabel & Hilda

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