**1 Star -- I Tried to Handle This Privately First**…read more
I never wanted to write this review. In fact, I specifically tried to avoid leaving negative feedback online because I understand how much reviews can affect a small business. I waited a week and decided to call the owner directly to discuss my experience privately before posting anything publicly. Unfortunately, the owner's response left me feeling that other pet owners should know about my experience.
My appointment was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. The groomer I was scheduled with arrived about 15 minutes late, which was not an issue. Life happens. However, when she arrived, I was immediately met with frantic energy, a disheveled appearance, and complaints about her day. Her workstation was also extremely messy compared with the other stations, which appeared well maintained.
I brought my elderly dog in for a bath and nail trim. She has hip issues, so I am especially mindful of her comfort and how she is handled. Despite my initial reservations, I hoped things would improve once the groomer settled into her work.
The service took approximately 25 minutes, and I paid $45. When I arrived to pick up my dog, I was immediately approached by the groomer, who got into my personal space and told me that my dog had a bloody nose, which she attributed to stress.
**This was the first time anyone informed me that my dog had experienced a bleeding episode. I was not contacted while she was there. I found out only when I arrived to pick her up.**
My dog is elderly and has hip issues. Hearing that she had experienced a bloody nose during what should have been a routine bath and nail trim was extremely upsetting. Her nails looked okay, but the overall experience left me with serious concerns about the environment, handling, and care she received. I cannot say with certainty what caused the bleeding, but I had never experienced anything like this with her at any of the five grooming establishments I had used previously.
I was so stunned by the news that I paid, tipped, and left. I needed time to process what had happened, so I waited a week before contacting the owner. I deliberately chose to call rather than immediately leave a negative online review because I wanted to give the business an opportunity to address my concerns privately.
The phone call was incredibly disappointing. The owner initially greeted me rudely, saying she thought I was a salesperson. Once we got past that, I explained that I was calling about an issue and wanted to speak with her directly rather than leave negative feedback online that could damage her business.
Her response? She told me my dog was not welcome at her business. She said this without taking the time to understand who I was, hear my concerns, or have a meaningful conversation about what had happened. She then hung up on me.
I have moved between states, which is why my dog has been to five different grooming establishments, and I have never experienced anything like this. I understand that unexpected situations can happen, but how a business communicates with its customers and responds to legitimate concerns says a great deal about its professionalism.
**I made a genuine effort to handle this privately and respectfully. Instead, I was dismissed and hung up on.**
I would not feel comfortable trusting this business with my elderly dog again, and I cannot recommend it to other pet owners. Our pets depend on us to put them in caring, responsible hands. At a minimum, I expect professional treatment, clear communication when something goes wrong, and a business owner willing to listen when a customer reaches out in good faith.
