I am a firm believer in writing only positive reviews because so often keyboard warriors usually…read moreoverpower the market on reviews. I am especially passionate about promoting and trying my best to help small businesses thrive. Typically, if a small business will not be getting my return business, I would never even think of going to the Internet to possibly dissuade others from giving that business a chance. Never, ever, have I ever wrote a two star review, but I feel very passionate about this and as many of you who are likely reading this review, my dogs are my family and their care and comfort is of the utmost importance to me and I failed them and myself with this one... If this post is too long, the short version is: proceed with caution, look over your pets before you pay and/or leave if you do decide to give this small business a chance.
I am so upset with myself for choosing convenience over the gold standard of care my pups had always received across town from a "big name" groomer. I should have walked right out when my instincts told me to when I waited in the entry way that smelled like a cat has marked the entirety of the place for 5 minutes before being greeted by staff. As a non-cat person the smell was offensive and overpowering. "They groom cats... I'm sure that's to be expected" I told myself.
When I picked up my dogs I asked how they did and the person who rang me up said, "I can ask." Oh, ok, yeah, please do. The groomer, Pam, came out and gave high praises to my two pups. The "best she worked with all day." No reports of bad behavior, which my dogs have never had bad behavior for any other groomers, vets, sitters, etc., but as a reasonable dog owner, I know that sometimes things don't go as planned And I just wanted to make sure that my dogs were comfortable With their new experience. This Brought me great comfort. There were also no reports of any mishaps. Again, not that I was expecting Any mishaps, but as a reasonable person I can and would understand that accidents can happen with wiggly animals and sharp objects. But again, I was relieved that there was no report Of the sort.
When we got home, I noticed a Sizable gouge in my male dogs belly right near his sanitary area. Bleeding was fresh and a skin tear was noted. I kicked myself for not looking him over at the shop And just felt really bad that he endured some sort of pain But was also a little upset that I wasn't told About it. I didn't call and question them because seeing as how I spoke with the groomer before I left, I could just see this turning into an argument that really didn't need to happen. They can't UNcut him... At this point, I am at fault for neglecting to look over my animals before I left and taking the word of the professional behind the counter.
I noticed a couple days later on my female pup a large gash near her "underarm" (pardon me, I don't know canine anatomy). This was old enough to not be bleeding but new enough to still have an open wound bed. Again, too late to bring anything up to the groomer, but given the "clean cut" and wound age it clearly happened during grooming.
Both of these instances would have been forgivable had they just been honest with me. Things happen, just be transparent. I am reasonable.
I'm giving two stars because A) at least one star is required to review and B) I appreciate the discount for bringing in more than one animal. Also, over the phone and in person, the staff was all pleasant to talk to and they claim to have an outdoor area for the dogs to stretch their legs and relieve themselves in the event that their owners can't pick them up as soon as they're ready to go. But yes, they were extremely pleasant when omitting part of the truth of my dogs stay with them.