When I leave reviews, I include my overall experience. Trying to be neutral and understanding of businesses. Giving positive and, negative if necessary.
My toy poodle has been my companion since she was 8 wks old. When young, we started grooming as early as possible to get her accustomed. I was taught how to groom her to reduce costs. I bathed, groomed my toy poodle for 11 yrs.
Things changed in 2012. I was going through treatments for cancer and unable to groom my 12 yr old dog. I found Kathy and her husband when they were mobile groomers. She looked great! I was so grateful for their help. I was concerned, she can be fussy but, they assured me she was well behaved. The next time they groomed her, again, looked great!
**However, I noted after her second groom- she pawed at her eye just after they left. I forgot to give her puppy tearless shampoo.
I took her to my Vet after her grooming and, told she had a corneal abrasion under her eyelid from the shampoo. I called Kathy, she dodged and said they took precautions. It must have been there before her grooming session. I know my dog. She's had petit-mal seizures since she was 2. I can sense before she has one. I'm very in tune with her, knowing when something is off. I would've known if her eye was bothering her prior. After that, my Mom resumed helping. Recently, my Mom hasn't been able to help. Again, in need of a groomer.
While at the Vet, I ran into Kathy. I saw she opened a grooming shop. I explained my need for a groomer, was willing to give them another try, if they were willing. I believe in second chances. We both agreed to try again. I even explained her age and, special needs.
I called Kathy this past week to set an appointment. We talked about her age- 17 now, diminished eyesight/hearing. A little fussy but, doesn't bite. I was upfront on everything. She has few small knots/mats on her legs, one on her underside. Mostly where she licks. They're not bad. Poodles have curly hair. She's developed them in past when I groomed her. No problems.
I said she was just bathed, would work on combining her out the best we could. I was very upfront. Said she could use second bath. Kathy said may have to shave any areas that might be difficult where knots/mats are. I was understanding, agreeable. As an elder dog, her skin is sensitive, she can wiggle.
The next day I received a call from her husband. They didn't feel comfortable grooming her, needed to cancel. My heart dropped. My dog really needs a groom. I could hear a Kathy in background talking to her husband as he talked with me. Concerns- her age, pulling away during grooming, avoiding hazards to her. Concern over shaving her face & paws. They said she was difficult to groom in the past. ? Always told she was good.
After much aguish, they agreed to try. But told no promises and, ***I would have to sign a release form***
I agreed, going to keep the appointment. After the call, it weighed heavy on my heart. Didn't feel comfortable. I hesitated to sign release form.
I searched for another groomer, thankfully was able to locate one that is experienced in grooming elder dogs with special needs. I browsed her FB page, I saw her condolences to her clients who's pets crossed the rainbow bridge. That was enough confirmation for me.
I was upfront about everything I mentioned to Kathy. Even sent a current picture taken that evening. She put my mind at ease. Set up an appointment for last spot of day to take her time. She has elder dogs herself, understands. Sigh of relief! I'm grateful.
My concerns- being a groomer, shouldn't you have the skills needed to groom elder dogs and, handle all grooming needs? Why a consent form to release them from any liability? Because of the shampoo incident? Or her age and needs? I never took legal action on the eye incident. I could have. But, I'm not that person. I don't lawyer chase. The denial by Kathy was hard to accept. An apology would have been sufficient for me. I understand things can happen.
I always like to end on a positive note- she always looked great after her grooming. That's why I gave 3 stars. I believe that if you have a dog without extensive needs, or an elder dog without issues or special needs, it's a great place. They are kind people and believe that they love pets. I'm truly sorry it didn't work out. read more