I was ecstatic to find out there's a groomer so close to home, so with my fur baby, Prime, due for grooming, I called to make an appointment.
We arrived on our allocated time (noon today.) The whole area looked nice - they even had a photo booth of sorts set up - so first impression (in terms of appearance) was good.
Esther came out and had me complete paperwork. I'm not sure what was happening, but I didn't feel too "welcomed." (Not sure if that makes sense.) They didn't require what most groomers do: VACCINATION STATUS. I brought a copy and offered it to them, but Esther said there was no need. She mentioned it was gonna be about 2-3 hours.
Prime was naturally hesitant since he knew I was about to leave him to strangers. I watched them place and harness him on the table and hungout for a few minutes to let him know I wasn't just dropping him off and bailing out. Esther then snarks at me, "Are you gonna wait?" Dang, who woke up on the wrong side of the bed!
I waited patiently for their call to let me know he was ready to come home. They did call within the 2-3hr mark. Cost was $65 (I also tipped in cash.) And then that's when Esther started complaining.
"He moved too much, so it was difficult." (Uhmmm... aren't you trained for situations like this? They can't possibly expect ALL fur babies to "behave" especially when they're being left to strangers.)
"We couldn't use the clippers around his head and face, only scissors." (Assuming because he "moved too much" as she previously mentioned. But then.... you shouldn't be using clippers around his head and face to begin with!)
I heard a dog whining and asked if that's Prime and she responds with, "Yes, it is." paired with a very clear annoyed look. (Turns out, it wasn't Prime. It was a Frenchie in one of the kennels.)
She then asked how he is with other groomers. I told her he's paranoid at first (which is why I hangout for a few to show him I wasn't "abandoning" him) but builds rapport with staff immediately, so it's a little odd that he acted otherwise here. Overall, she just didn't seem happy we came through and couldn't wait to be rid of us.
Prime couldn't wait to get outta there as well. When he got home, he was lethargic and didn't feel like playing (when he normally does.) He went straight to bed. (That was a couple of hours ago. He still slumbers as I write this.) I hate the thought that the trauma he went through might have been needlessly more than necessary...
He does look and smell good. I'll give them that at least.
Possible one and done... read more