The Divine Ms Em

Death by Chocolate

It was a typical December Saturday morning for Ms Daisy and me. She faithfully awaited me while I hobbled around the house attempting to wake up and gather energy to face my day. Instinctively, I brewed a pot of coffee and flipped on the local news. As customary, the stories were predominately bleak and tragic; an innocent bystander shot here, the economy continuing to plummet and the weather was to be cold and dreary for at least 3 more days. Basically it sucked the holiday cheer right out of me. All this pleasant “news” and more forced me to turn off my TV and find sanctuary in work and my dear Ms Daisy.

Today a new client was on the books. A dear woman who had been recommended to us by her holistic vet, since one of her two toy poodles was repeatedly being clipper burned. The client requested her babies short with the traditional clean face and feet, (of course the sensitive
one has to have the clean face scissored in) so it seemed that the day would be fairly uneventful and rather simple. Her home was located in a typical middle income area of town. The sea of Florida tract housing, each stucco covered edifice the same as the last. Of course there was a community gate, that imparted a sense of security from the government housing just a few blocks away, despite the spindles being far enough apart that a grown man could slip through. Essentially, I was in the epitome of a Florida neighborhood.

Upon arrival, I fetched one of the two adorable toy poodles and whisked them away to Ms Daisy. As we began the groom the sound of sirens blared in the distance. I took note, but the noise seemed to be fairly distant so my alarm was not raised. As I continued to shave the sirens grew and rapidly approached the street where we sat like ducks. Mentally I brushed it off, since I was in a gated community and parked right outside a client’s home. Then, just as I had assuaged my fears, the van was pelted with some short of flying debris. It couldn’t be hail, this is Florida and no rain was in sight. Then the sensational news stories I’d poisoned my mind with that morning flooded my brain. I snatched the poodle from the table and hit the deck of Ms Daisy to avoid what I feared may have been gunfire. Thoughts raced through my mind. I’m not meant to go his way! I’m supposed to be 80, well pickled, in Boca Raton wearing my glitter tennis shoes, a Dolly Parton wig while zipping around
in a scooter with a Hot Tati in my hand. I have to live long enough to humiliate my kids and grandkids!

While lying on the floor with this poodle, the cacophony of dings and pings continued. Convinced I
was meeting my maker, an odd noise arose; children screaming and giggling. Perhaps I had lost the few marbles that still rattled in my skull? Curiosity drove me to peer out my cabin window at the carnage I was certain was just outside Ms Daisy. Instantly I was horribly humiliated. There was a caravan of fire trucks, police cars and ambulances cruising down all the neighborhood avenues. And atop the fire engine lie the cruel culprit of my panic. A large, jolly, bearded delinquent stood, aka Santa, waving and throwing candy as he went. Apparently aim was not one of the fat man’s
strong points so Daisy was being pelted with sweets.

Slightly miffed I regained my composure and finished thegrooms. As I drove home, I was grateful
I’d survived my imaginary threat. Mobile groomers do face a certain amount of calculated risk. Essentially with new clients, we are going to complete stranger’s doorsteps and hoping that their intentions are strictly to have their pet serviced. That’s why if I ever get a bad vibe when I pull into a new client’s drive I simply refuse service. It’s not worth the risk and the world has too many wack-a-doos. In the name of safety, I always lock my van while grooming too. This is so no one can jump in a drive off with me in the back or open my door and accidently let out a pet or try to harm me. I have even installed a little, plastic, weather proof business card holder on the side my Ms Daisy. Above it is a sign that reads “DO NOT Knock on the van. For the safety of the groomer and pet please take a card and call.” So although the day had burst my ego a tad and made me feel like a
delusional moron, it did at least provide me with a reflection on my safety polices. Then I chuckled at what a ridiculous news story I’d have made…”Groomer violently beaten by Hershey kisses
and sweet tarts by an unknown jolly, robust man atop a fire engine.”

The High and Tight- Pet Styles to Make you Smile

The High and Tight, or shave down is a style that some groomers either refuse or dread. As a resident of Florida, where our temperatures can reach over 100 degrees and a mom that hates to vacuum, I can understand why this a choice of some owners. While not glamorous, there are some tricks and hints to get a smooth finish and a well blended head and tail.

Normally, when shaving a lab, beagle or any other dog with short course hair I make one pass prior to the bath. I figure the less to dry the better. Plus, if I do a good job with the first pass the second should just be more of a skimming to touch-up.

This first pass is normally done with #7 blade in reverse. If at all possible invest in a #7FW. The wider blade reduces the shave time drastically and the wider cutting spread makes an amazingly smooth finish. The shave normally begins at the base of the tail and ends at the occiput (the area right where the skull meets the neck); remember you are going in reverse.

Once the first pass is complete I bathe and dry the pet completely. This allows for second pass over the dog, and the ideal smooth finish that separates the professionals from the hobbyist groomer.

With the second pass I go with the grain of the coat with a #10 blade. Those handheld adjustable trimmers such as Laube’s Speed Feed or Wahl’s Bravara are ideal since the blade does not get hot and they leave a nice finish.

To blend the head I usually take a #2 comb attachment in reverse and then straight over the areas where the head meets the shave. Then I further blend with my thinning shears.

As for the tail, this really comes down to owner preference. Some want the tail left full and just the base blending into the shave. Others, want the tail trimmed more into proportion of the hairstyle (oh the dreaded raccoon tail). Make sure to inquire about this area prior to beginning the groom. Also, remember that if the tail is left to brush and de-shed it, since chances are the owner may have chosen a short hairstyle to alleviate shedding problems.

When I am done with the groom I make sure to card the coat lightly. This is normally done with a de-shed tool, and aids to remove some undercoat. We all know how wonderful they look as the shave grows out and the undercoat grows faster than the outer one. Taking the time to card afterwards helps reduce this problem.

 

A version of the High and Tight where mom wanted a Mohawk. I affectionately call it Dogzilla.

 

 

 

 

Sugar Plummed Christmas Letters

    As I quietly shift through mail and pay bills, I see it, and instantly a Grinch-like smirk paints my face.  It's my Great Aunt So and So's annual Christmas letter, the only manner of correspondence I've had with her for well over a decade.  This is her annual propaganda, to somehow make her year,whether it has been less than stellar or not, sound like Martha Stewart herself crafted it. I feel like I'm watching an episode of "Keeping Up Appearances" each time one crosses my path.  "It's not Ms. Bucket...it's pronounced "bouquet!" 

    However, ridiculous the elaborations are it does prove a good point.  Words and the manner in which you use them can be a powerful tool.  When telling a client that their beloved pet was less than cooperative,  I never directly say that their pet made me want to pull my hair out.  I use such fun terms as he did the Steve Wonder (throwing his head back and forth) or he was a little grumpy .  Parent's some how aren't overly excited to hear that their fur babies aren'tas perfect as they perceive them to be, so I soften the blow.  Even when speaking with clients, viaphone or in person, I make sure to have my "Zanex" voice....you know the one where every is wonderful,the sky is blue and there isn't a care in the world.  I want them to see me as cheerful, non-stressed and feel as if they have my complete focus.  It's all about perception and how you'd like your clients to view you and your business.

For example, and a little chuckle, here is my Christmas letter and below it the more direct version:

Dear Beloved Family and Friends,

Life on the Rupe Estate this past year has been amazing.  Charles, when he hasn't been embracing the great outdoors, continues to provide his skill and talent at Disney and the city of Orlando's building projects.  It has been such a sense of fulfillment to see each project come to life.  He works with a great team and without each other none of this would be possible.

As for the children, Lorna began her academic career in kindergarten this year and has adapted swiftly to her new surroundings.  Wesley entered the 2nd grade where he has truly excelled beyond our wildest expectations.  A true academic, he is participating in extracurricular math and enrichment courses.  We couldn't be more pleased!

As for myself, I continue to groom and act as a dutiful wife/mother.  When not travelling on business, I can be found writingone of my many literary endeavors. 

I hope your year was as blessed and wonderful as ours!   And we hope to see you soon.

The Rupe Family

THE REAL DEAL:

Dear Family, Friends and Acquaintances that I've been too busy to call or haven't corresponded with for the past few years,

Yes, we are still alive and dwelling ina trailer parked in the middle of nowhere.  When Charlie isn't out in the woods, looking like a transient and pretending to be Bear Grylls, he's slaving away as an electrician.  It's a lot of horrid hours and working conditions, but it's a job.  Plus, he's built up quite the repertoire of off color jokes, thanks to his fellow construction workers.

As for the kids, we still have both, since abuyer for the little one has not been located yet.  So far I've survived her starting kindergarten, with minimal calls from the teacher and no trips to the office.  As for her brother he started second grade, where apparently the boy who can't button his pants is a genius.  Thank god!  Because maybe when he grows up and makes millions, he can take care of his Mama.  Nerds always win out in the end!

As for myself, I've been insanely busy and probably developed an ulcer.  When I'm not grooming, I'm cooking, doing laundry and dishes, wiping noses, and attending to the man-child.  On the few occasions I manage to hide in my office and steal some quiet, I write sarcastic stories.

I'm sure you're year has been just and insane as mine, although you've sworn never to admit it.  Remember the kids have to turn 18 sometime and hopefully you'll be able to retire,

The Rupe Family 

The Fu Manchu- Pet Styles to Make You Smile

The Fu Manchu is technically the Miki breed “show” cut. What exactly is a Miki, you ask? Personally I believe it’s a Guinea pig with long hair and a hefty price tag. However if you ask Miki owners and breeders it’s either an ancient breed from Thailand or a concoction of breeder by the name of Micki Mackin in the late 1980’s.Whatever their origins be, when grooming these little 3 lb fur balls a smile always comes across my face. How can you not smirk when giving a Kung Fu hairstyle

The Fu Manchu does not need apply only to Miki. I have used it on shih tzu and yorkie type dogs that either the parents want something unique or the dog has a matted face. The hairstyle is fairly simple to achieve.

First the feet are cleaned in the same manner as one does with a poodle. I normally use a #10 on my Miki feet, but a #15 or a 5/8 toe would be fabulous as well. If doing it for a true Miki fanatic DO NOT shave the sanitary. For some unknown reason if a Miki is going the be shown then sanitary may not be shaved. Apparently dingle berries add to the confirmation of the animal.

After the feet have been properly shaved, I move to the head area. I have used everything for a #7 with the grain, a #7 rev or a #10 with the grain to achieve the look. It truly depends on owner preference. Also, take into account the coloring of the dog. If it is a white or apricot you may want to go with the #7 with the grain or a longer blade so that the head skin doesn’t appear too pink.

 

The head is very similar to a schnauzer. The trim goes from the area right in front of the eye back towards the body. The neck area is made into a V and stops right at the back of the ear. The top of the head is trimmed to the occiput. Leave the ears, beard and mustache.

The rest of the body is left flowing and long. If the owner is having trouble keeping the hair properly combed out you can de-bulk the coat with thinning shears

 

 

 

Stuffed Sausage

    Happy Thanksgiving to all my comrades in grooming!  Since today is all about family and tradition, I found it only fitting to share one of my favorite family tales with all of you today.  Like most great family stories, this one is always told after a few gin and tonics and a good helping of Laurence Welk, by my paternal grandfather.  My mother of course is in the corner,hand firmly planted on her forehead and silently doing hail Marys that nothing too "colorful" issues from his mouth in front of company.

    This tale, from what I can gather occurred sometimein the 50 or 60, on Thanksgiving.  Remember this is from a very well pickled narrator who like most grandparents likes to make everything "walking barefoot 3 miles in the snow both ways," if you get my drift.  Both my grandmother and him were planning a huge party for the occasion.  The guest list was well over 50, and included not only family and friends, but important co-workers from my grandfather's workplace.  They were running around the kitchen like chickens with their heads cut off.  Of course the large amount of guests dictated an equally monumental bird.  From pictures of this massive gobbler (this is the same year that my father and the turkey shared the same weight so a picture of the two side by side was a must for future embarrassment :)) I estimate it was close to15lbs...easy.

    Amoungst all the chaos of preparing for the party of the century was the family dog, Tanbark.  Tanbark was a chestnut dachshund and from all accounts basically a grouchy old man trapped in a dog's body.  He loved his family, but darn sure was going to let them know when things did not met his expectations from his throne/bed by the fireplace.  He was one of those dogs you couldn't help loving, but often questioned why?

    With Tanbark, annoyed by all the bustling, resting on his pillow, my grandmother started to set the food out on the back veranda dinning table.  She figured the guests would enjoy the beautiful weather and view of the downtown Ashland, KY and the Ohio river.  With the holiday spread laid out, she then turned her attention to greeting her guests.  As the guests arrived, the liquor began to flow and needless to say everyone was getting toasty and hungry. 

    Seeing that everyone's mouth's were salivating for this delicious feast, my grandfather made his way outside to start carving up his prized bird.  However, as he reached the veranda, a cacophony of expletives began to spew from his mouth.  There lying on top of the table, legs sprawled in all directions and unable to move was Tanbark and the remnants of the Thanksgiving feast.  The dachshund had devoured the 15lb turkey along with all the sides, with a pack full of guests in the main house.  How my grandfather let they dog leave with his life that day we never know!  I'm sure the thought of serving dachshund did cross his mind. Of course, the feast was ruined and they made due with whatever was in pantry.  Thank heavens for free flowing liquid dinner that curbed some of the disappointment. 

    Tanbark did live through his gorging unscathed.  Although, I've been told he was not fed for a few days after since he had rendered himself immobile from his gluttony.  So now each Thanksgiving when  we are stuffed to capacity we dwell on old Tanbark and sympathize with his plight.  Happy Thanksgiving!!

The Merengue - Pet Styles to Make you Smile PT 3

Poodles can be our best friend or our worst enemy. The are time consuming and there are so many patterns and styles that sometimes it can be daunting. However, no pattern is set in stone when pertaining to pets. In fact I like to mix pieces of each up and create something new, fun and functional for my clients.

The Merengue, as I dubbed it, is basically a shortened version of a New Yorker style pattern. The face and feet are cleaned with either a #10 or #15 blade. Then depending on owner preference the neck is shaved from the base of the skull to where it meets the body with whatever length you decided for the feet and face. If you want a little flavor, the base of the skull can be left with a V to form the back of the topknot. Shave the base of the tail as well with the same blade. I normally use two fingers at the base of the tail to determine how far to shave.

Once the desired areas have been shaved, take a comb attachment to the body. I like for pets anything from a #2 comb to a #0. This allows for some fluff , but not enough to matt easily. Leave the legs un– clipped. The reason the body is trimmed prior to placing the band, is so that when you go to shave in the band it’s easier to make straight lines. An abundance of coat can present a visual challenge and bog down a clipper, so it’s best de-bulk prior to placement.

With the body clipped to desired length, we then place the band from the last rib to the area just in front of the tuck up. Use the same blade as the face and feet. Try to make it as straight as possible with the clippers, but . then refine with scissors.

Of course this would not be a poodle without ample scissoring! This is where your skills as a groomer can be showcased. Since the legs were left during the clipper work, the must be scissored and blended into the pattern. Obviously the fuller the leg the more upkeep is required by the owner, so take that into account when determining the look desired. Bellbottoms can be a nice compromise since majority of the coat length is shorter, but still has a little pizzazz with the flare.

Other variations of this trim would be to shave the ears (great for pets that either have siblings that chew their ears or tend to matt them up), remove the body band or opt not to shave the neck. Essentially have fun and smile!

Why’s Everybody Picking on Me!- Pet Styles to Make You Smile PT 2

 

While I love hand stripping and believe it is truly a lost art, sometimes it just isn’t lucrative or feasible to do a full hand strip job on a pet. That’s when it’s best to use a mixture of techniques to achieve the look of hours work. With these two Jack Russell terriers I do just that.

The rough coated male is groomed using clippers, thinning shears and hand plucking. First his coat is clipped with a 2 comb and his ears are shaved with a #10 blade. Then the coat is carded with a de-shed tool. The face is then plucked by hand using ear powder to enhance grip. To get the final perfect shape, I then thinning shear the entire dogs outline and any other stray facial hairs.

To beautify his broken coated sister, the majority of the work is done BEFORE the bath. Dirty hair is much easier to pluck and card, so I opt to make my life easier and pluck first. Many of the same tools used on the rough coated jack are employed with the broken one. Initially the coat is carded with a de-shed tool to remove the bulk. Then I go back with a stripping knife and some hand plucking. Just like her brother, she is finished by shaping up with a thinning shear.

Presto! Two adorable terriers with that perfect scruffy look in half the time. Another hint to keep their coat in proper shape and make pluck easier is to skip the conditioner when bathing. Instead opt for a good general cleansing or texturing shampoo. If the coat is still too soft, Davis make a fabulous Rough Out spray that can work wonders.

 

The Ottoman- Pet Styles to Make You Smile PT 1

Recently I was in Dallas teaching seminars and attending the Pet Pro classic.  The show was a real blast!  While at the show I did a small little platform demo on essentially how I tackle messy but neat pet styles.  Afterwards, a groomer came up to me and said "Thank god  Someone who's speaking my language!"  This little comment really struck home with me.  I had been working on a special book for quite sometime now on fun and funky pet trims and completely understood how she felt.  So I've decided rather than compile and print a book that won't reach nearly as many as the almighty Facebook, to post pages of it here on the FDG blog so that as pet groomers we don't have to feel all alone.  Below is WHY I wrote on this topic and the first "Pet Style to Make You Smile!"

 

The concept of this book was born of a pet peeve.  Every year I’d attend several grooming expos or dog shows and with each one attended the same slight sense of disappointment would arise.  These venues were full of amazing groomers primping and scissoring equally amazing animals.  Their Bischons were ice white, full coated and appeared to have never had a good roll in the mud their entire life.  The Maltese were flowing with no tangles to be found, and came with their own personal assistant to comb them at the first sight of an out of place hair. 

 

While I did leave each experience with some great new tips or concepts, these were not the dogs I deal with daily as a “pet groomer.”  My clients play in the grass, they have little kids that brush them with Barbie brushes and may not see the sight of a comb in-between my visits.  These are pets and loved members of a family, not show pieces that spend most of their lives wrapped and sprayed.  I’m a proud pet groomer and love my profession, so it stung a little to find that the pet groomer who’s work is equally amazing and valued was not being showcased or taught.

 

Thus this book was born.  Proud Pet Groomer is designed to be a fun, feel good guide to some common and some unusual pet styles.  While I consider myself a professional and take great pride in my work, one still has to take time to smile and laugh a little.  This book does just that.  Whether I have to shave a lab naked or create a long flowing do , I still want to smile, enjoy my profession and put out a well executed product.  I hope this book speaks to my fellow pet groomers, because we truly are the backbone of this industry.

The Ottoman-

 

 

Whether by odd client request or necessity, “The Ottoman” is a trim where the leg coat length is taken significantly shorter than the rest of the body.  The result is a dog that resembles a foot stool. 

The above pet is done with clean feet, a 2 comb on the legs and a D comb on the remainder of the body.  Yes, I cringe each time mom describes her vision for her little Billie boy.  The request is due to his love of the garden and bringing half of it back with him into the house.   So despite my misgivings, I attempt to not only make mom happy, but produce a presentable product. 

Obviously, this trick can come in handy when a pet comes in that is matted primarily on the extremities and the parent’s adamant that the dog not be shaved.  The key to making this unique do presentable is blending.  I stop the shorter length a good inch or two before it joins the body.  This allows me enough are to go back with my

 thinning shears and blend.  If you have chunkers or a thinning shear with less than 48 teeth this a a perfect place to use it.  It allows you take the bulk off, then follow up with your 48 teeth plus thinners to refine the shape .

 

 

Anal Retentive Groomer

Hello, my name it Emily Rupe and I'm an anal retentive groomer.  I've always suffered from this NEED to have all my ducks in a row and doubt there is any cure.  Recognizing I have a "condition" I've decided to share my disorder in hopes of helping others.

Each year it's the same, around Sept/Oct I create a chart.  This manifestation of my disease is 8 rows (representing 8wks of scheduling) and 5 columns (each day of my work week). I print off 2 copies, one I fill in with my current reoccuring cleints, the other chart I use to layout my schedule for next year.  Armed with my charts I go through and re-vamp my schedule.  I make one day for odd weekers, so that my 3 and 5 weekers don't cause conflicts with the even weeked ones.  Another day, usually toward the beginning of the week, so that traveling to grooming shows do not hamper, I put my weekly and bi-weekers.  The rest of my clients are placed according to location and frequency.

With my new schedule mapped out, and a possible withdrawal looming...I look to further organize my files.  With great relief I turn to my actual client address book (my hard copy that goes in my planner....I have a computerized one too).  I take another hit, as I purchase a new book and then transfer the data.  I reserve my best pen for the task and focus on not making any unsightly mistakes...white out is a downer.  I add any clients I may have recently taken on and drop those who I have not serviced in the past 6 months.  Grooming notes are fixated on and updated, so that the information is as current as possible.   

I admit I have a problem, but with my clients being enablers (they encourage prompt, reliable service) I may never quit.  They demand their yearly calendars each year, lovingly placed into Christmas cards in Dec....not realizing the monster they have created.  I hope sharing by sharing my condition I bring awareness.  Thank you for your support.

Emily Rupe

Helmet Hounds

Every groomer has encountered a "helmet hound" in their career, and as some cosmic joke I dwell with one.  The love of my husband's life, Earl is a magnet for mischief.  A 6 year old boston terrier, and I do use that term loosely since he's almost 25lbs, he has a face that only my husband, clouded in his infatuation would call perfect.  Eyes going in opposite directions, Earl is Marty Feldman in a burping, farting package.  Whenever, a dog has created a mess or gotten in to some sort of dilema, no need to specify which of our three canines was the culprit.....chances are Earl was the ring leader.

He's had his head caught under my china cabinet; frequently, cajoles my preschooler to let him out to roam the neighborhood; broken into every cabinet and crevice of my home in hopes of satisfying his bottomless stomach and when he sleeps in our bed...shoves my head off my pillow and refuses to give it back unless he's allowed to spoon my skull and snore sweet nothings into my ear all night long.  Despite all this some how I still can't help but love this terrier terror.

The other day I found him lying on top of the floor AC vent.  I couldn't blame him since our Florida temperatures have been well over a 100degrees.  It's hard being a fat, lazy boston, so figured he was just using his selective listening when I called for him to go outside and he did not budge.  I yelled at him again to get his chubby behind in gear but to no avail.  Flustered, I went physically move him but found he was attached to the vent somehow.  Upon closer inspection , the cause was found.  I'm sure trying top beat the heat Earl thought he'd hog the AC and sleep on the vent, what he didn't count on was his ID tag on his collar getting wedged inbetween the tines of the vent.  Now had he not been wearing a greyhound style collar (required since in the past he's flattened his bat ears to escape unwanted situations and slipped a  collar) I would have simply snapped him free...unfortunately it wasn't going to be that simple.  In addition to trying to back Earl out of his collar, while not pulling up and causing it to tighten, he decided it was time to scream and panic. 

After several minutes of trying to settle this less than brillant and some what swine like pup, we were no closer to getting him freed.  Unwilling to cut an expensive collar just yet, I greased the pig.  I grabbed some Bag Balm( utter cream kind of like vasoline) and coaxed his bulbous head out of collar.  Instantly he turned around to face his inprisoner (the AC vent) , snorted and then peed on it.  EARL!!!!!!  So is my constant struggle with my own "helmet hound".