Go Mobile and Succeed

Yarn Dogs

When I look at these Yarn Dogs I see a stroke of artistic genius. A yarn dog is a very interesting invention. It is constructed of a plastic frame shaped like a poodle with synthetic yarn cords embedded in tiny, spaced holes and secured with glue. Getting the yarn dog ready for grooming is just the beginning and no easy task. Many hours, up to four, go into prepping the yarn dog for grooming as every strand needs to be brushed out straight. There is no room for error at each step. Over brush and you’ll have a bald spot. Over trim and you’ll have a divot.

 

Working on a yarn dog is really about creating a three-dimensional sculpture just like grooming the real thing. After the “dog” is styled, creative groomers add paint, rhinestones, beads, pipe cleaners and other goodies and what have you got- A masterpiece! I can picture all those creative juices flowing when I look at them. I wonder, “Where does their inspiration come from?” How do they get it so right when there’s no room for error?

 

Even though they are pet stylists it’s not always about dog or cat hair. It doesn’t seem to matter what medium they use. Groomers are also fabulous knitters, sew-ers, artists, writers, gardeners, and cooks. The right sides of their brains are amazing! They get an idea and run with it, full speed ahead. Stylists can groom yarn dogs to resemble almost anything. Look at the results! Groomers love to create something beautiful and unique out of nothing. That’s their fun.

 

There were so many fabulous yarn dogs online and at Atlanta Pet Fair; I thought I’d post them here on my blog. For those who don’t have the opportunity to see them at grooming shows, feast your eyes. When you see the possibilities, consider tackling one yourself. I was skeptical when they first came on the market a few years ago but I should of known better.

Who else but a pet groomer could take a plastic dog, a pile of yarn and turn it into a crowning achievement. Groomers have a vision when they pick up a brush and scissors. If they can turn a mop of loopy yarn into a piece of art they can do anything! Once again, I’ve been totally blown away by talented pet stylists. This is another reason why I fell in love with the grooming industry.

 

              Next stop, Yarn Kitties!

 

(Photos courtesy of Rachel Key Vaughn - Poodle, Antonio Neto Siqueira - Clown, Justine Cosley -Elvis, Olga Zabelsyaya - Sealyham Terrier, Jacob Hajda - Mammoth)

facebook - Go Mobile And Groom

Go Mobile And Groom

Do you have an interest in mobile grooming? Have you ever wondered, “What is mobile grooming all about? How do I get started? How do I run the business?” If any of your answers are yes, then you need to join a new group on facebook called Go Mobile And Groom. Ask away – we want to answer all your questions. We want to help YOU go mobile and succeed!

 

Go Mobile And Groom is the brainchild of Ellen Ehrlich, owner of Royal Canine Mobile Grooming, author of Go Mobile And Succeed - the book and seminar dvd and 49 Essays On Pet Grooming. She is the creator and moderator of this group and has many other qualifications as well; Industry Speaker (Atlanta Pet Fair, Intergroom, Hershey Groom Expo, All American, New England Pet Grooming Professionals, Petquest,) CFMG, blogger. She and her van have even been on Animal Planet! Ellen was looking for a way to reach out to those who are interested in starting a mobile grooming business, those who want to grow their existing business, change the direction of their business, and/or network with others who have the same interests. It doesn’t matter if you are presently working in a shop, or are a home or housecall groomer. There is something on this site for every groomer, even if you’re in grooming school. This is a friendly place to be. Everyone is welcome!

Some of the topics recently covered are: Working on Saturday, moving from shop to mobile, generators, difficult customers/pets, bookkeeping, big dogs vs. small dogs, storage issues, van vs. trailer, pricing, the list is endless! We also discuss topics near and dear to every groomers heart: grooming tips and tricks, time savers, products and tools, health and safety. Many post pictures of their vans and trailers. We are open to all questions, big and small. There is always something new to learn in our industry.

In addition to myself, Go Mobile And Groom has some well known VIP’s on the site: Daryl Conner, Judi Cantu Thacker, and Barbara Bird to name a few. They have been in our industry since they were knee high to a grasshopper! Our members range from the newbie to the seasoned mobiler, with some just pondering going mobile. To become a member all you have to do is go to the search line, type in Go Mobile And Groom and request to be added to the group. It’s as simple as that! Take advantage of what we have to offer. See you there!

For more information go to: www.gomobileandsucceed.com and www.rcmgrooming.com

 

 

Put A Little (Extra) Love In Your Heart

Put A Little (Extra) Love In Your Heart

Meet Chelsea – an elderly sixteen-year-old bichon. Her Mom had called me looking for mobile services. It was a classic situation I have seen many times before. Loving owners with sick and old dogs wait too long to have their pet groomed because they don’t know where to go. Some have had a bad grooming experience in the past or feel their pet couldn’t handle the stress of spending time in a busy shop environment. Eventually, they all wind up in the same situation - matted. They can’t wait any longer and must find the right groomer for their baby.

 

As soon as I saw Chelsea I knew we were going to have to “start over.” What a precious little baby she was! Frail and sweet, I loved her face immediately! As Chelsea lay on a soft towel, out came the trimmer with a 10 blade and I got to work. No coat could be saved. Her skin was thin - she wouldn’t tolerate any brushing. I knew clipping off all the hair meant minimal drying time, her best bet from my experience. In an hour Chelsea was down to her Birthday Suit, clean as a whistle, ears cleaned and nails buffed. She was calm and happy and back in her Mom’s loving arms.

 

Six weeks later back she came, all ready for her spa treatment with Ellen. Chelsea was a little lady. Nails, ears, bath, and trim! Mom and I were both so pleased when we looked at her when she was done. Even Chelsea was feeling good. Mom made another appointment before she left. May I tell you about Chelsea’s Mom? She works the night shift and brings the dog to me first thing in the morning. While I groom Chelsea, she naps in the car. I call that devotion!

 

Yesterday, I groomed a blind dog that is going deaf. How sad is that? I immediately starting thinking, “What can I do to make this a positive experience for the dog?” To start, I had the owner join me in the van. She kept her hand on the dog while I bathed her furry friend. When the dog settled I knew I would be fine on my own. Back into the house the owner went, satisfied her pet was happy and in good hands. I couldn’t help but want to provide the very best care I could. I threw in lots of tender, loving care – no charge!

This is an area in which I really shine. I love taking care of old, sick dogs. I have groomed dogs with cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, the list goes on. Mobile grooming is a perfect fit for these situations. There is no waiting involved for the pet. It’s quiet in the van. I’m patient and calm. There is so much you can communicate through grooming. The one on one setting, grooming the pet start to finish, and the atmosphere, makes mobile perfect for elderly, sick dogs.

Being a successful groomer is not always about grooming to breed standard. It’s not about how many dogs you can groom in a day or how much money you can make. It’s not about who you know and where you go. I cherish the responsibility of being Chelsea’s groomer. I’ve had many owners tell me after their loyal friend had crossed over the Rainbow Bridge that their pet lived a longer, happier, healthier life because of me. To me, that is the meaning of putting a little (extra) love in your heart.