Message Board

knee replacement

topknot3 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:31:16 GMT

I couldn't stand the pain anymore and I went to an orthopedic doctor to get a good look at my knees which click and pop. I have nothing left and the doc couldn't believe I'm walking and smiling and look so normal. He said my x-rays looked like a 90 year olds. So middle of Jan, I'm getting a new left knee..........and this depends on my insurance covering this. I bought good health insurance about 14 months ago and I hope something like this is covered. My biggest worry is my dogs. I want to temporarily place 3 of the standard poodles with 3 separate people for about a month while I recuperate. I can imagine the growling while I'm in a twin bed on the 1st floor. They will all want to hog the bed and be fighting on top of my sore leg. I was here with mom first! But its my turn! You got to sleep with her last night! I dont care about the little dogs and 1 standard, but not all 4 standards. I won't have any room. Dana, didn't you have the idea for a temp groom service for just this type of thing?

Forum: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

personal poodle-anything unusual?

topknot3 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:59:22 GMT

99% of the time I like my poodles' faces shaved cleanly. But I noticed at a couple of grooming shows (not AKC shows) that some males sported goatees....and one had a little goatee about 3-4 inches long and it came down to a point. Very interesting. I like groomers who dare to be different especially in a competition ring. So I have done my big male with a donut mustache to start out with and I'm gonna let it grow in alot fuller. He's in a German Trim with no poodle feet. My black female, I'm growing her face into a portugese water dog face...with full muzzle and deep set looking eyes. I shaved her tail but kept a small amount of long fur on the end to resemble a portie tail. My little toy poodle has a full face like a bichon but he has a german tail and round bichon paws. My silver male Ben, I just did him like Scandiavian puppy trim. He needed groomed so I started out on the back and rump and it just kind of devoloped from there...I left his mane full. Now he does have the shave face, feet and tail which I still love. His little feet remind me of deer hooves because his paws are so tight and arched. I always have good intentions this time of year. Only 20 weeks till Intergroom. Who can I enter? By the end of winter, the mud, the tangles, the static electricity, the cold and the boredom, I end up taking it all off and starting over because I give up too easily.

So does anyone make their poodles look like another breed or do anything unusual like the goatee? Who owns several poodles like me that has several styles going on at the same time?

Forum: BREEDS & TECHNIQUES

Happy Bill HR 3501

LR — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:49:29 GMT

Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY)

HAPPY BILL - H.R.3501: amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for pet care expenses. This bill was quietly introduced in the House July 31 2009 and was immediately referred to the House committee. Current Status: Bill is in the House Committee on Ways and Means.

This bill has gotten little press coverage, so it would be good for all of us to inform and educate pet owners and our customers/clients about the "Happy Bill". As Professionals providing grooming care for pets we need to encourage them to support it's enactment by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America.

Ref: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3501ih.txt.pdf

Ref: http://inventorspot.com/articles/tax_deductions_pets_happy_bill_31369

Have a Nice Day and a thankful Thanksgiving.

Forum: LICENSING

Dog Stalls vs Crates

MosesmomS — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:38:34 GMT

Several years ago I saw a post about Groomers who advocated building dog stalls rather then using crates. Apparently the stalls had no tops or doors but they had solid sides, backs and floors. The only thing that held the dogs in place were loops hooked to eyelets. Several groomers posted pictures as well. Does anyone remember that post?

Forum: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Friday Blues

Ohmydog — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:48:28 GMT

Ok so I don't really know how to explain this but I don't know who else to talk to who would understand what I'm going through. Maybe someone can give me some insite. I've been working my current job since March. I really like it. From now till then I've been averaging about 60 dogs a month, every single month almost the exact same amount. That's like 3 a day. (I want to do twice as many though) The last few weeks the business has really slowed down to a crawl. I'm averaging 1 or 2 a day now! It really sucks! I've been trying really hard to pick up my business too. I spend a lot of time with each client, I do reminder calls when people are due, I give 10% off if people rebook thier next apointment in 4-6 weeks. I've also been voted best groomer in my city out of three others! fridays I was doing about 6-9 dogs. Today I only did 3. Where is everyone? I'm so worried, I hope that they're all just letting thier dogs grow out for winter or whatever and they'll be in next month. It's kind of frightening how slow business is right now. Has any one else gone through this?

Forum: LET'S TALK! (GENERAL DISCUSSION)

Miami Cut

Phantom — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:53:23 GMT

I need some advice ASAP. I have a client coming in tomorrow. She got a bad haircut from a local corp. groomer. She want a Miami clip on this Toy Poodle. The Poodle is about 1 1/2" to 2" long all over. My question is how do I set the balls on the legs with her being that short all over. Mom does not want her skinned. Thanks

Forum: BREEDS & TECHNIQUES

Kenchii Scissors

prettypup — Thur, 19 Nov 2009 22:23:58 GMT

Selling 8" Scorpions Straight Scissors - bought brand new in June, tried them 2 times and didn't like. Had them sharpened in Hershey but still don't like them. Figured my loss will be someone elses gain. Asking $75. shipped. Email me if interested shellyprettypup@comcast.net Thanks!

Forum: SWAP MEET!

International Award Winning Master Groomer Ann Martin leading "Oodles of Poodles" Workshop in VA

katalyst — Thur, 19 Nov 2009 07:32:53 GMT

Mark your calandars, Ann Martin is offering a fabulous hands on workshop in Alexandria VA, the 3rd weekend in January. Ann will cover everything that has to do with poodles. From nutrition to body structure, Ann is going to cover it all. The Method of grooming poodles, proper prep work and bathing/drying techniques, different grooms for the daily shop styles on the poodles, to the differences between a show puppy trim and a competition show puppy trim, saddle clip and the continental clip - including the challenging sprayup. This seminar is a must for any groomer that grooms poodles...

There will be coffee, tea and juices offered for breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning until 10:30. Hot lunches will be served both days.

Goodie bags will be given out to each attendee, as well as a certificate of completion from Ann Martin. In order to have your certificate printed in scroll, we must have your payment in full 10 days before the seminar. The people that pay after this date, will still receive a certificate, but it will be hand printed instead of the professional look of the scroll.

The Hotel Monaco is a short walk from the seminar location, and is very pet friendly ~ They encourage you to travel with your pets.. Including providing doggie treats, dog bed and bowl upon arrival. You and your dog will be pleasantly suprised! We are working on a group rate ~ Looks good, we will keep you all posted!

Forum: GROOMING SHOWS, SEMINARS,EVENTS

Happy Holidays

BRENDA — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:39:55 GMT

Just wanted to say Happy Holidays to all of you from my family to yours.

Forum: LET'S TALK! (GENERAL DISCUSSION)

help wanted-business opportunity

nmthacher — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:44:58 GMT

Experienced groomer wanted to take over business. Lease or purchase. Rural south central Kentucky, but close to big cities. Includes all equipment and store inventory. New plumbing and electric. $250.00 /month or $50,000. 270-528-2244 or 270-528-8854

Forum: HELP WANTED

cat showing

topknot3 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:12:46 GMT

I took my shop cat (he's so calm and even tempered---the other ones are not so easy-going) to a cat show with my daughter. She entered her gorgeous persians and won alot....she only need 2 points till he's granded. But my Therrian won 3 rosettes for Best Household Pet. Its alot different than going to a dog show. Different set of rules and rings are totally different. Everyone decorates their cages (they are supplied by the show) so I decorated in a light color to show off my dark furred feline. Mine is a brown classic tabby with white and Lindsays is a persian that is a newly accepted color...I forget what he's called. I call him handsome. She has 2 show cats and 4 normal cats.

Forum: GROOMING SHOWS, SEMINARS,EVENTS

groomed but still ugly

topknot3 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:03:01 GMT

I have a few dogs that are butt-ugly when they come in all filthy and matted and they go home, cleaned up and trimmed/shaved but they are still so ugly, only a mother could love them. This is a shih tzu that has bat ears, crooked legs, stained fur from allergies, bulging eyes, brown teeth and a terrible temper. Here are his before/afters. He bites thru the entire process and always has since he was a puppy. He only comes 2x a year and get a big pelt fee each time. Does anyone else have ugly befores and still ugly after photos????

Forum: BREEDS & TECHNIQUES

shampoo

luvgroomin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:55:13 GMT

I am getting very low on shampoo. Time to reorder!! I use the Hydro surge bathing system. I have only had it for about six months. I have used mostly hydro surge shampoo through it. Would like to try some other shampoos through it. Would love to hear what some of you use. Love the Les Pooch stuff, but for that price would be better off hand washing with it. Don't get me wrong I love it. I hear a lot of you are not going with oatmeal on dogs with dry flaky skin. What are you using instead of oatmeal. Has anyone tried Isle Of Dogs line shampoo? Love to hear what you all have to say.

Forum: GROOMING PRODUCTS

Experienced Dog Groomer wanted Glenside, Pa

mustlovedogs1st — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:24:07 GMT

NEW Dog groomer and Pet Retail Store opening in Jan 2010 in need of experienced dog groomer. Great location in the heart of Glenside, Pa. New equipment, remodeled space, friendly work enviroment, flexible hours. Business has established clientelle. Please contact ospdoggie@aol.com if you are interested!!

Forum: HELP WANTED

Pet Stylist Needed Monmouth Co NJ

pawsrusinc — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:52:38 GMT

Full time & or part time...

I own 2 locations in NJ Monmouth Co.. off exit 117 & 109 on the GSP, must have 1 yr min exp in a shop and be a team player.

Contact Helen 732-343-1746

Forum: HELP WANTED