The Doggy House

18/03/2026

HEY EVERYONE!

It's been a while, I know 🤦‍♀️ i didnt want to update you all until I had a concrete answer to this neck/shoulder pain. Good news, I have some answers.

As you know, I had to stop grooming larger doggies. Unfortunately this remains the same. And ive had to make the decision to make this permanent 😞

After many, many months of being messed around. Finally, an MRI was ordered...

My shoulder is a mess to say the least. I'll be having a shoulder reconstruction on 30th July.

This will mean some real time off work. I have already been slowly getting the message out there.
I will be updating over the next couple of months when I have a more solid plan in place.

Im sorry i dont have better news for some of you 😔

Much love,
Mel 🙏❤️

20/10/2025

MOST RECENT UPDATE from The Doggy House

So for the past few weeks ive been working, trialling little doggies. Just a couple a day!

Before we all get excited... haha I need to mention my neck/ shoulder issue is still very much a problem. There's been minimal progress over all.. im still seeing my physio twice a week (costing me an absolute fortune haha) as it does offer some relief. Further investigation is needed to properly diagnose what is actually wrong. It's quite clear there's a problem..

Not working is just not an option for me. So ive decided to return to work... I can only groom little doggos.
So the larger babies, unfortunately my arm is not up for the task. Just too painful. Larger doggies require larger range of repetitive motion over a period of roughly 2-4 hours (depending on grooming needs) My neck and arm just cant cope.

Most of the larger doggies i groom, ive already touched base with the owners. And explained that I cant pamper their babies for the time being.
If anyone is unsure, then please reach out and ask.
For everyone else.. I still have all your babies tentative bookings in my diary, so you will hear from me as the days, weeks approach!

Im happy to say that im "some what back" but will be much happier when I can welcome ALL of my pampered furbabies back!!

Thank you all again for your never ending support. This really has been a challenging time in many ways and im so ever grateful for you all sticking this out with me.

Much love,
Mel 🙏❤️🐾

19/10/2025

🤣

It’s small but mighty 😆

17/10/2025

For my "Little one" mama Mia 😢🩷🙏🐾

06/10/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I've been a little quiet of late!

Just to let you know, I haven't officially returned to work but am currently trialling a few doggies on a daily basis. So far ive been doing well.. with smaller doggies. Larger doggies may be a little out of my scope at the moment, as their grooming requires larger range of motion, that my arm isn't quite up for, but I am getting there.

I haven't forgotten any of you that are patiently waiting and desperately needing grooms 🙏 I will do my best to work you all back into a schedule when im able. But please, if you must go elsewhere in the meantime then do so. Dont feel bad.. I understand your pooches need their pampers.

I will keep you all in the loop with my progress..

Thank you again for being so understanding and supportive. Especially as this situation seems to be dragging out.. much longer than anticipated.

Much love,
Mel 🙏❤️🐾

18/09/2025

My Mia is home 🥹🙏🩷

18/09/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Hi Everyone,

Physio unfortunately hasn't cleared me for work so at this stage its another week of no work. He will reassess this end of next week. I will update you all then.

As mentioned, if your pooch cant wait for my return, please dont feel bad if you must go elsewhere. I do understand. I just feel bad I cant do it at the moment.

Wish I had better news 😞
Im very eager to get back to work!

Much love,
Mel 🙏❤️🐾

12/09/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Firstly I would like to thank everyone that reached out and offered their kind words and support. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I miss my little Mia and feel so empty without her 💔

In the midst of this tragedy, ive had my first physio appointment in regard to my shoulder bursitis. The physio is also convinced I have injured my neck and the bursitis is secondary to the primary issue. He has instructed me to stop all work. My shoulder has been strapped. He will make a decision on Wednesday as to whether I can return to work "slowly" or if further time off is necessary. As he explained to me... until the neck issue is resolved, the shoulder bursitis will continue, therefore it will not heal.

I need to be real about this.. I have been pushing through, Trying to look after myself and also do my best to work.. but its not working at all.

As much as I dont want to admit this.. but its clear I need to just stop! TEMPORARILY!! I want to be clear. Im not quitting, just stopping until this injury has resolved or when it is safe to return, under the guidance of my physio therapist.

I understand that this will likely put many of you in an awkward position. I understand that the show must go on and your babies need their pampers. So again, I won't be upset if you can't wait for me and choose to go somewhere else in the meantime. I just hope I dont lose any of you permanently.

I will keep you all updated, as I'm updated.

Please know I will do my best to reschedule your babies asap, as soon as I receive clearance to return to work.

Much love,
Mel ❤️🙏

08/09/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Im absolutely heartbroken to say, late last night my little Mia passed away.
Im lost for words right now, but feel it is best to get the message out there... as im sure those that have upcoming appointments will be wondering why I haven't messaged.
I will be taking some time off work. Not sure how long.. at this stage I'll be taking it day by day

Im truly sorry if this has caused an inconvenience

Seems I've had quite a bad run of late... but i will do my best to reschedule your babies. But also, i won't be upset if you can't wait and chose to go elsewhere in the meantime. I do understand.

Thank you in advance for your condolences and support. Please don't feel offended if I dont respond straight away. Im just too heartbroken to find words right now

Much love
Mel 🙏