13/05/2025
Right, you know, for me here at VIP DOG, grooming isn't just some way to earn a buck... it's heaps more than that!
Honestly, it's a proper labour of love, packed with so much joy but yeah, sometimes a bit of heartache too. When you drop your furry family member off, and then pick them up later, looking and feeling a million bucks – clean, fluffy, and stoked – you might not see everything that went on behind the scenes in those few hours.
Picture this: my day kicks off, and maybe there's a little one who's absolutely petrified – shaking like a leaf, maybe a little grumble, or trying to become best mates with the underside of the grooming table. My first job is always to stay calm, speak softly, and move super slowly, just to help them feel a bit safer. Believe me, it takes a bit not to get nervous yourself when a dog's scared or feeling a bit bitey. And seeing a dog that anxious... it honestly breaks your heart a little when you can't just scoop them up for a big cuddle straight away.
Then there are those moments, in amongst the shampoo and brushing, when you feel something or see something that just doesn't seem right – a little lump that wasn't there last time, a patch of skin that's red and sore, or an ear that's a bit whiffy. Your heart sinks a bit, and you're already thinking about the best way to tell you, hoping you won't be worried or think it was something I did. In those moments, it's not about making them look pretty anymore; it's all about caring for their overall well-being and hoping you trust that I've got your dog's best interests at heart.
And yep, there are times you have to shave off a really matted coat right down to the skin to finally give a dog some relief from being uncomfortable. You always worry that you might disappoint their human, or they might be upset about how they look. As a groomer who loves these dogs, you never want to let anyone down. You know how much you adore your dog, and all I ever want is for them to feel comfy and well cared for while they're with me.
But then... oh boy, there's just nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a dog walk in looking a bit dishevelled and then bouncing out looking like they've just stepped out of a five-star doggy spa! That tail wagging a million miles an hour as they see you? That's not just a highlight, mate, that's what it's all about!
And the regulars... the ones who might have been a bit timid at first but now their whole body wiggles with happiness as soon as they hit the door. The shy ones who slowly, slowly start to trust you because you've been patient and gentle every single time. Those little victories, building that bond... they honestly mean the absolute world.
Most of us groomers probably don't talk enough about the days we go home absolutely knackered – and not just the physical tired, but the emotional tired too. You've spent hours focusing purely on making an anxious dog feel safe, or maybe you've been worrying quietly about that skin patch you found. You learn to smile and stay calm through the stress of a challenging groom, always remembering it's not the dog's fault they're scared or uncomfortable.
Yeah, sometimes when clients don't quite understand why a groom took a bit longer than expected, or why a coat had to be clipped shorter than planned, it does sting a bit. As the groomer, you know deep down you've made the call that's best for the dog's comfort and safety, but it can feel a bit disheartening when that expertise and care are questioned. You pour so much love and effort into every single groom, and honestly, you just hope that translates and that owners know you're always acting in their dog's very best interest.
But for every tough day or worrying moment, there's always something truly special – a dog snuggling right into your arms after a big bath, a lovely message from a grateful owner who noticed the care you took, or that nervous little soul who finally relaxes enough to trust you completely during a trim.
At the end of the day, why do I do it? Simple. I absolutely love dogs. Every single one. I genuinely care so deeply about the well-being of every dog that walks through the door here at VIP DOG, and I take so much pride in making them feel good, not just look good.
Working with your amazing dogs has honestly changed my life in ways I can't even properly explain. Their trust, their joy, their funny personalities... they are the absolute reason I get up every single day, and I'm just so incredibly grateful that this is what I get to do. Thank you.❤
