Michaela's Dog Grooming

04/11/2025

💙 Meet JR 💙

A Shetland Sheepdog with movie star looks, a perfect temperament, and a regular at the salon. JR is so sweet and easy to groom. What a privilege to keep this king looking fabulous! 👑 But today’s post isn’t just about how good he looks (even though... wow 😍).

Let’s talk Sheltie history 👇

📚 Breed facts you didn’t ask for but need anyway:
The Shetland Sheepdog—aka the Sheltie—comes from the Shetland Islands of Scotland 🐑🌬️ Life on the islands was rough. ⛰ Harsh weather, rocky terrain, and tiny farms meant locals needed a compact, smart, all-purpose herding dog. Shelties were bred to herd livestock, protect gardens, and work hard in the cold—all wrapped in that gorgeous double coat. 💨

They're descendants of Collies, but bred down in size to match the island’s miniature ponies and sheep. Think: smaller frame, big brain, huge heart.

These days, they’re known for being:
✅ Incredibly intelligent
✅ Sensitive and loyal
✅ Absolute stars in agility and obedience
✅ And let’s be real—total heartthrobs 😍

JR? He’s the full package. ✨ A nod to his working roots and a reminder that a well-groomed coat is part of what keeps these dogs looking (and feeling) their best 💅

04/11/2025

Say hello to Buster: a Norwegian Elkhound who came in for a serious deshed… and left a whole new man! 😅🧽

We’re talking clumps of undercoat in the bath, on the table, and floating through the air like fluffy snowflakes. ❄️💨 This is what happens when you’re rocking a traditional double coat built for the Arctic.

📚 A little breed history for the dog nerds (hi, it’s me 👋):
Norwegian Elkhounds are an ancient breed—like, Viking-era ancient. ⚔️ They were bred in Norway to track and hold elk (aka moose) in place until the hunters caught up. Loyal, bold, and made for the cold, they were also used as watchdogs and all-around working dogs in rugged terrain. 👀

That thick coat? It’s waterproof, insulating, and constantly shedding. These dogs need regular deshedding to stay comfortable and healthy—not to mention to keep your house from turning into a fur cave. 🐕‍🦺🧼

For Buster’s groom:
🛁 Degriming shampoo + rich, deshedding conditioner
💨 High-velocity drying
🧹 Thorough brushing (and more brushing!)
= 10/10 glow-up and a much happier pup.

If you've got a heavy-coated breed like this, don’t skip the upkeep! Their skin, coat, and your floors will thank you! 🫠

04/09/2025

Bella the Border Collie 🤍🖤

First time in the salon and already acting like she’s been doing this for years. Sweet. Composed. Flawless. Basically the Beyoncé of herding dogs 💁‍♀️🐑
Today’s post isn’t just about how cute she is (though—obviously). It’s about the iconic breed she represents. So let’s nerd out for a sec:

📚 Border Collie 101 (aka. Why your BC is smarter than most people):
This breed was developed on the rugged border between Scotland and England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Farmers needed a dog who could manage sheep with precision, patience, and brainpower—and the Border Collie absolutely delivered.

They were bred for:
🧠 Intelligence (top-tier working smarts)
🐑 Herding instinct (they will herd your kids, chickens, and probably your Roomba)
👀 “The eye” – their signature intense stare that controls livestock without a bark

These dogs were made for mental and physical work. They crave structure, routine, and yep—regular grooming to keep that hardworking double coat in check 💅

💨 Shedding? Oh yeah.
💥 Energy? Constant.
🧼 Grooming? Not optional.

Bella handled her first groom like a natural. I groom a few Border Collies on the regular and they seriously thrive when their coat care matches their lifestyle—active, consistent, and a little bougie on spa day. 😌

📍 Location: – 32497 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC
📱 Text to book: 604.807.5904
🐾 New clients welcome. Regulars adored. Border Collies? I got you.

04/07/2025

This is Tiggy. He’s a 4 month old Pomsky. He just had his very first glow-up! 💅✨

We did the full intro-to-grooming package:
🛁 Bath
✂️ Nails
💨 Deshedding
👂 Ear cleaning
🐕 Some gentle “what even is this place?!” acclimation.

Was he dramatic? He was surprisingly calm!
Was he adorable the whole time? Absolutely.
Did he strut out like he owned the salon? Obviously.

First grooms are all about keeping it chill, building trust, and making sure pups leave feeling ✨fabulous✨ and not traumatized. Tiggy crushed it—and yes, the bow tie was 100% earned. 🎀💚

🐾🐺❤️

04/05/2025

🚨 PSA from your groomer bestie 🚨

Coddling your pup during grooming? Might be doing more harm than good 😬 (Speaking as a former dog mom who totally overdid it.)

I babied my tiny drama king (pictured) 🐶 and he turned into a full-blown menace at the salon—baths, blow dryers, nail trims… pure chaos. This meant we had to do a little retraining...or as I call it, learning to love your spa day! 🛀🏽

Here’s the deal:
💆‍♀️ Calm, confident energy > cuddles + bribes
✂️ Groom first, treats after

That way they learn:
✔️ Nothing bad happened
✔️ I survived
✔️ I get rewarded for being chill 😎

Hot take 🔥 Most dogs feed off of your anxiety. If you're stressed or hovering, they pick up on it. That’s why I (lovingly) say “no thanks” to mid-groom hand-holding 🙅‍♀️

They might still fuss a bit—but with consistency, patience, and the right vibe, they learn to trust the process.

So if your dog cries during a groom:
❌ Don’t panic
❌ Don’t scoop
✅ Just breathe. I got this 💪

P.S. Wanna watch? Feel free to spy through the window 😄🐾

04/04/2025

🚨 Cuteness Overload Incoming 🚨
Everyone say “hi” to Blueberry 💙—the long-haired Dachshund who came in shaggy and left FABULOUS! She’s rocking her fresh groom and ready to strut her tiny stuff. 🐾✨

🐶 A Lil' Doxie History:
Dachshunds were originally bred in 15th century Germany to hunt badgers. (Their name literally means “badger dog” in German—Dachs = badger, Hund = dog.) With long, low bodies and fierce determination, they could dive into tunnels and flush out prey. Over time, they became expert hunters of everything from rabbits to even wild boar. (Yes, seriously 🐗)

The long-haired variety? A little fancier. 💅🏽👑 They were likely bred by crossing smooth-coated Doxies with spaniels…giving silky, glowy ✨GLAMOUR✨ They were once the royalty of the hunting world—and now? They're couch royalty! 😉

🛁 Grooming a Long-Haired Doxie, like Blueberry:
🌀 Brushing 2–3x a week. (Tangles are NOT it.)
🧼 Pro grooming every 4–6 weeks to keep their coat clean and soft.
🦷 Nail trims, ear cleaning, and a light tidy.

Got a Doxie diva at home? Let us treat them like the royalty they are! 👑 Book your pup’s glow-up today 💖🐾

🐾🫧💇‍♂️✨

04/03/2025

🌸✨ First Groom Vibes ✨🌸
Meet Sage, a 10-month-old Miniature Australian Shepherd who just had her very first grooming session—and absolutely rocked it like a pro 🤩👏

Sage got the full spa treatment:
✅ Bath
✅ Deshed
✅ Ear cleaning
✅ Blow out
✅ Nails
✅ Endless brushing
✅ All the praise & cuddles 💕

And can we talk about how chill she was the whole time? For her first-ever groom, she handled it like a seasoned queen 👑

🐶 Breed Fun Fact:
Despite the name, Miniature Australian Shepherds aren’t originally from Australia. 🇦🇺 The breed was actually developed in the U.S. in the 1960s from smaller Aussies, tailored for folks who wanted the brains, loyalty, and work ethic of a herding dog—but in a more compact, apartment-friendly package 🐾

These pups are crazy smart, super loyal, and have energy for daysss ⚡ So if you’ve got a Mini Aussie at home, regular grooming is key to keeping that thick double coat clean, healthy, and under control!

📅 Ready for your pup’s spa debut? Just like Sage, they’ll leave looking fresh and feeling fabulous 🫧💖

🐾🛁🌟

04/02/2025

🎩✨ Dapper alert! ✨🎩

Everyone give a round of a-paws for Toby, the Norfolk Terrier with the charm of a royal and the energy of a squirrel on espresso 😆🐿️💨 Just look at that bowtie. Sir Toby is READY to turn heads!

🐾 Breed Backstory:
Norfolk Terriers may be small, but don’t let that cute face fool you—they were bred in England to hunt rats and keep the farm clear of pests 🐀💪 True working dogs with BIG personalities. Bonus trivia: they’re cousins to the Norwich Terrier, but you can spot the Norfolks by their adorable floppy ears (aka 100% pettable).
From barnyards to grooming tables, these scrappy little legends have come a long way—now they’re hunting snuggles instead of critters 💁‍♂️✨

💈 Terrier TLC:
Norfolks need regular grooming to keep their wiry coat healthy and neat. A tidy hand strip or clip every 6–8 weeks = one happy, fresh-faced pup. And don’t forget the finishing touch—a bowtie never hurts 🎀🐶

📆 Want your pup to look as sharp as Toby? Slide into my DMs or send me a text at 604.807.5904. I'm here for the messy mutts, the scruffy cuties, and the glow-up transformation. 🌟

🐾🛁✂️💙

04/01/2025

✨April 1st - April 5th Openings✨

I'm getting busier and busier as 2025 moves along. If your pooch is looking a little ruff or needs a relaxing spaw day, find an appointment time that works for you! Shoot me a text or send me a DM! I can't wait to meet you and your pooch. 🫧🐕💜

📍 - 32497 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC.
📲 Text: 604.807.5904.

03/27/2025

I used to work with police dogs! NOT as police, but I would care for them at the boarding facility I worked at. They are truly incredible! ❤️

With our paw-patrol expanding each year, our Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service provides enhanced police service to our 28 RCMP-policed communities and five cities policed by municipal police with 24-7 coverage around the Lower Mainland.

From tracking suspects to detecting narcotics and keeping our communities safe, these dedicated pups are an essential part of our team.

Happy National Puppy day to our furry friends and let’s give a big round of ap-paws!

03/26/2025

📢 Things Your Groomer Wishes You Knew! 🛁✂️

Hey dog parents! 🐶 As a groomer, I see it all—the good, the bad, and the matted beyond belief. Here are a few things that would make your pup’s grooming experience (and my job) a whole lot easier:

✨ 1. Brushing Between Grooms is a Game-Changer!
If your dog has long or curly fur, a quick daily brush can prevent painful mats. A matted coat doesn’t just mean a short haircut—it can cause skin issues, too!

🛁 2. Regular Grooming is a Must!
Even if your dog looks fine, keeping up with grooming (every 4-8 weeks, depending on the breed) prevents tangles, overgrown nails, and ear problems.

🚿 3. "Shaving Them Down" Doesn’t Always Help!
For double-coated breeds (like Huskies or Golden Retrievers), shaving can actually make them hotter, damage their coat, and affect their natural cooling system. Let’s talk about proper deshedding instead!

🐕 4. Your Pup’s Behavior is Totally Normal!
Wiggles, zoomies, nervousness—it’s all part of the process! I work with dogs gently to help them feel safe, and patience is key.

🐾 5. Nail Trims Are More Important Than You Think!
Long nails can cause pain, joint issues, and even affect how your dog walks. Keeping them short helps your pup stay comfortable!

💛 6. Trust the Process (and Your Groomer)!
I’m here to make your dog feel and look their best. If I recommend a shorter cut due to matting or certain products for coat health, it’s all in your pup’s best interest!

Got questions? Drop them int he comments! Let’s make grooming stress-free and fun for everyone. 🐾✨
✂️

03/24/2025

✨Let’s get those pups looking fresh!✨ I’ve got a few grooming spots open this week and I’d love to see your dog on my table! Grab a spot before they're gone! 🐕💨

📲 Text me: 604.807.5904.
📍Located in MrPets Abbotsford

🎶 Come for the good vibes. Stay for the cute makeovers 😍

03/24/2025

🚨 Flea & Tick Season is Back! 🚨

Last year, fleas were a BIG issue in Abbotsford, and they will be making a comeback. (Bugs, am I right? 🙄) While there’s a “season” for fleas and ticks, our mild weather means they can survive nearly year-round—so prevention doesn’t just start in Spring!

✔️ Year-Round Prevention Tips:
🐾 Use vet-approved flea & tick treatments consistently
🐾 Check your dog after walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas
🐾 Keep bedding, collars, & grooming tools clean
🐾 Bathe and brush regularly to catch any early signs

🚫 My Shop Policy:
I do not accept dogs with fleas, ticks, lice, or parasites. If I discover them during the groom, your pup may be sent home immediately. It’s better to let me know beforehand, so that I don’t have to send them home unfinished.

If you suspect fleas or ticks, see your vet before your appointment. Prevention is easier (and cheaper!) than dealing with an infestation.

Let’s work together to keep our pets—and our community—flea-free! 🐶🐾

03/22/2025

🐾 Meet Leo the Pomeranian! 🦁✨

Say hello to Leo, the fluffiest little superstar of the salon! 🌟 This tiny snow lion lookalike struts in like he owns the place (because honestly… he kinda does). Pomeranians are my all-time favorite breed to groom—why? Because they’re:

🛁 Fluffy beyond belief (SO much floof, so much fun!)
🎭 Full of personality (Sassy, spunky…and the DRAMAAA 🎭)
🧸 Basically tiny Ewoks (Hello from Endor!)

🐶 A Little History on Pomeranians!
Poms may be small, but their ancestors were much bigger! They descend from large sled dogs of the Arctic and were later bred down to their current, fun-sized floofball status. ✨ Even Queen Victoria was obsessed with them and made them popular in the 1800s!

These little lions have big dog energy in a tiny package and I love every second of grooming them. Leo, of course, aced his spa day—check out that perfectly fluffed coat! 😍

🐾 Got a Pom in need of a fresh groom? Let’s make them look royal! Text me at 604.807.5904 to book. 👑

03/21/2025

🌸 Spring is Here—Time for a Pup Glow-Up! 🐶✨

Spring has officially arrived and with it comes muddy paws, shedding fur, and dogs rolling in who knows what! 🌿🐾 Now’s the perfect time for a Spring Clean-Up Groom—here’s why:

🌼 Bye-Bye Winter Coat!
Many dogs are shedding their thick winter fluff and a good deshedding treatment will help keep fur off your floors and clothes!

🚿 Mud, Pollen, & Allergies—Oh My!
Springtime adventures = dirty dogs! Regular baths remove pollen, dirt, and that mysterious "I just rolled in something" smell.

✂️ Fresh Cuts for Warmer Days!
A little trim helps keep long-haired pups comfy and mat-free and a deshedding session is perfect for double-coated dogs!

🐾 Pawdicures for Soft Toes!
Winter weather can leave paws dry and cracked—moisturizing and a nail trim will have them feeling brand new!

🦟 Flea & Tick Season is Coming!
Warmer weather brings unwanted critters—keeping your pup clean makes it easier to spot any pesky hitchhikers.

📅 Appointments are filling up fast—DM or text me to book your pup’s spring refresh! 🐶🌸✨

03/19/2025

🚫 Can I Stay & Watch My Dog Being Groomed? 👀🐶

I totally get it—leaving your pup in someone else’s hands can be nerve-wracking! But for safety (and sanity 😅), owners are NOT allowed to stay inside the salon during grooming.

👉 Can you watch? Yes! You’re welcome to peek through the windows from outside. However, it’s best if your dog doesn’t see you—some pups get extra wiggly, anxious, or try to be little escape artists when they spot their favorite human. 🏃‍♂️🐕💨

👉 Exceptions? The only time owners are allowed to stay inside the salon is for nail trims—a quick in-and-out service where your presence can sometimes help keep your dog calm and/or you can help assist in the process.

‼️PLEASE do not show up to pick up your dog before I call you‼️
I know you’re excited to see your freshly groomed pup, but if you walk in before I’m done, your dog may start freaking out—which makes finishing the groom even harder. Let me finish safely and I’ll call you as soon as they’re ready! (Alternatively, feel free to peruse the shelves at Mr. Pet’s while you wait! 🛍)

💙 Trust me, your pup is in good hands! The less distracted we are, the smoother (and safer) the groom. Thank you for understanding!

📩 Have questions? Shoot me a message!

❤️ 🐾