23/08/2026
FIVE YEARS OF GONE DOG GROOMING
This week, Gone Dog Grooming celebrates five years at Beech Tree Kennels.
The first two dogs through the door were Barney and Dougal. Sadly, Barney is no longer with us, but he will always be one of the originals. RIP Barney.
Since then, there have been hundreds of dogs, thousands of grooms and a frankly ridiculous amount of fur.
THANK YOU
Every one of those dogs has been different, each with their own personality and quirks. I’ve seen puppies through their first grooms and adapted appointments to suit the gentler pace some need as they grow older, and sadly nature’s sad loss.
Some clients have been with me since the very beginning and have since returned with new dogs. That continued loyalty means so much, as does the chance to be part of those new chapters.
Gone Dog Grooming has grown without advertising, entirely through word of mouth. That would not have been possible without clients who return year after year or recommend me to others.
To those who have joined more recently, thank you too. Every long-standing client began with a first appointment, and every new dog and family receives the same warm welcome.
Your support has allowed me to build a business I’m incredibly proud of.
And to the team at Beech Tree, where do I start?
Beech Tree Kennels has been far more than a place to work. It has given Gone Dog Grooming a welcoming, professional home and the opportunity to work alongside a brilliant team who show not only exceptional care for the dogs staying with them, but a genuine love for them too.
During that time, they have offered friendship, support and an enormous amount of laughter. Being able to laugh out loud at least once every working day is a joy.
I feel incredibly lucky and honoured to be part of it. Thank you for everything you do, including the love and care you give my own tribe while I’m working.
All of that support has made the first five years possible, so this feels like a good moment to look back at what Gone Dog Grooming set out to achieve.
FIVE YEARS OF GOALS
There is that classic interview question:
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
I’ve always believed in setting goals, and I’m incredibly proud to have achieved every one I set for Gone Dog Grooming’s first five years.
The awards and nominations were never part of the plan, but knowing that clients put the business forward because they were happy with the service has made that recognition especially meaningful.
A BUSINESS BUILT TO LAST
Grooming is skilled, physical work, but the groom itself is only one part of running the business. Behind every appointment is cleaning, laundry, ordering, messages, accounts and paperwork.
Many talented groomers eventually step away in search of a more sustainable working life. That says nothing about their ability, commitment or passion; it shows how demanding the profession can become.
There is no paid annual leave or sick pay, and when the business lives on your phone, the working day can quietly become 24/7. In any other workplace, expecting an employee to accept that while taking only two weeks off a year would be recognised as unsustainable.
Five years in, I still genuinely love what I do and want to reach ten years feeling exactly the same. To make that possible, time in the diary will remain protected for administration, continuing professional development and the flexibility to swap a working day when circumstances require it. From next year, full holiday weeks will also remain blocked.
As both the boss and the employee, I need to allow the rest and flexibility required to keep doing the job well.
PRACTICAL UPDATES
In an age of instant messaging, it is easy to expect an immediate reply. If I do not respond straight away, you are not being ignored. I may be grooming, driving, dealing with another part of the business or simply outside working hours.
With that in mind:
• Messages, voicemails and emails will be answered during working hours.
• Online booking is there as an option day and night - it is the preferred way to book, using the link at the top of the homepage: www.gonedoggrooming.co.uk. It saves a tremendous amount of time. I appreciate that online booking will not suit everyone, so you are still very welcome to contact me by message, voicemail or email.
• Any appointment shown online may be booked by new or existing clients. If you cannot find a suitable date, you are welcome to email about earlier availability. This cannot be guaranteed, and short-notice spaces will first be offered to regular clients and anyone already on the cancellation list.
• New clients are welcome to have a free meet-and-greet before their dog’s first full groom, and for some dogs it may be the best way to start. This gives you the chance to meet me, helps your dog become familiar with the salon and allows me to get to know them and create an individual grooming care plan.
• Every appointment is 1:1, so when the diary is full, it genuinely is full. I cannot add another dog without taking time and attention away from one already booked.
• At your dog’s next appointment, you’ll receive a short printed summary of the key Terms & Conditions and a full list of services.
The key information will simply be easier to find because, realistically, nobody settles down with a cup of tea to read their dog groomer’s full terms online!
WHAT’S NEXT?
The grooming service itself is not changing. Whether your dog has been coming for years or is yet to visit, Gone Dog Grooming will continue to be about more than a haircut: calm, skilled 1:1 care, long-term relationships and appointments adapted to the dog in front of me.
Regular grooming and existing holistic and specialist treatments will continue as they do now, with additional therapies introduced gradually over time.
Here’s to the next five years!! 🎂🥂
Lorrie xx
