The Barker Shop Dog Grooming Widnes

15/04/2026

For those of you who follow me, are clients or friends, you may have realised or with everything else going on in life, probably not, but today The Barker Shop Widnes, turned 12, heading in to my 13th year of business…

This year though, to be dead honest, I couldn’t be bothered to celebrate. No special celebratory post or fancy text, because literally, and I mean literally, to the minute as much as we know anyway, my gorgeous Nan, My lovely ‘Nanny Barbara’ passed away, a week ago today, to the hour, maybe minute, as I write this.

She waited. She knew we had all been to visit. I held her hand, I played our favourite song. She knew… I knew. 💔

I cant celebrate another year in business. It feels wrong. That said, my Nanny celebrated me… full blown dementia didn’t stop her either. Every visit to her care home, she’d tell anyone who walked by I was her Granddaughter and that I was a dog groomer. She was so proud. She was so happy knowing I was doing what I loved. Dogs & Art.

So this year, there’s no frilly, colourful birthday post. Just a heart full of love, eyes over flowing with tears, a mind full of gorgeous memories and a granddaughter missing her best mate.

This 13th year of dogs, shenanigans and business is for my Nan, Barbara B. I love you so much it hurts, I hope I can make you a fraction of the amount of pride I feel for you.

Loved forever.

🥂🖤

Photo of her 1st sunrise in heaven .

27/02/2026

24/02/2026

23/02/2026

Rolo has started his journey and we were off on a flying start. They’ll be pearly whites in no time!! ⭐

19/02/2026

Guys, I’m currently really sick. I will reply to any messages asap but it hurts my eyes to even look at a screen at the minute. Please bear with me. 🙏🏻❤️

15/02/2026

13/02/2026

Ｐｕｐｐｙ Ｇｒｏｏｍｓ

All puppies need training, no puppy comes pre-programmed for grooming!!It’s essential that grooming starts as soon as possible both at home and with a professional.

I advise two Puppy Grooms before 20 weeks of age (socialisation period) before a Full Groom. This allows the pup to:

* Experience the process and environment of a professional salon with minimal clipping/scissoring. (sharp tools!!)

*Have a positive experience with the surroundings, Groomer, tools and sounds.

*Puppies learn with routine. Sticking to one groomer (where possible) is essential for the pup to learn the groomers working routine and build a trusting relationship.

*Regular grooming sessions are a must to keep the pup from becoming matted and preventing a negative experience. (Matting is painful and is not enjoyable for either pup or groomer to have to remove.)

By building up to a full groom, by having regular puppy grooms as well as grooming practices at home, will set your pup up for success on the grooming table.

26/01/2026

26/01/2026

I think I have everyone rescheduled now, if I haven’t messaged you with a date, please message me! 🙏🏻🙏🏻(😵‍💫)

20/01/2026

Unfortunately I’m unable to take any new clients at the moment, as I’m completely up to capacity and struggling to accommodate my current clients.

My waiting list is always open for clients who want to be added to it though. Feel free to message me with your details and I will contact you when I have an opening.

Steph x

12/01/2026

Morning guys,

More appointment schedules will be getting sent out this week so please keep your eyes peeled for them and let me know as soon as possible that they’re ok.

Once I’ve completed them all, I will post again and if anyone hasn’t received them please let me know.

Steph xx