Arnold's Bark-ery & Grooming

12/25/2025

Big fat Grace says merry Christmas everyone! Her and I miss you all!

10/27/2025

Just a little update in case any of you are wondering how big fat Grace is doing. She is doing fantastic and loves more attention and being at home. This is her lounging on my lap in the recliner!

05/21/2025

I am slowly going through leftover supplies before we closed and pulled out a box of memorial day, neck, ties, bowties, and hair ties. Anybody want any? Five dollars each! Just let me know and I can drop them off to you!Good for the 4th also!

I still have quite a few supplies left, Alicia‘s, colors, apparel, toys, I’ve been so busy I’ve not been able to go through everything so I will be slowly doing that all summer so keep an eye on the Page!!!

05/02/2025

So I’ve had a lot of people ask me if I was able to just do toenail trims. Yes, I can, as long as the dog is manageable or you can help hold, my arm is still not completely recovered from surgery, so I’m not able to hold a really large dog or a squirmy dog with my left arm while clipping right handed. If you are interested, please let me know and I can swing by your house or we can meet up somewhere and I can trim nails real quick. Saturdays or Sundays only!

Also, FYI, I will be shutting down the store cell phone next week so if you need anything for me, you’ll have to message me here

04/20/2025

very sad day today. Many of you know my friend Skylor, not only was she a customer but also huge animal lover, she also helped me volunteering with our events and even worked at the store for a while. Her big handsome boy Duke passed over the rainbow bridge last night. Biggest sympathies to her and her other fur babies and family who will be missing this big boy. 🌈 🐾

04/16/2025

This is a great post regarding dog groomers, and what goes on behind the scenes so to speak. Hopefully, for those of you who have had to find new groomers recently, you have had good luck in finding a great one that not only loves your dog, but that your dog will love and return! Make sure you are always honest with them regarding the dogs haircut, and also demeanor, fears and loves so the groomer can give them the best care possible!

I miss you all every day! 

WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

You didn’t see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the day’s appointments. You didn’t see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.

You didn’t see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didn’t notice the matting hidden beneath your dog’s topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.

You weren’t there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadn’t noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dog’s wellbeing.

And after you left, you didn’t see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.

All of that… for a price that’s often lower than what you’d pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They don’t have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.

The truth is ……. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.

It’s about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. It’s about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. It’s a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.

If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - it’s not by luck. It’s because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.

Tip them if you can. And above all - don’t undervalue them.
They’re doing far more than just washing the dog.

If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk

04/08/2025

2 weeks post surgery. Stitches finally removed today and the wrappings and braces came off. Both areas very sore and very bruised. Will still be a solid two weeks I’m guessing for all of the pain to subside. But at least now some of the swelling can hopefully go down and the real recovery process can begin. Just thought I would update you.

On the grooming side, no day has been easier than the day before so far. I miss the store more than I can even tell you and miss all of you guys and all of the dogs. This will take me a long time to having a completely different life day to day. 🐾 🐈 🐶

04/01/2025

Lost dog!!!!

SAFE!!** Attention Lake Park friends!!! We need your help!

Lila just got adopted but sadly she got away from her new home and is now lost in an unfamiliar area. Lila is a nervous girl and will be scared. Please do not chase or try to catch her but please DO report sightings of her so that we can establish where to place a live trap!

We need your eyes to spot her so we can get her back to her new mom who is very sad!

03/26/2025

Just a quick update while I am alert. I told everyone I would let you know how surgery went. Just had it at 7:30 this morning in Sioux Falls. Everything went well, I am home and definitely groggy from medication. I have several friends keeping up with me and offering to help if I need it which I don’t just yet. Big fat grace has gotten so much better even in the last couple of weeks, she is literally laying right next to me in bed since I’ve been home today!

Thank you all for the well wishes. I know I still have to make my last official post on here thinking everyone but quite honestly it’s just been a little stressful and depressing since closing day so I just have not wanted to make that post yet. Once I feel better, I will do so. But all I can say for now is just the biggest giant great big thank you to everyone.

03/15/2025

We’re here!!!! Come get some yummy treats.

03/15/2025

It’s here. 11am-2pm. will be our last hours as an open business. i’m sure I will have a little bit longer of a sappy post later. But I’m trying to start today as good as I can.

I know the weather isn’t great, but if you get out and about, please stop by the Barkery for any last-minute items you may need.

We will have some delicious smoked brisket, some donuts and cupcakes, some bloody Mary’s, and more snacks and goodies.

If you can’t make it in or don’t wish to get out, I completely understand, thank you for nearly 10 years of the best job I’ve ever had! 🐱 🐶