08/25/2026
Please take a moment to read this thoughtful perspective from a fellow groomer.
Caring for curly and high-maintenance coats takes immense skill, time, and physical effort—there are no shortcuts to keeping these pups healthy and comfortable! Grooming is truly a partnership between pet parents and professionals. That’s why we share our care policies and ask you to work alongside us with regular at-home maintenance and consistent appointment schedules. When we work together, your pup gets the best care possible! 🐾✨
🐾 A little Matted or Knot update…🐾
If/when I decide to reopen my books to new clients, I’ve made the decision that I will no longer be accepting ANY new doodle breeds. ✨This includes established clients as well who get a NEW pup- *not ones I currently groom*.✨
Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, Sheepadoodles, Cavapoos, Cockapoos—or any of the other countless “oodles.” This isn’t directed at one particular mix, and it’s certainly nothing personal against the dogs themselves. This is a strict business decision and after 17 years behind a grooming table, I’ve earned the right to make decisions based on what is sustainable for both my business and my body.
Doodle coats are incredibly labor-intensive. Bathing, drying, brushing, prep work, clipping and sc******ng take time—and unfortunately, what that time and physical labor is actually worth doesn’t always align with what people are realistically willing to pay.
And there’s another side of this that applies to grooming in general:
You’re not just paying me for the hour your dog is on my table. You’re paying for the YEARSSSSS it took me to learn how to safely, professionally and proficiently get your dog groomed in that hour.
I’ve actually had people surprised that I can finish their dog in an hour and question whether that means I wasn’t thorough. (Not doodles specifically)
“Ma’am… I’m not rushing. I’m experienced.”🫠😅
Seventeen years of handling thousands of dogs teaches you how to work efficiently without sacrificing quality or safety. Expertise shouldn’t become less valuable because experience allows someone to do something faster.
And yes…“Susie” down the street may do it cheaper. By all means, there’s the door. I will never compete to be the cheapest groomer. I compete with the groomer I was yesterday.
At this stage of my career, protecting my hands, wrists, shoulders and back matters. My body is part of the equipment that keeps this business running.
And while we’re here, one more PSA:
PLEASE start your puppies with professional grooming early!!!
Once they’ve received their rabies vaccination, typically around 16 weeks, start getting them acclimated. Please don’t wait until 6, 8 or 10 months old when they desperately need their first haircut. Those early appointments teach them that the bath, dryer, clippers, nail trims, brushing, handling and grooming table are normal. This is especially important when you choose a dog that will require professional grooming every 4–8 weeks for its entire life.
At the end of the day:
Having a dog is a privilege.
Professional grooming is a luxury.
And experience has value. 🐾💞✨
