The Grateful Dog Groomer

06/04/2026

OK folks, here it is…

Yesterday was an extremely painful day for me!
Not only physically, because the stitches they removed had become embedded into my skin, but mentally as well, because the information I received from my orthopedic surgeon, was not at all what I was prepared to hear… I needed to take the rest of the day to try and process everything.
It looks like realistically, I’m looking at a minimum of at least another three more months until I can even think about getting back to work, and that’s just with very small dogs to start. It’s going to be likely at least six months until I can start doing big dogs again. I’m absolutely devastated to receive this information, and know that Not only am I going to be out of work that long, but that I’m going to be once again, letting all of you down. Since the surgery with the plate and screws, my bone hasn’t even begun to fuse back together. This could either be due to the type of break and severity of it, or may be related to the fact that chemo was less than two years ago, and my body is not quite 100% yet.
Since this first happened, if you have been able to find another Groomer that you have been happy with, I urge you to stay with them for the next several months, and set up some future appointments with them as soon as possible. If you haven’t yet sound a replacement Groomer, I can send you a list of recommendations. I suggest that you try and pre-book some appointments for you and for the next several months.
I appreciate everyone’s support and love so far. I can only hope, that when I do return back to work, I will get to see a lot of you, and a lot of my fur babies yet again. Please don’t forget me! And please don’t hesitate to send me pictures in the meantime! Sending you all, all my love!
Forever grateful,
-Shanna Mcilvain, The Grateful Dog Groomer
🐾 💔✂️💙 🐾

06/03/2026

Heading to the orthopedic surgeon this morning for my follow up! Stay tuned for updates this afternoon! Thank you all for the love and support so far!
❤️✂️💙

06/01/2026

I’d like to personally welcome to the shore, our newest SMALL and LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS to open today!!!! Attaboy Farm LLC, congratulations on all your hard work on making this amazing dream of yours come true!! It’s been a blessing to be able to see this all happen for you in real time!! 🤩🥳

Looking forward to the amazing things you do and provide for our wonderful little community!! 🥰

PLEASE, if you can, SUPPORT LOCAL, SMALL BUSINESSES!!
And come down for the Grand Opening event this Saturday to check out this amazing new facility!!

05/27/2026

EDIT TO CLARIFY: SATURDAY THE 30th (typo!)
If any of my clients are needing their nails trimmed while I’m out….please see Lynsey!! ❤️✂️💙

05/25/2026

QUICK UPDATE:
Been about a week since I left the hospital from surgery! Able to wiggle and move my fingers and thumb, but not quite to a full stretch yet. Definitely going to take some physical therapy after! Follow up with the orthopedic surgeon on th 3rd of June. 🤞
These pics are post-op. Bionic arm coming soon! 🦾

Thank you all for the support!
❤️✂️💙 Staying Grateful

05/21/2026

Gonna be a hoot yall!!! Please come and show some GRATEFUL DOG love and support Saturday June 6th for the Grand Opening of Attaboy Farm LLC!!

Our open house includes a guest appearance from The Grateful Dog Groomer and FIVE amazing basket giveaways from Millville's Pet Stop!! Stock up on free doggy giveaways and gift cards!

We wouldn't be opening without the ongoing support of many local business owners that have helped guide me and encourage me along the way. Special thanks to Iron Hill Pet Ranch , Coastal Kennels, and Bed and Biscuit Kennels - I highly recommend all three of these facilities for their amazing owners who truly care for your pets like their own.

Thank you all! Hoping to see everyone June 6th. Support local!

05/18/2026

GOOD MORNING, To all of my wonderful and dedicated clients!

Unfortunately, last week, while doing some organizing in my garage, I took a spill with a rather ungraceful landing, and broke my arm! The only thing more painful than my arm, is having to write this update to you all!
This past weekend, I had surgery and had a metal plate and screws put into my arm to put me back together! I’m looking at roughly 6 to 8 weeks of recovery time before I can put weight on it again. So unfortunately, I will be having to miss our next appointment, and for some of you, possibly the next two. I’ve put together a list of local groomers who are willing to help out and take on some of my clients in the meantime while I recover! I’m grateful For a community of groomers that can come together and help during a time like this! If you already have a back up groomer, I suggest that you reach out as early as possible to try and maintain your schedules. If not, please reach out privately, and I will be happy to refer you to a groomer that’s best suited for you, based on your area!
I plan on hitting physical therapy with everything I have, as soon as I am able! And once I’m back to work, me and my new bionic arm will get all of the cuddles and puppy kisses again! 🤣🥰

I will do my best to post updates for you all as much as I can! But in the meantime, don’t hesitate to text me all the pictures of all of my four-legged babies! Not only is my arm broken, but my heart is broken too, knowing I’ll have to miss out on seeing all of my wonderful clients and fur babies over the next several weeks. 🥺

Please take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Forever Grateful….
Shanna - The Grateful Dog Groomer 💔 ✂️ 💙

05/09/2026

HELP THE FARM! Support Local! Attaboy Farm LLC

Thank you all SO much for the support. The 50/50 is over $700 in just three days!! We have a few hundred tickets left to sell, and they will also be available at the door during our open house ! You guys are amazing. Some days I just cannot believe that we are making this happen. What an amazing community I am blessed to be apart of 💕

02/02/2026

January has been the longest year ever, but we made it!!!! As we climb out of this deep freeze, it’s Time to get all my fuzzy fur-babies back on track, and onto their regular schedules again! 😂😜

❤️✂️💙

01/30/2026

💜 TO MY AMAZING CLIENTS … 💜

I want to take a moment to express my utmost gratitude for your patience and understanding these last several weeks. Not only while I battled the flu the first few weeks of January, But also immediately afterwards, getting back to work-As I try and navigate this uncharted territory with these sustained temperatures below freezing! It’s brought a whole new set of problems and issues in regard to my van, and subsequently having to reschedule so many of you! I’m so grateful for each and every one of you! And I refuse to let this January break my spirit! Looking forward to smoother seas as we continue into the rest of 2026!

❤️✂️💙