Gilded Groomer

08/30/2025

Meet Mary Kay Swenson, the expert in pet grooming
with more than four decades of fur-taming expertise!
She began her incredible journey in Rochester, MN,
opening her first salon at just 19 years old. Later, she
made a splash in Mason City, Iowa, impressing local
veterinary offices and Petco with her remarkable
grooming skills. In 2008, she launched the Grooming
Station, where she has affectionately earned the title
of "Second Mother" to countless pets. Her furry clients
—and their humans—simply can’t get enough of her!

08/29/2025

We are thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rachel VanDerLinden. Rachel is a recent graduate of the Professional Grooming course from NIACC and is enthusiastic about pursuing a career in dog grooming at the Gilded Groomer. She has been an active volunteer at the Humane Society of North Iowa, walking and exercising shelter dogs for three years. Rachel is also the proud owner of an Australian cattle dog named Forest Gump, whom she adopted from the Humane Society.

08/28/2025

Back to School Bath & Brush Specials! 🐶✏️

School’s back, and so are our savings! Treat your pup to a fresh start with our limited-time Bath & Brush Only Discounts:

✨ 15% off all Bath & Brush services between 10 AM & 4PM
✨ Express Bath Discount
For busy parents, we offer an “Express Bath” package at a reduced rate. Your pup will be fresh and clean in under an hour, so you can get back to your busy schedule.
✨ “Teacher’s Pet” Loyalty Card
Buy 3 Bath & Brush sessions, get the 4th FREE!
✨️“Homework Helper” Referral Bonus
Refer a friend and both get 15% off your next visit.
✨️“First Day of School” Social Media Contest
Share a photo of your dog with your child’s backpack and tag us for a chance to win a free grooming session!

Let us help your furry friend look and feel their best while you tackle the busy school season. Book your spot today!

08/23/2025

Hattie Mae! Thank you to her mom for trusting me time and again to groom her most precious possession. And thank you for showing me where my passion is! Truly the best gift ever.

08/17/2025

08/15/2025

Tatot Tot in a puppy cut

08/12/2025

Who out there has a Groomzilla for a pet? You know who you are... Do you dred taking your pup into the groomer because they think the inhumanity of taking a bath justifies unleashing the demons of hell. 🔥

Don't fret! We see this everyday. Take, for example, this sweet boy FINN. When he first started coming to us a few years ago, we prepped for war. LITERALLY. Imagine muzzles, the cone of shame, the works... now now imagine holding a pair of clippers and trying to clip a snapping alligator while rolling.🐊 But we survived. And so did Finn!!

Now fast forward to today, his most recent appointment. I can say that I had a very enjoyable time grooming him. Alas! All of the patience and hard work that we have both shown over the past couple of years has slowly but surely taught us about patience and trust. I can now groom him without any PPE. We still struggle a tad with the face area, but even that improves with each visit.

SOOOOO.... don't worry, we can turn grooming into a positive experience for your dog with patience and the right approach.

1. Create a calming environment... at the Gilded Groomer we pride ourselves on a nurturing environment.
2. Gradual introduction to grooming tools and the process. For our 1st time clients and/or those pets that are fearful, we take our time and focus on the pets needs.
3. Positive reinforcement and consistency. Regular grooming sessions allow the pet to become accustomed to the process and learn to trust their pet stylist.

Give us a call... we dare you!

08/12/2025

So this is why it takes me longer to get more scruffies done for grooming...
I can't say no to these eyes. They say Courtney give me some skritches (our word for scratches) and kisses. So while your PET IS getting their hair did... they are ALSO giving me my puppy love fix!

If you are interested in helping Courtney get her puppy fix everyday give her a call...

08/12/2025

WHY SHOULD I BRING MY SHORT HAIR DOG INTO THE GROOMER, YOU MAY ASK?

Well the main reason is because we love dogs and we want to meet them all! But on a serious note... surprisingly enough short haired dogs are typically some of the worst shedders. Bringing your pet in for a regular groom can help minimize shedding, and your need to vacuum 3 times a day. Regular grooming will also promote healthy skin and hair growth. Not to mention it just smells better.

Now let's talk feet...Trimming the hair around a dog's paw pads is important for hygiene, traction, and preventing injuries. It helps keep the paws clean by preventing debris from getting trapped and reduces the risk of mats and infections. Trimming also improves grip on slippery surfaces, preventing slips and falls. It can also decrease the urge for your pet to lick and chew on their feet due to allergies.

But that's not all...Long nails can lead to several painful and potentially harmful issues. They can cause discomfort and pain when walking, lead to injuries like nail tears or cracks, and even impact a dog's posture and gait, potentially causing long-term joint problems.

We get that SHED happens! Call us...

08/08/2025

These eyes 😍 just go straight to my heart.

04/28/2025

Hey Shih Tzu fanatics! 🐶 Get ready for a cuteness overload with these Shih Tzu grooming styles! 🐾 Whether you're looking for low-key vibes or a more glam look, there's something for every furry friend! Here's the scoop: Bonus Tip: Shih Tzus have a double coat (top coat and undercoat), so regular brushing is crucial to prevent mats and keep them looking paw-some! ✨ What's your go-to Shih Tzu grooming style? Share your thoughts below!