10/04/2025
A decade of dogs š¾
This year marks my 10th year as a mobile groomer in LaSalle County. Iāve had the absolute privilege of grooming so many amazing dogs, and some of them Iāve known since the very beginning.
Ten years is a long time in a dogās life, and Iāve watched many of my furry friends grow from wiggly pups into beloved seniors.
One of the hardest parts of this job is watching those changes come. The first time I have to lift them into the van when they used to race me inside. The first time I notice cloudy eyes that donāt quite meet mine. The first time they donāt hear me say their name. The first time their legs give out and they need to sit in the tub. The first time I give a ācomfort groomā instead of a fancy cut, because I know standing is just too hard. Sometimes I use hammocks, sometimes I take extra photos, and sometimes I just sit with them a little longerābecause I donāt know if it will be the last time.
And then there are the messagesā¦ the ones that come late at night, telling me a dog I love has crossed the rainbow bridge šš¾. My heart breaks every single time, because they were more than just clientsāthey were part of my extended family.
But with the heartbreak comes joy. I get to meet new puppies just starting their journey. I get to watch families whoāve lost their best friend heal as they welcome a new wagging tail into their lives. I get to celebrate every stage, from baby teeth to gray whiskers. And every dog, old or new, reminds me why Iāve done this for ten years and why Iāll keep doing it.
To all of my clientsāthank you for trusting me with your dogs, for letting me love them alongside you, and for sharing both the joyful beginnings and the tearful goodbyes. Hereās to ten years behind us, and many more tails, kisses, and memories ahead. ā¤ļøš¶
