10/21/2026
It was haircut day for Rascal!
Due to a back injury, I only groom a couple of large dogs these days. Most of our former large dog clients have transitioned to other groomers. But Rascal is ours, so he isn’t going anywhere! ❤️
Rascal joined our family in 2021 at 13 months old. His previous family was extremely concerned about COVID, so he never left their apartment, and no one came inside. He had very little socialization and had never been groomed.
He came with the name Rascal. We thought it was strange at first, but quickly figured out why! 😂
You couldn’t touch him. Like, at all.
Brushing, bathing, clipping, and especially handling his feet were incredibly difficult.
Rascal is one of the biggest reasons Pampered Paws & Ponies is a home-based pet spa.
He taught me that not every dog can handle a busy grooming salon. He also taught me not to restrain fearful dogs, to offer breaks, build trust, and find alternatives.
Most importantly, he taught me to look beyond what appears to be naughty behavior and understand WHY an animal is behaving that way.
Rascal has extremely sensitive skin, making brushing genuinely uncomfortable. What looked like stubbornness was actually discomfort.
Rascal was also one of my case studies while earning my Certified Pet Aesthetician (CPAe) certification. He helped me apply what I was learning about skin and coat health to real world situations.
Today, he gets a haircut every 3–4 weeks to minimize brushing, and skin restoration baths every 1–2 weeks to help keep him comfortable.
In today’s video, Rascal is standing on a little stool so I can clip his belly and sanitary areas without straining my back. He also stands better on the grooming table when he has a job to do!
Rascal is a high-maintenance, expensive dog to care for, but I wouldn’t trade him or the lessons he’s taught me for anything.
He’s made me a better groomer, a more compassionate animal care professional, and a stronger advocate for understanding behavior rather than simply expecting compliance.
Sometimes our most challenging animals become our greatest teachers. ❤️
We love you, Rascal! 🐾