Tails A' Waggin'

04/18/2025

Happy “9th” Birthday Brandi!! 🥳

04/16/2025

We are so much more then just giving your dog a haircut. ❤️❤️

WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

You didn’t see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the day’s appointments. You didn’t see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.

You didn’t see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didn’t notice the matting hidden beneath your dog’s topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.

You weren’t there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadn’t noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dog’s wellbeing.

And after you left, you didn’t see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.

All of that… for a price that’s often lower than what you’d pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They don’t have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.

The truth is ……. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.

It’s about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. It’s about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. It’s a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.

If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - it’s not by luck. It’s because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.

Tip them if you can. And above all - don’t undervalue them.
They’re doing far more than just washing the dog.

If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk

03/31/2025

Yum!! Delicious food and proceeds benefit the ARL of Berks. Check it out!

03/11/2025

03/02/2025

Happy Sunday!

03/01/2025

Thinking about getting a Doodle, Cockapoo or any Poodle mix? Have you been told they "don't need grooming until 1yrs old" or "coat maintenance is easy"?

*PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING piece written by a groomer..in the pic that's known as a pelted coat /Pelting. A dog’s fur gets so matted & tangled it will come off in one piece. It's outs tension on the skin, can damage the skin causing horrible infections and sometimes renders the dog helpless,unable to move and it can then cause fatality
-------->

Poodle crosses (cockapoos, doodles, maltipoos etc.) are not "easy breeds" to maintain. The photo attached (shared from another groomer) shows how matting forms at the skin. By looking at this dog's top coat, you may not see the knots and you may not feel them as you would a knot on the ends of the fur but under that fluffy top layer this is going on. Once it starts its very difficult/ impossible to brush out... and even if you could it would be cruel to put the dog through it. Maintenance at home has to be more than a quick once over for these dogs if you want to keep them in that fluffy coat which was probably one of the reasons you chose a poodle cross in the first place. You really need to sit down with a brush and then a metal comb and make sure you can get it through the entire body at least 2 to 3 times a week.

I often feel like owners don't believe groomers when they say their dog has to be clipped very short. I always hear "I know he/she is matted, but leave as much as you can". You cannot clip through matting, you can only clip under it. As this photo shows, clipping under the matting means taking the coat back to the skin.
I promise you, your groomer really doesn't want to do this but they won't hurt your dog by putting it through dematting, they also don't want to hurt their reputation when the clients go around complaining about how the last groomer "scalped" their dog but there really is not any alternative. Instead of being angry with your groomer if they clip your dog very short please respect their commitment to do what is in your dog's best interest, accept responsibility for not having brushed your dog properly at home, and work with your groomer because, together, you can prevent this happening again. All groomers will be very happy to demonstrate a technique called line brushing which will help make your grooming at home more effective. Just ask! We all want owners to know how to do this

Poodle crosses are easily one of the highest maintenance dogs in reference to their coats. The combination of the soft coat they are mixing poodles with these days is a coat that is extremely prone to matting.

If you like a fluffy pup, you probably need to consider no more than 3-5 week intervals between grooming and set aside time for regular brushing AND combing at home.

Please know, if you bathe your poodle cross you really need to blow dry and brush out right after. Moisture, be it a bath, rain, swimming, snow etc are all going to make matting worse. If you know your dog is already matted-- bathing is only going to make it worse! Brush out before the bath.

Lastly "breeders" who say these dogs can't or shouldnt be clipped and not to give them a hair cut until they are one year old are misleading potential owners in order to sell$$$$ puppies and setting them up for a sad day when they finally take their pup to the groomer!!!

If this hasn't put you off buying one please schedule your puppy's first groom immediately after they've had their vaccinations and then be prepared to do the maintenance at home between regular professional grooms.

02/11/2025

Skunk Alert - They are out looking for their Valentine 💘
February through early March is skunk breeding season. Before you let your dogs out, make a little noise and give skunks time to move out of your yard.
If you come face to face with a skunk, stay calm and talk softly to let him know you’re there -- skunks have poor eyesight. Skunks are sweet natured animals and don’t want to spray you. Go about your business and avoid startling them.
Skunks will give you several warnings if they are scared:
1. They will stomp their front feet
2. They turn their backs to you
3. They will do a handstand
4. They will spray up to 10 feet away
If a skunk DOES spray, here is a technique and recipe:
First, catch the dog (or the person!) as quickly as possible - don’t let them roll or rub on anything. If you have rubber gloves wear them. BLOT the spray off with paper towels.
Mix a paste from 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap, 3% hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup baking soda and spread it on the area. Do not add water! Let it sit for ten minutes then rinse off and repeat.
If this happens to be on a human or hairless animal, leave out the baking soda. The baking soda is sort of like an exfoliant and is really abrasive to bare skin.
Skunks are omnivores (eat both plant and animal material). They prefer to eat insects, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets. They also eat grubs and other insect larvae as well as bees and wasps. When the opportunity arises, they will take mice, rats, moles, shrews, young ground squirrels and rabbits, nesting birds, nestlings, and bird or snake eggs. Skunks also eat corn, berries, and other vegetation. In an urban environment, they may eat garbage or pet food that has been left outside.
Habitat Modification:
Secure garbage cans and close dumpster lids at night.
Control rodent populations.
Do not leave pet food outdoors at night.
Remove brush or wood piles.
Control lawn grubs.

02/03/2025

So true! ❤️

You Only Have a Few Years With Your Dog
Let them up on the bed. Let them on the couch.
Let them come for the ride.
Let them find the biggest stick they can carry.
Let them roll in the mud.
Let them swim and splash in the water.
Because time flies, and they won’t be here forever.
In the blink of an eye, their time on Earth is done.
A dog is not just an animal—they’re here to make you smile.
They’re always there for you, no matter what.
They couldn’t care less what you look like or how much money you have.
They won’t judge you or talk about you behind your back.
They simply, completely, and unconditionally love you—
with all their heart, their soul, their being.
And forever, they will be the absolute best friend you will ever have.
So cherish every moment.
Because their love is pure, their time is short,
and their paw prints will stay on your heart forever. 🐾❤️
❤️If you are a dog lover, please support the products from our store.Thank you ! 👇👇 👇https://www.nativewolfstore.com/tags/Dogs

01/07/2025

Update…Unfortunately do to no fault of his own, Charlie Cat is being returned to the finder and will have to go back in the garage. 🙁 He was really enjoying being part of a family and liked cuddling in a warm bed. So once again, he needs to find his forever home. If you can help him, please reach out to the person/number listed below.

Help!!!
Charlie Cat was found about a month ago by one of our employees. She did everything she could to find his owner, with no luck. She took him to her vet, had him neutered and up to date on his shots. Unfortunately, she is unable to bring anymore animals into her home, so she purchased a heated house and he’s been living in her garage. He’s a very sweet, affectionate boy, who doesn’t mind other animals and is looking for a warm lap to cuddle on. As you can see from the pictures he has little stubby ears, which kind of resemble a Scottish Fold.
If anyone is interested in giving him the warm home he deserves, please call Tiffany at 484-388-9878. Feel free to share post!

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween from Axle and Macie Moyer! 🎃

10/28/2024

HELP!! This little kitten was found yesterday morning. Unfortunately, the owner isn’t able to keep her because of allergies and a dog. Would anyone be willing to give her a nice, warm home. Video in comments. Please feel free to share.

UPDATE!! Thank you for all the interest, the kitten has found a home. 🥰

10/02/2024

Dolly is looking for her forever home. She is a spayed, 3-4 year old Chihuahua who is up to date on shots. She loves a warm lap to cuddle on and gets along with other dogs. If interested, please reach out to Margie 484-332-2612.

09/29/2024

Love this!! ❤️❤️

📚🐾Calling All Young Animal Lovers! Join Our Rescue Readers Program!🐾📚

Do you have a child aged 4-13 who loves animals and wants to make a difference? Our Rescue Readers program is the perfect opportunity for kids to practice their reading skills while giving some much-needed love and attention to our shelter animals! ❤️

🐱What is Rescue Readers?
Children come to the shelter and read stories to our cats and critters, providing them with calming socialization. It helps shy or stressed animals feel more comfortable around people, and it’s a wonderful way for kids to gain confidence in their reading!

Benefits of Rescue Readers:
✨ Build reading skills in a fun, low-pressure environment
✨ Teach children compassion and empathy for animals
✨ Help socialize our shelter pets, making them feel more at ease while they wait for their forever homes

Whether your child is a beginner reader or a bookworm, our furry friends are the most patient and appreciative listeners. 🐾📖

📅 Sign Up Today!
Message us or visit https://humanepa.org/donate/volunteer/rescue-readers/ to learn more about how your child can become a Rescue Reader.

Help us spread the love—one story at a time. 💕📚

09/11/2024

Reggie Troutman’s
(5 month old mini-bernadoodle) first grooming 💙