so disappointing

[Terry]

My home business is growing but so slowly - sometimes I'm optimistic and sometimes I feel really depressed. This time I'm just VERY disappointed and wonder if I could/should have done something differently:

I got a call Monday AM from a local RC church on behalf of the priest. Seems he recently adopted 2 min schnauzers from a retired breeder and wanted to get them groomed. So we set it up for tomorrow. I said to bring their rabies certificates, and thought everything was set. I got a call later that he doesn't have the certificates because the breeder held back the paperwork until she received proof that the dogs had been spayed and neutered. They tried to reach the breeder to have the rabies certificates faxed, but she is traveling (which is why she retired!) and can't be reached. No one knows who the vet is because she is from a town about 60 miles away. So the appointment was canceled, to be rescheduled later (maybe, I hope)

I really really really wanted to say come anyway, but my policy is to get proof of rabies, so I didn't. What would you all have done?

[redbird]

Yep

Stick to your guns.

I know its hard, but you just have to stand for the right things, and
it will come back around. I am sure he will understand.

[Pixie]

I would have taken them. I don't have any other clients dogs here when I groom, it's appointment only, so the only danger would have been to me.

In fact I had a new client today and she didn't have a copy of her dogs shots either. Had been in the mess of moving and hadn't found them. But it was just her dog her so it didn't bother me. Maybe I'm wrong, won't be the first time.

[SiotehCat]

I know its not right, but I probably would have taken him in. Dont listen to me though, Im probably out of my mind. I wonder though, did you want to say forget about it because hes a priest or because you wanted to groom something?

[Helly]

I think the prudent thing was to refuse them until the proof of vaccinations can be obtained. The other diseases I might let slide, but the rabies vaccination is a must. Not only for safety reasons, but legal ones, too.

I think the breeder was a little remiss in witholding proof of vaccination until proof of spay/neuter was obtained, too. What vet is going to accept a dog for surgery without proof of vaccination? I don't know of any, though I'm sure there are some who would. Any vet I've ever dealt with would just revaccinate if they didn't have proof. And if the spay/neuter is so all fired important to the breeder, they should have it done before placing the dogs.

[Fluffy Puppy]

It's good that you stick to your rules.

I know I shouldn't, but sometimes I let the rabies vaccs slide depending on the circumstance. But, I tell them that if the dog so much as looks at me funny, it has to go home. I think I have only done this with a handfull of dogs...it's not really a practice I want to make a habit.

Don't worry...your business will pick up.

[Fur Elite]

I know you are twisting over this and it seems monumental due to your lack of business currently, but overall this is just a tiny drop in the sea of your current and future business. Don't spend any more time worrying about it. Either way, the decision you made or didn't make will have no long or even short time effects on your business. Besides, with your luck the one of the dogs would have nipped you, you would have needed to seek medical help and then a big mess would ensue. You did fine, don't worry.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Terry, Hamlin is a tiny town, and I would assume that a tiny town shop at home is going to take a while to get rolling. Don't give up, it will slowly build up.

What is RC church by the way? I think "RC Cola" when I think RC, lol.

Tammy in Utah

[Terry]

Terry, Hamlin is a tiny town, and I would assume that a tiny town shop at home is going to take a while to get rolling. Don't give up, it will slowly build up.

What is RC church by the way? I think "RC Cola" when I think RC, lol.

Tammy in Utah

Roman Catholic LOL There's a lot of 'em out this way!!

And I'm not giving up, just discouraged sometimes, and impatient all the time! <rolleyes!>

[cassidy1]

Try every day to mention your business to atleast 3 new people. Sounds hokey but the more your out there talking it up, the quicker the ball will get rolling. Maybe try and volunteer your services to a shelter for the day, visit the local vets and introduce yourself. Say hello to other people walking their dogs and try and work it into a conversation. Spend some money advertising in your local paper, sometimes it costs money to make money. It will come together!!

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Oh, DUH! Roman Catholic. I should know that. Been to a few midnight masses, and even here in "Mormon country," we have a lot of RC Churches here too.

So are you feeling any better today? I hate that discouraged feeling.

Tammy in Utah

[Poodlepuff]

Huh?

Ok, I don't understand the "breeder is holding the certificates until they get altered" thing. Lol. She sounds very, uh, INTERESTING.

First off, no, for my own safety, I wouldn't have accepted the dogs into my salon. Secondly, I wouldn't spend any more time worrying...I would just check back with the priest periodically to see if he has gotten the certificates...no biggie. Last of all, NO veterinarian in his/her right mind will perform ANY surgical procedure on an animal who has no proof of vaccination (believe me, I worked for one for years). No vet will take on that kind of liability. So, her comment about not giving up the proof of vaccine doesn't even make sense. Sounds like she probably didn't get them vaccinated and what will end up happening is the vet the priest decides to go to will simply re-vaccinate them if she refuses proof of vaccine.

[Terry]

So are you feeling any better today? I hate that discouraged feeling.

Tammy in Utah

Yes, I did have one new dog today - 7F cocker - nice dog and he was a referral!
also, two new dogs tomorrow and two on Saturday. It is picking up slowly, but like I said, I'm impatient! After all, I started in this new career at the age of 50, so I don't have a whole lot of time! Plus, I really love being with the dogs and meeting and talking to the people, so I feel very neglected when no one comes around! (I hope that doesn't sound too pathetic, I don't really mean it that way. I just love this dog grooming stuff and want to be doing it!!!!)

[redbird]

My goal

My goal my first month in business is to go and do at least one dog a day even if its one of my own.
I did my own dogs mon and tues.
I did two poodle pups wed.
Did a great pyr. Yestereday and will do another today. (she even has two more I may get)
Have a possib. on a bischon Sat.
leads that say they will on four yorkis, and two other cockapoos.
I am on track for the next week or so, so that is good with me.
My next goal is one a day of anydog but my own.
I can only go up from there.
I will put an add in the yellow pages by the end of april.
Have you done that?
If you just do the county you live in its only like a dog a month.
THe yellow pages on line is FREE!
Get your fliers everywhere.
Tell everybody you know.
If there is no business DO something.
Every time I have ever prayed for God to help me, he tells me to
get off my butt and DO something too. Working together I am
making my goals.

[Soap]

Girl, you are sooo going to Hell. Just kidding. You did the right thing.

Hang in there! Spring is here and I'm sure things will pick up for you soon.