i love this foum

[MindysMuddyPaws]

I was browsing the web last night and found this forum. It's soo cool to read stories from other groomers that make me smile and laugh and say, "yup, I've seen that, or done that or know what your talking about"!
Woke up this morning, dragged my butt (no gland problems so dont go there) to the computer and came straight here!
I come from a large family of Dog lovers.. Had them all my life, have an Aunt who retired as a master trainer for Guide Dog's for the Blind.
I never thought of becomming a dog groomer and actually gave my (x-wife) grief about spending money taking our dog to a groomer when I can do it at home for free.. I can put a shih-tzu in the tub and clip it's hair..
I was in the US Navy as the Ships Barber for about 10 years and figured, if I can cut a Sailors head, out at sea in a rockin and rollin ship, I can cut a dog.
(actually, I say.. "sailors head.. dog's butt..same thing!" hehe!)
Boy was I wrong. The steady up and down, left and right motions of a ship are far different than a poodle freaking out doing the alligator death roll on my table. But I had a good and patient teacher and now 6 years later, I own my own grooming shop.
I am still learning almost everyday how to become a better groomer and from what i've read on this forum has already provided me with some new ideas and techniques.. for that, I thank you all.
I have bookmarked this forum near the top of my favorite places and will be back here often to share my stories, offer my suggestions and make fun of cat people!

~Steve (mindysmuddypaws.com) I just made my website a couple days ago and am excited about it.

[rapuzzled]

Welcome! I too love this board, and can't believe all that I have learned here over the years!
Oh, btw, I checked out your site! Very cool, great job. I especially love the idea of a grooming cam.

[hairdevil]

hey!! welcome to the board! you will rofl at some of these posts!! especially doug's!! I like your phrase "alligator death roll"!!!! that sums it up pretty good!!! have fun on here!!
cheri

[DAPER DAWG]

Welcome- I haven't had a chance to check out your website yet. Where are you located? I just passed a muddy paws while out for a drive in Durham Ct but didn't notice it said Mindy's.

[DAPER DAWG]

Never mind checked out the website

I see your in oregon. So that whole house is your grooming salon? Very nice looking.

[MindysMuddyPaws]

Welcome! I too love this board, and can't believe all that I have learned here over the years!
Oh, btw, I checked out your site! Very cool, great job. I especially love the idea of a grooming cam.

you know what i 'really' like about the grooming cam? it keep's the groomer's honest! let's face it, we've all had frustrating dogs and i've seen some things i wont mention here..
Just knowing the cam is there should make them think before they react!

[Angie]

Welsome, this place is awesome. Its nice to come to a place where we are all in the same boat. or close to it.
have fun!
Angie

[MindysMuddyPaws]

I see your in oregon. So that whole house is your grooming salon? Very nice looking.

yea, it's 101 years old and was built by the railroad. The track's go right down the middle of our street a couple timeas a day and one at 2:am :-|
it's been a Railroad boarding house, antique store, another groomer at one time,bed and brekfast, another antique store and back to a groomer for Many years to come!
of course, unless a meteor falls from space and

[rapuzzled]

you know what i 'really' like about the grooming cam? it keep's the groomer's honest! let's face it, we've all had frustrating dogs and i've seen some things i wont mention here..
Just knowing the cam is there should make them think before they react!

Yes, you're absolutely right. I have never had to work in a situation where people could see me groom. I wonder how many of my techniques I would have to change. What looks fine to a groomer, might look cruel to a pet owner, you know?

[MindysMuddyPaws]

Yes, you're absolutely right. I have never had to work in a situation where people could see me groom. I wonder how many of my techniques I would have to change. What looks fine to a groomer, might look cruel to a pet owner, you know?

Very True! and I've had people tell me they stood outside down the street and watched me with their dog.. and were Greatly pleased with how kindly i treated thier dog.

Another benefit of the cam will be that in my town we have the sales and Service dept of the big Motor Coaches you see millionairs,retirees, musicians, sports and movie stars travel in..
Well alot of these people own dogs and come to town for their Services.. They plan their trips, look for groomers along the way..
The cam is a great and somewhat novel way for them to check us out!

(now to just get it working properly)

[rapuzzled]

(now to just get it working properly)

I saw that, lol. The cute little under construction pic with the comment from you about not knowing how to get it to work. Too funny!

[FurFeathersFins]

Steve, Just checked your site and it is adorable. I love the photo of the dog who is "glad to be here", it made me chuckle. I also like the idea of a dogcam, it must make owners feel very safe to leave their pet.

I am months away from starting school no less a business, but I am enjoying this place as a learning atmosphere and stocking away all of the great ideas.

Welcome and keep on posting!

[Gracy Rose]

Welcome, I am always surprised that even when I am EXHAUSTED that I can find time to play on the board.

[MindysMuddyPaws]

alot of what I enjoy here is the conversation.. I work alone all day and constantly find my self talking to or singing (in the bathtub) to dog's all day long.. While i love most of the lil 4-legged piranha's, they just arent great conversationalist's.. I miss having co-workers if not simply for the assistance they provide..
It's nice to have a place to chat with likeminded people..
My wife loves dogs.. She helps me on Saturdays when she's off for the day by taking phone calls, and maybe helping me with a wiggler for a few minutes.. But that's about it.. I cant talk to her about gland's because she turns green... she's never clipped a single dog toenail in her life.. Pick up a poo pile?? not on MY life :|
So events of a groomers day are not her thing.. As im not terribly interested in the daily happenings of my local pharmacy.
But we do share one common analgy.. the Customers.. Sometimes we both have the same customer in a day and some are real characters..

Last thing before i run downstairs to field-day the house and yard I wanted to point out another part of this site i found that just blew me away..

The Miracle Pet Makover.. To be Honest, I wish I never get to enter that contest..

but when I have had possible entries, the ONLY reward to me is that look from the dog that say's "Thank You!" THAT is why i do this!

[Cosette]

Hi Steve,
Welcome and glad you found us! I too groom in my home and work alone so I know what you mean about enjoying the conversation with other groomers. This board is a great place to share stories with people who understand.
Sheri