Underdog & Co.

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Underdog & Co.

Dog Grooming Salon
(13)

07/18/2024

This hunka hunka love is Presley and and he’s so much more than a hound dog to us 😍

07/11/2024

Someone call the cops. I’m sure being this cute is a crime.

06/18/2024

MISGENDERING/DEADNAMING PART 2 (what not to do!)

So you’ve misgendered or deadnamed someone, here’s What NOT to do!

✨DONT make a huge deal about apologies! When we misgender someone, our first instinct might be to apologize. We hurt someone, so an apology feels like the natural next step. However, we are so conditioned to say “It’s okay” when someone offers an apology, and trans people are specifically conditioned to feel as if their identity is burdensome. Misgendering someone causes harm, even if it is an accident. It’s more impactful to say “Thank you” when corrected because we are acknowledging the error without drawing extra attention onto ourselves.
If you truly feel the need to apologize, please make it brief and move on. When people over apologize or make a really big deal out of the situation, it can make things more uncomfortable for the person who was misgendered. It’s also not the responsibility of the person we misgender to absolve us of our guilt. Guilt is definitely a valid emotion to have when we mess up! However, please don’t let guilt take over the moment.

✨DONT centre yourself! The absolute last thing a trans or nonbinary person needs to be hearing is how difficult their identity is for others. It’s ok to make mistakes, but centering yourself and your emotions when your mistakes have caused upset is not the move. Saying things like “this is just so hard for me” or “I’ve always known you as…” may indeed be true, but passing the guilt you feel for slipping up on to the human in front of you, is not a kind way to move forward from the unfortunate slip. When you approach these interactions like this, what you’re really saying is “your identity is an inconvenience. I shouldn’t have to change how I refer to you. Valuing your identity is a burden on me and the REAL inconvenience here is me having to change which pronouns I use to refer to you. And you don’t want to say that do you? No, of course you don’t.

I hope that this 2 part series on misgendering/deadnaming has been helpful and that you have a gay day!

06/15/2024

Nikki would like to wish all the homophobes an uncomfortable month.

🌈

06/12/2024

A handy guide to misgendering!

So you’ve misgendered someone or perhaps more distressingly, deadnamed them, now what!

Accidents happen, but there are definitely ways that we can minimize impact. I say minimize because there always will be some impact when this sort of thing occurs, but we can approach what follows intentionally so as to not worsen it. How to proceed is of course situational, but here are a few scenarios to start!

✨Scenario 1 : you’ve misgendered /deadnamed someone and been corrected by them or someone else in the moment.

1. Say thank you! It takes courage to correct someone who’s misgendered you, and if that correction is met with awkward silence it’s going to feel much worse.

2. Rephrase with the correct pronouns/name. This part is key and while simple is often overlooked. It will build so much personal capital with someone if you acknowledge the mistake by fixing it right in the conversation. This accomplishes two things: It shows the person we misgendered that we recognize our mistake AND that we care enough to fix it rather than gloss over it.

3. Move on with the conversation. No need to dwell and hold the focus of the conversation on the upsetting part.

✨Scenario 2: you’ve realized you’ve misgendered/deadnamed someone AFTER the conversation.

1. A quick text/email of acknowledgement!

We’ve all had that moment when we realize we said something wrong after a conversation. This often happens when folx misgender others. We don’t always realize in the moment, and are not always corrected. If we realize we made a mistake, a quick text or email acknowledging that mistake can mean a lot. We can avoid additional harm, and validate the other parties identity by naming the error and committing to doing better in the future.

It’s important to note that trans people are not a monolith and not every person will appreciate this. Some folks might not want to relive the moment. The best way to figure this out is to ask the person how we can support them if we make mistake. Remember, Respecting people’s identity is the bare minimum we can do. Yes, there will probably be times where we mess up, but how we respond to those mistakes is critical.

06/11/2024

“When you hear of Gay Pride, remember, it was not born out of a need to celebrate being gay.

It evolved out of our need as human beings to break free of oppression and to exist without being criminalized, pathologized or persecuted.

Depending on a number of factors, particularly religion, freeing ourselves from gay shame and coming to self-love and acceptance, can not only be an agonising journey, it can take years.
Tragically some don’t make it.

Instead of wondering why there isn’t a straight pride be grateful you have never needed one.”

- Anthony Venn-Brown

06/09/2024

Hope you’re getting your sniffs in this weekend 🌈

06/07/2024

Gender neutral pronouns are a hot subject lately. I see lots of debate about the functionality and validity of singular they as a personal pronoun. Grammar is by far the most common argument against singular they that I see, and while I am of the mind that people are more important than grammar, using they for one person is not only grammatically doable but historically prevalent. Did you know that singular they outdates singular you? Shakespeare, Chaucer and Austen all used they/them pronouns for singular ppl and I bet you do too without even noticing. Let’s try an excercise: if I say to you “you’ll never guess what the cashier at the store told me” what would you respond? Even though there is only one cashier I bet you’d be comfortable responding with “what did they say”. The truth is we use singular they all the time for people of unknown gender which makes it a spectacular pronoun for nonbinary humans (or anyone else who finds it affirming).

Even if we ignore all of that, even if singular they was grammatically incorrect, the real truth is, it wouldn’t matter. Language is ✨made up✨. Grammar rules are manufactured. We just decided that these sounds and shapes mean specific things and it’s up to us to decide what we say (and how we treat people). Language is ✨artificial✨, people are ✨real✨.

Now I know that they/them pronouns can feel cumbersome in a lot of sentences and that it takes work and extra brain space to work them into some conversations. But I promise you, it gets easier with time and I promise that you can do it. Practice makes perfect. Do you have a nonbinary person in your life and you’re having a challenging time? Practice at home, before you see them. Practice talking about your loved one in short sentences like “could they be cuter!?” Or “how did they get so cute!?” You have to be intentional to improve so rope in a family member or friend to practice, I promise it makes an enbie heart skip a beat every time we’re gendered correctly, but if you make a mistake, ITS OK! A quick correction means the world too ❤️

As always I love talking about this stuff, so if you’re reading this and want to know more, or need advice, I’m your theybie baby 😜

06/06/2024

The winners have been published and y’all came through! have been voted top dog for the 4th year in a row! To say I am thrilled and honoured is an understatement. This community and this shop is so precious to me and your dogs own real estate in my heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting my big dream and my little shop.

Congrats to all of the winners and nominees, that’s quite a top 4 to be a part of 😍🌈❤️

06/05/2024

PRIDE IS A PROTEST

Over the years, Pride Month has evolved into an international celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, Pride is not merely a party but a time to stand in solidarity, protest, and commemorate the anniversary of Stonewall— the birth of Pride. July 28, 1969, outside the Stonewall Inn in New York City, riots ignited. At that time, it was still a crime to be gay. The Stonewall Inn was an underground scene, one of the few establishments where gay men, drag queens, and trans people found community. But police often raided these establishments — brutalizing and humiliating people. Those arrested often found their photos in newspapers and lost housing, jobs, and families. On that night in 1969, the community had enough, and a raid turned into a riot. It is unclear who pushed back first, but Marsh P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, is often attributed to being the first to resist.

Pride was born as a protest and remains a protest. Despite much work and slow progress, q***r people remain under attack. Worldwide, countries have leaders who villainize q***rs and enact anti-LGBTQ laws for political gain. Some American states are so hostile that human rights organizations are issuing travel warnings, Drag events have been banned, targeted with violence, and hateful rhetoric is being circulated by politicians globally. In fact the Conservative Party of Canada recently voted to add policies limiting access to gender affirming healthcare to their playbook. Given that q***r lives are still under attack, it’s important to maintain the protest.

It’s easy to think Pride has become simply a big party, but Pride never stopped being political and a protest even as some members of our community find safety and tolerance shifts to acceptance for the select few. But Pride is also a celebration: it’s a celebration of liberation. Some who went through AIDS & years of gay bashing feel they earned the party, and they have, but there are members of our community who still face danger. Trans people, q***rs of colour, and many others have never been able to enjoy Pride as simply a party. Do not begrudge anyone their party, a party and a protest can be the same thing.

06/02/2024

Remember that time I told you that Friday was your last chance to vote for us for your favourite dog groomers? Well I lied to you. Right to your face. Can you believe that?! Anyways, today is the actual last day to vote for your favourite liars 👀👀 (link in bio)

06/01/2024

Happy first day of Pride folx! If you’ve been here for a minute you already know me but for those of you who are new here, allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Bailey (they/them) and I am the incredibly proud owner of . Being a Q***r human I have grown up in a world that lacks visibility, representation and safety and in the face of that, I continue to insist on being visible, being open and representing my community loudly and proudly.

Last year, in addition to making sure the dogs of Waterdown were decked out in rainbow accessories, we did something a little different and you all loved it! So again this year, all month long, every post will include a pride related caption. There will be education, quotes, Q***r joy and a healthy level of Q***r ranting 🌈✨🌈

Underdog & Co. Is Q***r owned, Q***r Operated, and (mostly) Q***r employed. This is a safe space and I would like to take this time to welcome all those who need a safe space into our shop. Do you need to step inside to avoid harassment? You’re welcome here. Need a gender neutral washroom? We’ve got you. Family doesn’t accept you entirely? We’re your family now, take your vitamins and drink some water. Someone said something unkind? Come on in and we’ll make sure you know exactly how incredible you are because you ARE incredible.

It’s no surprise that it’s once again been an alarmingly dangerous year for q***rness, between misinformation, fear-mongering and renewed conspiracies causing irreparable harm to q***r kids and adults everywhere. Despite that we’re not going anywhere, and we won’t be erased. So just like the original Pride, this Pride will be a protest. I am protesting hate, homophobia, transphobia and bigotry.

While this is a safe space for q***r humans it is NOT a safe space for hate. If you have identified yourself as an unsafe person or align yourself with anti-q***r propaganda you are completely unwelcome in my shop. Full stop. We don’t want your money and you can be confident that it will be made abundantly clear should you attempt an entrance. Hate has no home here.

Happy pride my darlings, smile, tell a q***r person you love them, and have a gay day 🌈✨🌈

05/30/2024

Suns out tongues out! Have you voted for your favourite grooming shop yet? Tomorrow is your last day to vote so check out the link in our bio! (Unless you’re voting for someone else, in which case I suggest voting on Saturday 😜😜😘)

05/18/2024

Whatever you do, do NOT go to our bio, do NOT click the link, and do NOT vote for us for best grooming shop in Flamborough. We’re known hair thieves and we stole all this hair from Donna. How dare.

05/15/2024

It’s kinda funny how often I get the overwhelming urge to cuddle my phone screen 😍

05/14/2024

Griffin would like you to vote for us for worst pet groomer in Flamborough because not only did we give him a bath AND clip his nails, but then Bailey MADE him walk back close to the bathtub AGAIN to get his harness and leash. THE AUDACITY. (Link in bio)

05/11/2024

A dream on your screen 😍

05/09/2024

He really knows how to work those puppy dog eyes. Sorry my dude, your Mom paid us to do this to you 🥲

05/03/2024

I am once again asking for your vote!

Four out of four baby! We have been nominated for the fourth year in a row for your favourite grooming salon in Flamborough. To say I am honoured doesn’t come close. The community in Waterdown is precisely why I wanted to land here and the Underdog community that has been built since I embarked on this journey in 2020 truly feels like family. Your dogs are ingrained in our hearts, and we come to work every day feeling blessed to care for them.

Thank you for nominating us, from the bottom of my heart. And thank you in advance for your votes. It would mean the world to add another “Platinum Winner” sticker to our front window. The link to vote is in the bio! Have ‘atter and please tell your dog we said hi!

04/27/2024

Oh no!! I am lost!!

Do you know my family?

found this morning on highway 6 near Safari Rd.

He is currently safe with Hamilton Animal Services.

04/23/2024

Puppy makeovers anyone?! Swipe to see Kenzo go from ragamuffin to royalty 😍

04/16/2024

Allow me to introduce you to the newest owner of a piece of my heart, phoebe 😍

04/09/2024

A politer sit was never sat.

04/06/2024

My littlest baby turned 17 this week! What a milestone to celebrate! We count ourselves lucky every day that you are around to make us crazy! Happy birthday Pan! You are one heck of a firecracker.

03/23/2024

I was under the impression she was unable to stand still, and then the camera came out and Twyla knew exactly what to do.

03/20/2024

The definition of puppy dog eyes 😍

03/15/2024

Giving Bailey is boring vibes.

03/01/2024

I think we need a bigger table 😅😅 (she’s only 10 months 👀👀)

02/23/2024

Look in to my eyes, you want to give me aaaallll the treatos.

02/08/2024

Someone is looking quite dapper after his first puppy intro groom and I think he knows it 😍

Address

Waterdown, ON

Telephone

+19059717789

Website

http://www.underdogandco.ca/

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Videos

NAIL TRIMMING 102

SOUND UP :This is what happens when you give your girlfriend complete creative control over a tiktok. Sorry not sorry. #Ridiculousness #SorryNotSorry #SitPretty #SitPrettyGrooms #WeMayNotBeBigButWereSmall #ItTakesAVillage #ShopSmall #ShoplLocal #WaterdownVillage #ItsADogsLife #DogOfTheDay #Pampered #SpawDayAllDay #BestJobEver #Pawdicure #iLikeBigMuttsAndICannotlLe #PuppyLove #DogoCrew #GoodestDog

Reba’s got movement and I am here for it. #Corded #PuliParty #SitPretty #SitPrettyGrooms #WeMayNotBeBigButWereSmall #ItTakesAVillage #ShopSmall #ShoplLocal #WaterdownVillage #ItsADogsLife #DogOfTheDay #Pampered #SpawDayAllDay #BestJobEver #Pawdicure #iLikeBigMuttsAndICannotlLe #PuppyLove #DogoCrew #GoodestDog

Practice makes perfect! Winnie came in for her second puppy package and was so much more comfortable than her first visit! Patience and consistency are key! #FallingInLove #PracticeMakesPerfect #SitPretty #SitPrettyGrooms #WeMayNotBeBigButWereSmall #ItTakesAVillage #ShopSmall #ShoplLocal #WaterdownVillage #ItsADogsLife #DogOfTheDay #Pampered #SpawDayAllDay #BestJobEver #Pawdicure #iLikeBigMuttsAndICannotlLe #PuppyLove #DogoCrew #GoodestDog

#comingsoon #lookout #sitpretty #sitprettygrooms #dogstagram #waterdown #ilovemyjob #doglife #dogoftheday #pamperedpooch #bestjobever #pawdicure #ilikebigmuttsandicannotlie #puppylove #dogocrew #goodestdog