Hair off the Dog NI

26/10/2022

Warning: I understand pregnancy announcements can be upsetting for some who are struggling so out of respect I'll keep details brief.

Hi all,

This is such a bittersweet post for me to write but the time has come to share some news with you all: in early March my partner Tamas and I will be welcoming our first baby.

Unfortunately, due to a few circumstances including running costs rising so suddenly and me working alone with a growing bump, I've made the difficult decision to close the business at the end of December.

I've had such an incredible 6 years with Hair off the Dog and I've absolutely loved building relationships with you and your dogs, who I am going to miss so very much ❤

This isn't goodbye forever, I'm planning to keep most of my equipment so I can reopen elsewhere after I've enjoyed some time being a first time mammy.

In the meantime, I hope I'll see you all before Christmas and please send me a text or WhatsApp to book in- I'll be working hard to fit everyone in before I head off.

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much to every one of you who's made this chapter of life so interesting and wonderful 😊

I'll be sure to keep you updated on when I hope to reopen, and any other updates in the meantime, so will keep the page open.

Emily x

30/03/2022

Hi everyone 👋

A heads up that from 1st April there will be a price increase: I've held off on this for as long as possible but, as you know, everything has gone up in price so much that to be able to keep the lights on and keep going it's my only option.

I promise to keep prices competitive and, now that everything has opened up properly, I plan to attend more seminars and shows to continue to learn and provide the best service I can.

At the moment, I'm fully booked up until 20th April so encourage everyone to make their next appointment each time they're in...

I don't, for one moment, take your support for granted and thank you so much for all your understanding ❤

Please text/WhatsApp 07955200555 to make an appointment.

Emily 😊

25/01/2022

Hi,

I have 2 cancellations tomorrow: 12.45 and 2.30pm. Send me a text or WhatsApp to book 07955200555 🙂

Did you catch this article in Belfast Live highlighting our wonderful village? You might see some faces you recognise 😅

"It's a very nice, welcoming community and has a lot going on with everything that people need right here"

31/12/2021

I would like to wish all of you a very happy new year full of health, happiness and prosperity ✨

This has been a year full of the highest highs, and the lowest lows, but I'm so deeply grateful for you continuing to allow me to take care of your very important family members, it's been an honour 😊

I have managed to catch Covid unfortunately (barely any symptoms thankfully 🤞) so I'll need to delay opening by just a couple of days, so I'll be reopening again on Thursday- I'll be in touch with everyone booked in before then after you've all enjoyed your New Year's Eve.

See you in 2022!

Emily x

16/12/2021

In memory of Barry, who passed over the rainbow bridge 3 years ago today.

Sometimes a dog will come in for a groom and you can tell they are just different and something special...that was Baz! Have a read of his backstory, what a character he was 😅

I truly miss seeing him and I often think of him, as I know my friend Lauren who took him in at the ripe old age of 14 through Friends Of Rescue does ❤

I'll post a photo in the comments of him all fluffed up!

03/12/2021

Hi all,

A couple of appointments available next week so if you'd like to get an appointment before the mad Christmas rush then send me a text or what's 07955200555 🙂

Photo of gorgeous cockapoo pup Izzy!

22/11/2021

22/11/2021

I want to thank Joe at Syro Digital NI so much for building me a brand sparkly new website- I'm so chuffed with how it's turned out! https://hairoffthedogni.co.uk/

It feels like the right time to give everything a bit of a refresh and this is a great start 🙂

Please take a look at the new website and give their page a follow as it's always great to support local business.

Also, we now have gift vouchers available if you'd like to treat someone's pooch for Christmas 🎄

Taking care of dogs as if they were our own. Welcome to Hair Off The Dog NI! Treat your pet to the ultimate pampering and grooming experience at our cosy salon in Whiteabbey Village. We offer a selection of bespoke pet-grooming services to ensure that your precious companion looks and feels its very...

18/11/2021

Thought I'd share something I came across tonight from when I was in P3! Always been a bit dog obsessed and looking through my 'busy books' this definitely was 'my best writing' 😅

17/11/2021

Hi all,

I've been holding off on writing this post this year to get as many regular customers booked in as possible but just a heads up for anyone who needs an appointment before Christmas...

I only have a few spaces left in the couple of weeks before so please send me a text or WhatsApp to 07955200555 and days and times that work best and I'll get you booked in (Facebook messages don't always come through).

Unfortunately I can't take any new customers that haven't been groomed with me before, just in the 2 weeks prior to Christmas, as these appointments are reserved for regulars 🙂

I'll be opening Monday-Saturday 9am onwards.

Thanks!

30/09/2021

***Appointment taken***

I have a cancellation tomorrow at 4.30pm if anyone has a small/medium dog in need of a full groom, or a lab or collie type who needs a deshed like our Alfie here 😊

Just send a text or WhatsApp to 07955200555 📱

14/09/2021

Today I came close to closing the doors for good.

First of all, I'm sorry in advance to 90% of people reading this post but I now have no choice but to change the way I'm running things.

In the past week (that's 5 working days) I've lost almost £300 in no show appointments and last minute cancellations. I'm working alone now, for the time being, so it doesn't take a lot of maths to work out that this is a serious hit to the business.

It's upsetting and, frankly, quite insulting.

Now, I totally understand that people forget sometimes or there are unforeseen circumstances but what I can't accept is someone contacting me an hour before their appointment with 'I had to wait 7 days so I just decided to do it myself' or 'I forgot to move the appointment'. Things are unsettled, I get it, but we've been living with COVID now for over a year and a half so let's try to get it together with our new normal.

From this morning, the following will be in place:

✔a 50% deposit on booking for new customers
✔50% of appointment paid if cancelled within 24 hours prior to said appointment
✔100% of appointment paid if no show

I HATE writing stuff like this but I don't think many people would have the nerve do this with their hairdresser or beautician so I'd really appreciate the same respect, as I think I show to all my wonderful customers 🙏 if not I'll have no choice but to close the doors.

I promise to flood the page with positivity from now on 🥰

Thanks everyone x

20/07/2021

As we all know, it's really REALLY hot this week.

With the dryers on in the salon it's way worse! (Not for me, I've somehow developed a thick skin for it and only realise when customers come in and can't understand how I haven't passed out 😅)

I'm considering clipping and bathing dogs that are booked in after midday this week, giving them a quick dry, and sending them home damp...it often takes 45 minutes or more to dry them and it's just too much for them to stand in this heat. That won't count for short haired breeds or shaved dogs as the drying time will be far shorter.

I'm hoping also to move older dogs to the morning slots so can I ask anyone who doesn't have an older dog to please be understanding if I need to move appointments around? I know most will be grand but I'll make all calls tomorrow when I look at the diary and I can also work around your plans 🙂

It will be an inconvenience and I'm sorry about that but I also don't want to take any risks with the dogs in my care.

Lastly, if you need an appointment please text or WhatsApp me so I can call you back when I have a moment as I'm working alone and Facebook messenger is really playing up so I'm not receiving all messages, or getting them days later.

*photo of Clemmie having a bath and feeling furious about it!

Thanks so much,

Emily 😊

16/07/2021

https://www.facebook.com/1435121203391827/posts/2972031879700744/

If you're in over the next couple of weeks, or even past that, instead of tipping please consider donating to this very worthy cause.

If you have a few quid spare, even better, rescues are massively struggling at the moment with the boom of puppy farming etc during lockdown.

I've seen first hand how incredible this mother-daughter duo are and we even adopted our Delilah from Paws and People (they produce some bloody brilliant dogs in my opinion!)

What they do is nothing short of amazing ❤

Without sugar coating it, we really need financial help at the moment. We are very quickly running out of money, our main vets have had to increase their prices which means our bills also increase with each vaccine and microchip.💉 Our public liability insurance is once again due payment and it's ...

26/04/2021

Hello everyone,

Unfortunately my granny is very unwell and we'll be closed for this week at least, as we're spending time with her as a family.

I'll be in touch with anyone that has an appointment this week and we'll reschedule as soon as we know what the situation is.

Thank you for your understanding and if you need a future appointment please text 07955200555 and I'll be in touch in due course.

Shireen and Emily x

26/02/2021

We seem to be having issues with our business messenger app. I'm not sure what the cause is but working on fixing it- if you've sent us a Facebook message that i haven't replied to could you please send me a text on 07955200555 and ill get back to you ASAP. Many thanks 😊

02/12/2020

Following yet another change of tune...we are allowed to reopen.

However, in the belief that I had some time to get things sorted, I sent our blades and scissors to be sharpened and sent my dog in for major surgery on her hip today (which I would have waited to do until January in normal circumstances).

As I sit here with a very sad and sorry 9 year old pooch on crate rest I can't reasonably leave her, for at least a few days, to go back to work. I hope so badly we'll be back to it on Monday but will be in touch to rearrange over the next few days.

I say it every time but thank you so much everyone for being so understanding 💕

Emily

26/11/2020

Hi everyone,

Unfortunately it's not good news, according to the Executive we are now required to close business for now.

I'll be in touch with everyone this weekend who is booked in over the next couple of weeks.

To say we're annoyed and upset is a bit of an understatement considering this issue was taken to the final hour but, like so many others, we'll soldier on and can't wait to see you in the run up to Christmas, decorations up and raring to go!

Sending you all health and well-being,

Shireen & Emily x

20/11/2020

Just been on the phone with our local MP's office and they are unsure as to whether we can remain open during the next lockdown- they have promised to call me as soon as they have clarity on this.

We're truly upset for our fellow business owners who are being subjected to yet another lockdown, especially those who have been in limbo and stress over the past weeks and months. We certainly won't be complaining either way as we're one of the few lucky ones who have had a chance in all this.

It's incredibly important that we follow the rules to give everyone the best chance coming up to Christmas 🎄

Thank you all so much for the continued support and hopefully I'll have good news to report in the next few days 🤞

30/10/2020

We often have some brilliant dogs on the table but Blanco was just the dream queen 👸 A year old and first time being groomed but she just knew exactly what to do! Such a character 😂 look at that gorgeous face 😍

24/10/2020

How beautiful is this wreath?! 😍

Kiri and the lovely Luther have been with us since we opened and as soon as I saw her new business on Instagram I knew I had to order one of these for the salon. Take a look at her page Blooming Hoops and you'll be able to admire her work in the salon in the run up to Christmas.

Do you have a local/small business? Whether you work from home or otherwise, post a link to your page in the comments and maybe it will give people some gift inspiration and allow us all to help out our community in these horrible times 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/106249901270101/posts/110599920835099/

14/10/2020

Just to reassure everyone, we are one of the lucky- and grateful- businesses that will remain open under the new restrictions (unless anything changes or we are told otherwise). Thank you 😊

25/08/2020

Hi everyone,

From 1st September 2020, we will be increasing our prices.

This is something we had planned to do in April but, for obvious reasons, we couldn't and unfortunately we can't put it off any longer. It has been 2 and a half years since we last changed our pricing so this will be an increase of approximately £5-6 per dog.

We totally understand that this is a strange and difficult time for everyone so we really appreciate your understanding and support, especially in the last few months ❤

Thank you 🐶

19/08/2020

Been caught doing this more than a few times 😂
https://www.theonion.com/dog-hopes-he-doesn-t-get-stuck-with-chatty-groomer-agai-1844731422

PHOENIX, AZ—Expressing frustration with how badly his undercoat and tail got messed up the last time, local schnauzer Jellybean Hicks confirmed Tuesday that he hoped he wouldn’t get stuck with the chatty groomer again. “Oh my god, I’m telling you, the woman who was in charge of shearing me l...

22/05/2020

Hi everyone,

We are finally reopening tomorrow! I'm still calling people on the list as I'm waiting to hear back from several and dont want to give their appointments away without giving them a chance to reply- I'm aiming to be in touch with everyone by the end of the weekend!

If you have managed to get an appointment with another groomer I totally understand but could you drop me a message to let me know so I can give your space to someone else? I hope we'll see you again if this is the case and thank you so much for your patience if you're holding on for us.

We have all appropriate PPE in place and drop-off will go as follows:

- please sanitise hands on entering and when leaving the salon, it will be available by the main door

- if you can put your dog in the cage in reception or, if your dog doesn't like cages, there is a slip lead attached to the wall by the gate that you can put onto them

- remove your dog's lead when they are secured and don't forget to bring it back on collection

- as soon as you leave we'll go straight out to get them, this is to minimise human-to-human contact as much as possible and keep everyone safe, while making sure your dog isn't waiting outside the grooming area

-we will disinfect the reception area in between each appointment

When you pick them up we'll have them on a slip lead, pass them through the gate, close it, and you can then put their lead back on. I'll call 30 minutes before they are ready and please be on time to pick up.

We have a perspex screen over the counter so we can then take card or cash payment from the other side of the screen.

Obviously this is not an ideal situation but we can only work as long as we're healthy so intend to take every precaution to make sure we all stay safe 👍

We will try our very best to keep to their usual cut and style but if they need to be shaved, please be understanding about this as we have so many dogs to fit in, whilst staggering appointments and cleaning, changing PPE in between etc 🙂 I'll always call to let you know before we shave any dog or deviate from their usual style.

Finally, PLEASE do not come into the salon to make an appointment or enquiry- send me a text and I'll try to get back to you asap (I'm bombarded at the moment and trying so hard to make it work for everyone). Drop off and pick up only in the salon at this time 😊

Thank you so much for reading this ridiculously long post and cant wait to see your pooches in the coming weeks and months ❤

13/05/2020

Hi all,

Thank you for your patience, I know I've been terrible at updating you but it's been hard to know what to do for the best. So...

We're opening NEXT WEEK, however, it will be midweek as a lot of the PPE hasn't arrived yet, we're having a screen installed over the counter and we want to do a big deep clean before we open again.

We also need to give the first appointments to the dogs we know have health conditions, are elderly and who desperately need it: this won't take long but please bear with us while we get to those that need us most 💙 after that, we'll be working flat out through our list!

I'm going to start calling people this week and if you have text/messaged I will get to you, I promise!

Things will be very different and unfortunately we won't be able to give the same face-to-face customer service that we have enjoyed so much about this business in the past, but know that your dogs will have the best, stress-free and loving service that we always aim to provide.

I'm afraid I'll have to do another post next week with new instructions on dropping off and picking up from the salon, when we have everything in place 😊

Sending you all lots of love and stay safe & well x

07/05/2020

Hi everyone,

I've been getting a lot of messages about when we will reopen.

At present, the situation to us is as clear as mud 🙄 one thing that has become apparent is that we here in NI are treating the lockdown separately to mainland UK and so we're paying close attention to what the Executive is saying.

We are taking a responsible stance to this as, although we are desperate to get back to work, we can't and won't put lives at risk. I know that many dogs are becoming matted but please rest assured that a couple more weeks won't make the outcome of this any different- if they have to be shaved the hair will grow back and if you truly believe your dog's wellbeing is at stake then an emergency vet visit is the answer.

We'll have a definitive plan on Sunday by the looks of things and fingers crossed we'll be told we can reopen immediately...but that depends on what we are told by Arlene and Michelle, and whether we feel we are putting everyone's health as the priority 🤷‍♀️

Thank you so much for your patience and I'll update again on Sunday or Monday x

27/04/2020

P..S thanks to Tilly's mum for the great meme 😂

27/04/2020

Hello everyone,

We hope you're keeping safe and well 😊 Thank you for bearing with us in what is a very unusual and confusing time for everyone!

We currently have a long...very long...appointment list for when we reopen, whenever that may be. If you had an appointment which had to be cancelled due to lockdown then you dont have to do anything, we'll call you as soon as we know when we're opening again- likewise if you have messaged me already then you're already on the list to be contacted...sit tight.

If you would like to be added (its approx. 3 weeks long currently!) then please just send me a message on Facebook or a text to 07955200555 with your dog's name, breed and your contact number then we'll get you added and sorted one way or another.

Stay safe and stay at home, if you can: we can't wait to see you and shave all your matted and hairy dogs/fix some interesting home grooms when this is over 😉😂

Shireen & Emily x

23/03/2020

Hi everyone,

Following much discussion and debate within our family over the weekend, we have decided to close with immediate affect and will reassess the situation in 2 weeks time.

We had planned to continue working for as long as possible but, realistically, it would be remiss and irresponsible of us to remain open under current conditions- especially as most other businesses in the village are now also closed.

As well as taking our customers' wellbeing into consideration, we need to protect vulnerable members of our own family.

Any current bookings will be given precedent when we open again and we'll be in touch with all of you.

Thank you very, very much for your support and we wish all of you the very best! Please, if we can help any one of you in the meantime let us know and we will keep you updated regularly.

Shireen & Emily x