Gone Dog Grooming

14/01/2025

Pooch Love

Valentine’s Day is just a month away, and Rosie is ready to steal hearts! Honestly, who needs a date when you’ve got a dog who loves you more than food (well… almost)? 🐾

Let’s face it—true love, whether human or canine, is drooly, a little smelly, and occasionally snores. ❤️🐶

Our Valentine’s Spa Specials start next week—(heart bandanas optional) but a spa is guaranteed to make your dog smell and look better than any Love Island contestant.

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐 www.gonedoggrooming.co.uk

11/01/2025

❄️ Winter Grooming Update & Cold Weather Tips ❄️

Anyone else fed up with the cold? Same here! Please remember these handy hints for colder weather:

🐾 Rinse Paws: After walks, clean off salt and grit, and don’t forget to apply paw balm regularly.
❄️ Egg Whisk Hack: Use a silicone whisk to gently remove snow clumps—especially useful for doodle and wool coats.
🔥 Stay cosy: Limit outdoor time and make sure your dog has a warm, comfy spot indoors to rest.
💧 Keep Hydrated: Always have fresh water available—snow doesn’t count (especially not the yellow kind 🤢).
🎾 Indoor Fun: Too cold outside? Play games indoors to keep your pup entertained.
🐾 Snowy Keepsakes: Snap a photo of their pawprint in the snow—adorable and less messy than ink!
🪮 Long coats with trapped undercoat can affect heat regulation and become wet and soggy.

✋ Handstripping: What Is It? ✋

Handstripping is a grooming technique where dead hair is gently plucked by hand or with special tools. When done by a qualified groomer, it’s completely painless and keeps the coat healthy and looking its best.

Now, about my handstripping thumb… If you’ve ever seen it, my right thumb has seen better days (the left-side deformation tells a tale of hard work!). To give my thumb and forefinger some TLC, I’ll be limiting handstripping appointments to two per week. Let’s be honest, my thumb may never fully recover—though maybe I’ll treat it to a manicure at some point 😂

Talking of handstrips, here are the cheeky terriers from yesterday with before and after photos. It’s always great to see spots appearing as the coat is removed ❤️. Other photo is one of the best behaved retrievers who came in for a good groom and tidy x.

Thanks for your understanding, and stay warm.

Lorrie x
📞07878230934 🌐www.gonedoggrooming.co.uk

06/01/2025

❄️ Feeling the chill? Let’s brighten things up! 🌸🐾

The weather’s been pretty grim, but last week I finally made it to the Christmas lights at Rosemoor (after two December cancellations thanks to the storms!). It was worth the wait, and I even spotted snowdrops — perfect inspiration for the January photo backdrop. After that, it’s all about Valentine’s Day for your canine love bugs! ❤️🐕

It’s back to usual opening hours from tomorrow, and I’ll be keeping hydrated with my new Feathers McGraw water bottle 🤣.

Looking forward to seeing all your lovely pups soon.

Lorrie x
📞 07878 230934 / 01769 302113
🌐 www.gonedoggrooming.co.uk

03/01/2025

If you still have your real Xmas tree and want to find a home for it…

01/01/2025

❄️ Jog on January - Day 1 ❄️
New Year’s Day, maybe a bit of a fuzzy head, and a real feel of -2°C in the rain… but day 1 is complete for my challenge to jog 26.2 miles this month for Child Bereavement UK.

Not the easiest way to kick off 2025, but it’s for a great cause. If you can, please sponsor me—every donation makes a difference!

👉 Donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1243854976711971/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Thank you for your support and Happy New Year! 🎉

Lorrie x

📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

31/12/2024

Happy New Year!

As we say goodbye to 2024, I’d like to thank all my wonderful clients, both near and far, for your continued loyalty and support. Whether you’re still visiting the salon or have moved “up country”, or your dog has sadly crossed the 🌈 bridge, you’ve been such an important part of this year, and I’m truly grateful. If you are still enjoying the Xmas chocolates, cake and cheese you are definitely one of my pack wherever you are 😂.

A huge congratulations to Jenny Brind, the winner of the Christmas photo competition! Your prize kit will be ready for collection at the end of next week, and because your dog is simply adorable, I’m including a bath and blow dry for January or February as part of the package. Well done!

Yesterday saw the last two grooms of the year, including a five-hour hand strip—my poor thumb is feeling it today! I’ll be back on the 2nd of January to kick off 2025 with a big bang (and a very big dog!).

You may have noticed a slight change to the business name—we’re now Gone Dog Grooming. This is to avoid ambiguity, definitely no guinea pigs - if you know, you know. Old email addresses, website details etc will still work, with the addition of a new landline: 01769 302 113.

Whatever your plans are this evening, stay safe and warm. Wishing you and your furry friends a happy, healthy, and joyful New Year!

Warm wishes and big hugs to all your doggies

Lorrie
xx

Gone Dog Grooming

Lorrie x
📞07878230934 /01769 302 113
🌐www.gonedoggrooming.co.uk

29/12/2024

Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm starting the New Year by taking on 26.2 miles in January and raising money for Child Bereavement UK. The link below takes you to my sponsorship page:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/1243854976711971/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Sadly, in the UK, more than 18 children and babies die each day. Child Bereavement UK support those families affected by not only the loss of a child, but also families where a child is grieving the loss of a parent or family member. They were a fantastic support to me (along with Balloons based in Exeter and Hospiscare) when my husband died in 2015, leaving me as a sole parent to a 5 year old and I wanted to make sure he had the right pre and post bereavement support in place.

If a child doesn’t get the right support, their future is bleak. They may face significant long-term challenges, including:

Emotional Struggles: Unresolved grief can lead to depression, anxiety, and difficulty managing emotions, they also are more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts or behaviours later in life.

Behavioural Issues: Acting out, social withdrawal, or engaging in risky behaviours can emerge as coping mechanisms.

Identity Challenges: The absence of a parent may hinder the development of self-confidence and identity.

Relationship Difficulties: Attachment issues and fear of loss can affect forming and maintaining healthy connections.

Academic and Career Impact: Grief may interfere with focus, motivation, and long-term success.

By providing counselling, mentorship, and a nurturing environment, Child Bereavement UK can help children process their grief, build resilience, and reduce the likelihood of these long-term impacts.

Your contribution will make a huge impact, whether you donate a lot or a little. Anything helps.

With your support, we can help more bereaved families.

Lorrie x
📞07878230934 🌐www.gonedoggrooming.co.uk

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas!

I hope you, your family, friends and dogs are having a magical day filled with love, joy, and maybe a bit of cheeky mischief (I wouldn’t be surprised if the dogs have already found their way into the wrapping paper!).

I’d love to see photos of your doggies enjoying the festivities—whether they’re dressed in their Christmas best, snoozing by the fire, or getting into the holiday fun. Feel free to share them here; they always make me smile!

Merry Christmas!
Lorrie xx
🎄🐾

📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

24/12/2024

That’s a wrap on Christmas Grooming!

Here are the last festive Xmas groom photos of 2024. Thank you so much for trusting me with your beloved dogs this year, I’m so grateful for your continued support and a special thank you to my Secret Santa – the mug is absolutely perfect and will be cherished through many tea breaks!

On a more sombre note, this time of year can be bittersweet, and I want to take a moment to send love to the families who have said goodbye to their dogs this year. Your beloved pets were so special and so deeply loved, and they leave behind such a big space in your lives. I’m incredibly grateful to those of you who allowed me the chance to say goodbye to them as well—it was an honour to have been part of their lives. My heart is with you and your families this Christmas.

Just a quick note on opening hours:
• 30th Dec: Fully booked
• 2nd Jan: Fully booked
• Open again from 7th Jan

I hope your Christmas is filled with love, warmth, and perhaps a little less fluff! If you’re not feeling particularly festive, here are some numbers of organisations that can help:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 support)
• Mind: 0300 123 3393 (mental health support)
• Shout: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (confidential text service)
• Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service: 0800 096 6606

Take care of yourselves and each other. Wishing you all a peaceful, happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Lorrie x

📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

22/12/2024

A break from Xmas and a Sunday smile for all the Cocker/Sprocker folk out there…although the list appears to be missing kleptomania of shoes/items of clothing for bedding or parading purposes..mentioning no names…Harry 😂.

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

21/12/2024

And Round 2 😍.

After this week, the next Spa Special after this week included with grooms/photos will be the Valentines Day Love Spa.

Ps - if your dog hasn’t had a Xmas Groom, but you would like a Xmas photo and your dog has been groomed at the salon I can do you a Xmas photo without the Gone Grooming back drop. PM me for details- there will be a small charge.

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

21/12/2024

Thank-you all for being so patient for your Xmas photos, as I’m sure you can appreciate it’s been a busy week, including two Handstrips, and culminating in one needy Labrador (mine) just breaking my nose 🤣. I may be sporting a festive black eye on Monday!

As there are so many, here is Round One…and Go!

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

19/12/2024

Not even 10.30am and 2 dogs done and off smelling very festive..being sensible and keeping hydrated…coffee, water and hot blackcurrant all on the go 😂. I love Xmas grooms!

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

17/12/2024

I have to say that this is me at least one day a week, if not more. Last week on Friday I sat down to lunch and thought I needed to book an appointment at Specsavers…turns out I had a big clump of golden retriever fluff attached to my eyelashes 😂

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

Day 16 ...

15/12/2024

Update - slot for tomorrow afternoon now booked.

**Xmas Grooming Slot**

Due to a client changing their appointment to the New Year, I have one Xmas grooming slot available this Tuesday afternoon. As this is a short appointment slot it would not be suitable for doodles or those with long coats. It would be more suitable for Labradors or lab type coats or Cockers/Sprockers/Springers for a groom or bath and tidy.

If you are interested please message me. It would be on a first come, first serve basis and will only be offered to those that are registered customers or those who have dogs in the kennels that day.

Thanks!

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk

Compassionate Dog Grooming

14/12/2024

Did you know?

Cuddling your dog is good for both of you. Cuddles with your dog releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” reducing stress and strengthening your bond. For humans, it helps combat loneliness, lowers blood pressure, and even boosts immunity—perfect for staying healthy during the colder months.

And it’s not just you who benefits. It provides stress relief for your dog, along with improved heart health, a stronger immune system, and an overall sense of happiness. Cuddles are included in every groom and there has been a lot of them this week as the Red Team always love a hug. My reindeer antlers have had a lot of interest (Xmas jumpers and dog hair don’t mix 😂).

In the run up to Xmas and especially after visiting the shops, snuggle up with your dog —it’s a gift of love and health for you both, and with a heated throw it’s a great way to relax🐾.

Lorrie x
📞07878230934
🌐www.gonegrooming.co.uk