02/28/2024
I am once again in search of the elusive committed and capable assistant for The Dog Stop, Trussville.
We are hiring for the position of bather. I could sugar coat it and maker it seem fun and casual but that would be deceiving and would only perpetuate the cycle of hiring someone only for 12 days later they run out crying and defeated. It is so difficult to find the right person because just wanting to work with dogs is a tiny fraction of what it takes to do this incredibly difficult and important job. This is by far one of the hardest positions to fill and keep in the grooming industry and it's no wonder why. The right person must be reliable. Bathing is incredibly fast paced so coming in late or calling out is not an option. You will be expected to work 5 days a week, back to back. Bathing is tiring. You will be expected to be capable of being on your feet 7 hours straight. Bathing is not for the weak. You will be expected to lift, hold still, and control between 2-140lb animals who do not want to cooperate. Yes, some of them do/will try to bite you. You will have any and all exposed flesh scratched or bruised at some point. Expect to use tweezers daily to remove small hairs that lodge themselves into your skin. Bathing is dirty. These dogs have ear funk, eyeboogers, some smelly substance embedded into their fur that could be gravy, could be kiddy slime, could be the decaying carcass of something they rolled in-either way you will be cleaning it up! You can expect to have p**p, p*e, vomit, drool and all manner of bodily emissions on your person at anytime throughout the day. You will spend about 4 hours being wet from dogs fighting the water, shaking it off, and splashing. You can expect to work with 10-15 dogs a day. Bathing is LOUD. You must have the patience of a Saint. Incessant barking, whining, crying, dryers, fans, clippers all going full tilt 7 hours straight. You'll need/want to wear ear protection all day. These are just basic expectations. Bathing requires stamina, perseverance, and tenacity without much in the way of appreciation other than pride in a hard job done with thoroughness and compassion. Bathing is the foundation on which every groom depends, a quality bather will make or break the finished grooming result. It's no wonder to me why filling this position is near impossible and why I've done it on my own for so many years. If you think you are interested in becoming a groomer, this is the first step. If your can not master bathing, a groomer never will you be! If this job sounds appealing to you and you want to make a commitment of your body, soul and skills, please apply!
