10/31/2023
Attention customers.....
With all the new groomers popping up in the area. It has affected my income drastically. In the last month, I had 5 dogs for one day. The rest of the weeks? Just 1-2 dogs each week.
Not to forget to mention the people who book appts, and then no show.
As everyone knows, I have a large and small animal rescue here. Before I moved here from Drexel, I was a 501c3. Once moving across state lines. I had to dissolve that 501c3, and apply all over again in Kansas. Which costs $300-$500. I know....ridiculous, right?
At any rate, I have not been able to afford to apply. Which means, all costs associated with the care of all the animals, plus my own living expenses, falls strictly on me!
Feed bill alone each week runs $450-$500. A months worth of hay is $660. That doesn't include feeding 7 medium to large dogs, feeding chickens to supply eggs to those in need (which I give away more eggs than I sell. Because there's too many families needing them, and can barely afford their own groceries each week. Plus feeding 7 cats...4 of which were dumped here.
I have groomed dogs for free for those who couldn't afford it. To help both the owner and their pet. It's just in my nature to help those in need where I can.
With only getting 1-2 dogs a week, I'm not even making $100. Which means, I can't afford to continue like this. The Domino affect has happened here! If I can't provide for these animals, euthanasia is the only option. Which isn't an option to me!
I am shocked that other groomers have taken most of my business. I've kept my prices low, get your pet in and out, and back home with you quickly, am certified in animal CPR, and gave the best service I could give. Yet, it wasn't enough for many.
I've hung in there as long as I've could. But with the colder weather, all the animals are eating more. So, feed/hay costs are gonna increase to more than they already are.
Please understand this isn't a threat! It's simply a post informing everyone what I will be forced to do if business doesn't pick up.
If things don't turn around by the end of November, I will have to seek full-time employment and shut the shop down effective Dec 1st.
I can't believe people would prefer their groomer bathes their dogs outside with a water hose and cold water??? Or, goes to a groomer who only grooms when they need money???
That, is NOT committed or professional grooming!
It is what it is. But in the end, that may very well be what everyone is stuck with?
So, we'll see what November brings to the table.
The animals (both yours and mine) needs and comfort take priority over everything else with me!
So much so, I've gone without heat during this cold snap, so I could still have warm water to bathe dogs with, IF I got appts. Yes, I now have propane ordered, and have space heaters going in the interim. That just shows how bad things have gotton. But I WILL do what I have to, to get all of my animals thru winter.
Again, I'll be open thru the month of November. We'll see what happens. I'll make the appropriate announcement whether to stay open or close up shop the last week of November.
I'm praying for everyone. Because I know most are struggling.
Thank you for reading.
