4 Paws 4 Love

05/08/2024

The girls were a hit (again) at Ronald McDonald House! We recommend and feed Royal Canin

05/06/2024

Emanuele Grandi's moving poem dedicated to our four-legged friends.

"If you are afraid of having given me few caresses, you should know that I have not forgotten even one.
If you regret having scolded me even once, you should know that I don't even remember it.
If you think you've left me alone for too long, you should know that I've always been waiting for you.
If you are afraid of having spent little time with me, you should know that I, even that little, have enjoyed every moment.
If you think you've played little with me, you should know that I've never counted the times you threw the ball at me.
If you think I've forgotten about your perfume, you should know that even now I'm smelling it in the wind.
If you wanted to be reborn in another life, you should know that I would like to be your puppy in that one too.
If you are convinced that you have some flaws, you should know that for me you have been the perfect one.
If you believe that love can have an end, you should know that in my heart the place of love is infinite.
If you think you have regrets about me, you should know that I would not change a single second of the life I have spent with you.
If you think I no longer hear your voice when you call me, just entrust the sunset breeze with the task of bringing me your words.
If you think I can forget your face, you should know that I wanted to live alone to enjoy your look.
If you think I could have loved someone more than you, you should know that I have loved you more than myself.
If you think I would like a soft sofa, know that with you I would also have slept on the stones.
If you think I wanted more than you gave me, you should know that I've always felt
like the happiest puppy in the world.
If you have ever felt alone, you should know that I have never left my place next to you.
If you think my life has been short, you should know that I wouldn't have wanted to live a minute longer if I hadn't spent it by your side.
If you are afraid that I am no longer near you, know that as soon as you close your eyes I will fall asleep next to you.
If you think you have not made the right decision, you should know that I have always trusted you.
Always.”

04/29/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/6VyhEgvL7AS7nxJJ/?mibextid=cR73hX

Credit: Dave Coverly

04/21/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/iAujyqeRjUEh8ERz/?mibextid=WC7FNe. Pet Therapy prospects!

04/02/2024

Visiting Royal Canin

03/29/2024

While visiting yesterday we were asked what feed our teams feed. We were pleased to share Royal Canin!

03/07/2024

❤️

03/06/2024

With Jennifer Gillespie

02/19/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/2zdaPmEeDv4R5CMP/?mibextid=0VwfS7

02/09/2024

More sharing of golden fibers.

02/06/2024

Lots of hair being left this visit!

01/18/2024

Back to work

01/15/2024

Due to the extreme temperatures all classes today are postponed until Wednesday same times.

12/16/2023

All dogs deserve love and good care. Educate yourself before you make a permanent purchase. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XSskDWmTaET4BdcL/?mibextid=Zmo65R

We would like to preface this post with the fact the IAPEG and it's members love dogs. All dogs. Big dogs and small dogs. Fluffy dogs and sleek ones. We love pure breeds and we love mixed breeds.

The 'doodle craze' began after a breeder attempted a litter of mixed breed pups that were smart and hypoallergenic. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but that's another discussion. He was in no way trying to create a new breed. News traveled quickly and before you know it, they were all the rage as pets. Very expensive pets. They became something of a status symbol as they wear price tags in the thousands and cost more than a sound, well developed, carefully chosen pure breed.

As professional groomers, we see the fallout with many of these pets and there are a few things you need to know:

1. Doodles are not a breed. They are (insert breed here) mixed with poodle. Golden doodle, labradoodle, maltipoo, pomapoo, yorkie poo, no matter the title, doodles are in fact mixed breed dogs. Being a pure breed of dog mean predictability...size, colors, skull shapes, temperament...any and all genetics are predictable for that specific breed. This is not possible with doodles.

2. There is a misconception that if you mix another breed with a poodle, you get the best of both breeds. This is simply not true. The truth is you have no idea what you will get. You are not getting the best of the breeds because responsible, ethical breeders do not allow their dogs to participate in mixed breeding.

3. As professional groomers, we hear misnomers from pet owners whose pup is a year old and has never been groomed. This is a nightmare for both the dog and the groomer. The truth is, any doodle will need professional grooming. They should start as early as possible just like any other dog. This seems to be a selling point for doodle breeders telling buyers they are low maintenance. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

4. Doodles often have very difficult coats to work with. Doodles with these coats will be more expensive. With most doodles you have a fur bearing breed (Labrador Retriever) mixed with a hair bearing breed (Poodle). This causes many doodles coats to be difficult with a mixture of the two. Some have fur as guard coat and hair as undercoat and some have hair as a guard coat with fur as the undercoat. Either way, more work and time means your professional groomer must be properly compensated or it will lead to number five.

5. There are many professional groomers who are simply not accepting doodles as clients anymore. Misinformed owners are price shocked when they've been lied to by a breeder. Your professional groomer is tired of arguing and explaining just to be properly compensated when there are so many other clients who know what to expect and respect our professional practices.
Because doodles are not the best representatives of their breeds they are often not the most well behaved pets either. Many are high strung, a bit neurotic, and/or have some type of behavior problem.

If you do in fact choose to own a doodle, speak with your professional groomer beforehand so you'll know what to expect. And please respect your professional groomers advice. Their job is to keep your pet on a regular schedule. Depending on the coat...remember these are mixed breed dogs and therefore not predictable before birth...most will need a schedule of 4-6 weeks.

12/13/2023

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.avma.org/news?

AVMA News includes articles and information relevant to veterinarians in all practice sectors of veterinary medicine.