The Purple Poodle Pet Salon

08/17/2024

I stared at this wall I little too long today.... the memories and the lessons these dogs have taught me are irreplaceable. To honor them I will be sharing their stories with you one at a time. Well after the tears subside.

What I would give to hold their faces in my hands. Just one more time 🌈 (well, except Sam. I see him every day still)

08/17/2024

Strive and Zero will be performing at the Re*****on community garden. On Sunday Aug 25th. To honor their friend.
Everyone is welcome to gather and enjoy our lovely community!

08/15/2024

The first time Rusty and I crossed paths... he bested me. It was very clear that he had never been taught how to be groomed. And he made very dangerous choices. For fear I would severely injure him I thought it would be best that he have a sedated groom.
Today we tried again. Rusty has been getting socialized and trained by his rescue, to accept things like the clippers and a brush. They also ordered a special muzzle for his smooshed face so I can safely work through learning curves.
Rusty has a very dangerous habit of biting the tools. Clippers and scissors WILL bite back. So it was very important he learn to accept the noise and the contact.
I am so pleased with how we finished up today. Rusty is far from perfect, but he took one giant leap in the right direction.

08/14/2024

Many times I will say that your pet "stood like a show dog". Now what does this mean exactly?

Show dogs are raised on a table. It means good things. To them, their table is a safe space. Many tines if you walk through the stations behind the ring you will see dogs curled up or napping in beds... on their tables.

This form of comfort and confidence is something i strive to teach ALL of our babies. That table should mean great things. Here is 2 clips of the flawless Rum aka Rumchatta. Rum has 2 conflicting breeds that question her surroundings a bit. The shepherd side must control every situation while the LGD side must do perimeter searches and keep her pack safe. Teaching her to enjoy her spa time took calm support.
At her past grooming appointment she demonstrated her comfort by showing off her show dog side. She was untethered for her entire grooming. And even stepped up on the table with a verbal request. I'm so proud of her confidence. It really makes my job so enjoyable when my babies thrive

08/13/2024

Monte's back to school checklist.
Bath ✔️
Nails dremmeled ✔️
Teeth brushed ✔️
Blue mowhawk ✔️
Super hero Bandana ✔️
Great attitude✔️

All he needs is to pack his lunchbox and he's ready for his first day back as a therapy dog! 🏫

08/10/2024

We just saw that the Poodle pack was this year's 2nd place voted best grooming Salon. Thank you to everyone who voted, and special thanks to all of you who make us feel like winners every day!
We wouldn't be half as awsome without all of your incredible support! 💜

08/08/2024

His name may be Dilly, but he is the opposite of a sour pickle!
While this handsome boy is available for adoption through Fauquier SPCA this post is more about the team and what they did for this boy.
Dilly is the (assumed) sibling of Dally. When they were first found as strays I was asked to evaluate if they needed "emergency grooming" when I met Dally she licked my fingers and was quietly polite. Dilly other other hand retreated to the back corner of his kennel with his head low and tail tucked.

I had not seen this boy since his stray hold was up. To my absolute delight, Dilly burst into the shop like he's been getting groomed his entire life. Every inch of his body just wiggled today. There was so much happiness and confidence.
Dilly is a social and confident boy for one reason only. Because his team at Fauquier SPCA cared enough to help him thrive. They put in the hard work and the training, so Dilly will have the best chance at a perfect life possible. Dilly is looking for a wonderful hone that can finish up his training needs. He is youngster at barely a year old, and incredibly dog friendly.
*just a friendly reminder, doodles require religious brushing and regular grooming. So potential adopters should consider that*

08/03/2024

Today we had the privilege of giving Dally a well deserved makeover.
This sweet girl made quite the impression on Taylor and I today. When she first walked into the shop, she was shy and unsure. But she trusted her caretakers and walked back like a pro. The more attention we gave her, the brighter her light twinkled and that poodle confidence grew! By the end of her grooming she was following Taylor around the shop like a little curly shadow.
Dally was great with every customer that cane in, also. She even enjoyed making some new four legged friends.

It's hard to believe she was found as a stray, or possibly dumped. This girl was spun out of gold. All we can say is great things about her. We definitely hope she is adopted locally as we would both love to groom her again soon. Good luck finding the home you deserve Dally 💜

07/30/2024

Word of caution to any berner owner... while their temperaments are amazing. They are known to explode from time to time. 😅
Tango was not harmed in today's catastrophe

07/26/2024

Ya know what upsets us most at the Poodle. When supportive and kind owners, selfishly decide to embark on a new adventure in ANOTHER STATE! And take some of our best babies with them! 🤣
Today we had our last spa day with Beau and Suki before they get to enjoy a wonderful retirement with their owner in NC. In all seriousness, we wish them all the best and hope their new journey is full of wonderful moments together.
Thank you for many years of trust and support. It's been a privilege taking care of not just these two, but Tazzy also. Safe travels!

06/28/2024

We would like to extend our condolences to the willow family. Dr Smith was an incredible member and asset to our community. We would also like to send our love to his family. This loss is a great one, and we can only imagine their pain.
May his beautiful soul rest in peace. We know there are many beloved pets ready to meet him at the rainbow Bridge, and thank him for his incredible work.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/KGQDRwA6DhauUSiA/?mibextid=xfxF2i

We are profoundly heartbroken to announce that our beloved Dr. Kent Smith passed away unexpectedly last night, at his residence.

We are closed today but will reopen tomorrow, Friday June 28 8 am-6 pm and Saturday 8 am-7 pm

💙🐾

06/19/2024

I have reached a point in my career where many of "My" babies are reaching their golden years. With the aging can come some challenges. So let's talk about dementia and comfort grooming.
First, this does not disqualify our babies from spa days. We just adjust our plans to fit their needs. As I said, these have been my doggies since the beginning. I couldn't trust anyone to know them at their weakest, when they didn't know them at their best.
Let's start with comfort care. Arthritis pain can break even the best dogs during a groom. We ask alot from them, so pain is NEVER allowed in my shop. If we have a concern there may be an element of discomfort we will discuss options with the vet and set up a plan to keep them from geting over tired or sore. But sometimes meds are a necessity.
This brings us to a very common issue in older pets. Dementia. Just like with people, pets struggle with brain aging disabilities. There is a wide range of behaviors these dogs display during a groom. From breath holding, forgetting routines, even panic attacks. This is why ruling out any pain is a MUST. I will adjust our grooming routine as needed. Even sitting on the floor to ensure no skydiving from the table.

Now I know what some of you are thinking... why not send it out and have a vet groom it? Or frankly just put it down?
Here is exactly why I won't send them to someone else. I know these dogs like they are my own. Their preferences and their normal antics. Some of them are rather stoic, so the small things like a lip curl or even laying down instead of standing could indicate something more severe. And someone else wouldn't know these subtle hints.
As far as the euthanasia option.... frankly no dog "wants" to be groomed. We push their limits every time. So judging them in a more stressful situation is not going to help. So unless their home life is suffering I will continue to serve MY babies, and ensure it's as comfortable as possible.

Lastly, we do not upcharge for this level of service. And here's why. This type of grooming is comfort over quality. If "Roxy" has forgotten how to stand for a face shave... we skip the clippers and hack away at any length with scissors. Owners do not get to nitpick or chose a style. We trim and clip to ensure minimal stress. So yes, there will be unevenness. And the occasional fly away. But the alternative is stress and we are not in the business of puppy torture. 💜

06/10/2024

Hey pack!
I had my MS treatments last week and fell behind on scheduling 🤦‍♀️
Please bear with us as I get caught up.... again

06/09/2024

As a pet Groomer, we vow to maintain and care for your pet like they are our own.
As an animal rescue founder, I have agreed to pick up the messes other have left behind. And do my best to put the pieces back together.

Then there are days where these lines are blurred. This poor soul is now in the very safe hands of HART. But before that he lived a life of neglect. Dude is a bernadoodle, likely the product of a backyard Greeder. They did not vet him or properly "vet" potential homes. Dude is barely even a year old, and all he has ever known is a life of neglect.
Despite all of this, Dude was one of the most obedient boys I have worked on in a long time. I squeezed 8 months (minimum) of grooming training into two hours. Chipping away at dense matting and chords. Carefully peeling away solid pelting without cutting the very irritated and bruised skin. Not once did Dude struggle, curl a lip, or even flinch. He laid in a ball on the table, trusting every tug and pinch that my clippers did as I freed him from his prison.
This kind of thing is exactly why us groomers are breaking. We did not agree to torture our babies. We agreed to help them thrive. This is why researching breed needs and ensuring you are buying from a quality breeder is important.
Thankfully Dude will never have to suffer again. Here's to a brighter future dudski!

05/26/2024

Hello poodle pack!
We wanted to update everyone on a new policy. For some this may seem like a "no brainer" but you would be surprised how often this happens.
Starting immediately we will require breeds that require haircuts to be on some form of a regular grooming schedule. This schedule can be prebooked but will not be allowed to exceed 12weeks.
There is a common, yet very neglectful, practice of going 5 to 6 months in-between grooming on breeds like shih tzus, poodles, and doodles. (Etc.)
Not only does this cause MANY health problems for your pet from severe matting to hotspots. But when they are not kept on a regular grooming schedule Taylor and I are unable to maintain grooming training, resulting in unsafe behavior from your pet. In recent moments Taylor and I have both been injured by dogs who are not being maintained regularly.

As always, thank you for being so supportive of the Poodle. And to my owners, thank you for continuing to care for your pets 💜
*this policy excludes our nonprofit rescues, we will always help rehabilitate neglected pets*

05/16/2024

Happiest of birthdays to the coolest silver toothed bitey boy!!
Bane is the big 10 and is definitely going to celebrate in style. We hope you have lots of toys and towels to shred on this very special day 🖤💙🖤

05/09/2024

With flea and tick season in full swing. We want to talk to you about Seresto collar safety.
DO NOT LEAVE THESE COLLARS ON YOUR PET PAST THEIR EXPIRATION!!
All 5 of my dogs wear these, and I've been very satisfied with this product. However, I am careful to set a reminder on my phone for their 8month mark and order 5 new ones.

*As seen in the first photo, this is a Seresto collar within its shelf life. It is soft and pliable. Very easy to remove and safe, should your pet get snagged.

*in the second photo is an expired collar that an owner asked us to throw away. They become VERY stiff. They are incredibly difficult to remove and are DANGEROUS should your pet get caught on a crate or playmate.
~the further past the 9 month expiration, the stiffer and more dangerous these collars become~

Please keep your pets as safe as possible when using any prevention method. And follow proper guidelines 💜

04/26/2024

Training shoutout!!
Marley has been coming to the Poodle since he was young. This giant ball of energy was quite the handful. He (like many before him) had a bad habit of making decisions that could have resulted in him getting hurt. He had no table etiquette and was NOT a fan of bathing and drying. He also could not socialize with the other dogs because he allowed his hormones to take over.

But today, today he is flawless. It's so rewarding to have owners who put in the time and listen to training concerns. They had Marley neutered at an appropriate age for his breeding and worked on basic obedience at home. The biggest help was putting Marley on a regular grooming schedule. Marley is Thriving! He stands untethered on the grooming table. Actually enjoys his blowouts. And no longer makes choices that give his groomers heart palpitations 😂. He even gets to play with the other dogs!

Congratulations on your graduation off of the naughty list Marley!

04/10/2024

Thank you all for your continued patience as the dust settles from this weekend. Samuel is now home on hospice care and i am doing my best to get everyone responded to. With 72 messages and counting, it may take a couple hours for me to get back on track.
I can not thank you all enough, for the love during this difficult time. I promise to get back on track soon 💜

03/26/2024

I need to give all of my amazing clients a massive "thank you!" These past couple weeks I learned just how weak my immune system has been, and have fought off every.freaking.cootie my toddler has come in contact with.
During this time I fell we behind on my messages and will be working to get everyone rescheduled ASAP.

I can not express how thankful I am to have such an understanding and paitent group of people on my team. Thank you again for being so flexible 💜

03/01/2024

There are moments where the bad news just seems to roll in.
Our sour patch kid Bear has been a regular at the Poodle since my beginning. His mom always gave me full creative trust and we styled this spicy boy in so many ways.
Bear was rather demanding, during and after each appointment he would bark and sass us for attention and treats. But all while standing like a rock, for brushing and hand scissors.
Infact, we just saw him last week for one of his best haircuts to date. Unfortunately that big heart of his just couldn't keep up with his sassy spirit and it came time for his owners to send him to the bridge.
Bear was always a little light to my day when he was on the books. Taylor and I will miss pampering him and treating him like the spoiled prince he was.
Sending so much love to his family, who I know are shattered with his absence.

And to my Bear Bear, I hope you have all the massages and home made treats up there. Don't loose your sparkle.
See you over the Rainbow 🌈

02/29/2024

Today we learned that a very special dog earned his last title 💔 Fier was the very first sport dog I had the privilege of grooming. Neil would bring me him before a few of his competitions. That way he looked as good as he performed. Fier was an incredible dog to work with. He was super obedient but also had a sweet disposition that he passed on into his children.
Fier had a need to retrieve. I'm not sure if he loved anything as much as working for Neil. The bond these 2 had was pretty remarkable. My thoughts are with the whole Shady Grove pack as they say farewell to a phenomenal dog.

And I hope you are giving those birds hell over the Rainbow Fire. 🌈

01/25/2024

After several messages asking if I offer "fear free grooming" I am here to post about what this actually means.

1st. By actual definition of this training practice, yes. I have always been a fear free trainer.

-To be "fear free" means we do not weaponize our body. I have never pinned an animal to the ground and forced it to endure a nail trim. I have never held an animal in a forceful, submissive position to feel over dominated or scared.
-The problem is people are creating their own definition of this type of training. "Fear free" dosent mean that we do not challenge your pet or push them to new levels of greatness. Because that's exactly what training does. What you are asking for is Avoidance..... and frankly that does NOTHING to benefit your pet.

2nd. While the premise of this training is great. People need to understand that what works for one animal, may not work for another. Training needs to be adapted for everyone. And sometimes a verbal correction, followed by one of praise is needed. Especially when said pet is being unsafe.

Lastly, Traning in any area of animal profession is a gray area. There is no black or white answer. It's about body language and having a MUTUAL understanding and respect for all the animals in our care. We have to listen for them to hear us. We have to be calm for them to relax. And we have to be alphas, because they are followers. But being an Alpha does not mean being a bully. Training is being a Leader.

What makes a great trainer has nothing to do with today's trends. So while yes, we are "fear free." No, I am the "Gray area" that your pet needs to find their true rainbow of colors 🌈

01/22/2024

Hey poodle pack. We have a few slow days this week if anyone needs a grooming appointment! 💜

01/16/2024

I've been meaning to tough base on many of your concerns involving the upper respiratory illness that has popped up on several states.
While it is something to take seriously, I have spoken at length with my vets to ensure a safe environment for your babies.
1st. This is not a "new" illness. It's a few years old and falls in a similar category to kennel cough.
2nd. As with ALL respiratory illnesses. Symptoms should be taken seriously and treated quickly to avoid serious complications.
3rd. Stop relying on the media!!!!! THEY have blown this completely out of the water. Please follow vet certified articles to ensure accuracy in CONFIRMED cases. (Not every dog with a cough has this illness)
And lastly. Sick dogs have NEVER been welcome at the Poodle. Because let's be honest, the last thing you want to do is get your hair cut when you have a chest cold.

We will continue to clean and disinfect as we always have. And follow the orders of our trusted vets. 🖤

01/04/2024

The latest discussion I find myself having far too often. Is that it Ticks me off more than anything when I hear a fellow Groomer say "it's not my job to train their dog" 🤬

Welp, I hate to break it to ya sweetie..... but it absolutely is. We groomers ask a TON from your pet. It goes against everything in their body's to tolerate and be brave while we spray them down with water, pull out ear hair, clip nails, and blast them with high velocity dryers. And all while standing on a table that challenges everything a dog trainer will tell you about alpha positioning. So yes, it is my job to train your dog. And is my responsibility to keep them safe while I create a mutual trust and push their boundaries of communication.

This week I met another victim of the lazy grooming industry, Pepper. He previously had a Groomer who took the time to learn him. Who he trusted and cared for him so his grooming needs were met safely. Unfortunately she moved away and no one else would handle him at the shop. Pepper is far from complicated. He tells you exactly what he dosent like and how easy it is for him to get what he wants. Unfortunately, he was the only one doing the training and taught himself that using your teeth prevents you from getting groomed.
In under an hour Pepper was safely groomed from nose to toes with zero stress. And minimal temper tantrums 😆
Pepper and I are still learning one another. He is not convinced I am on his team, yet. And sometimes needs to be asked the same question once or twice before he makes the correct choice. But he is far from "damaged goods".
I can not wait to see who he becomes with more training and better experiences. Because, that is my job.... to train them for spa days.
Welcome to the pack Pepper 🐩

12/22/2023

Rounding out the Christmas week is the one and only Prince of the Poodle. It was only by accident that you closed out my week. But what a way to finish the busiest week all year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all of you. I am so grateful for all the love and support through this year. I'd be so lost without this poodle army 💜

12/22/2023

Benji, Kingsley, Kate, Dixie, Rebel, Echo, Bear