PAWSH PET SPAW

08/30/2024

Another dog has passed due to negligence!!!!!!

This one is in Huntsville

The Dog Stop on University Dr.

There are actual credentials you can and are desperately encouraged to ask to see.
The pet care industry as a whole has NO REGULATIONS. NO MINIMUM STANDARDS OF CARE. NO ACCOUNTABILITY to speak of. These are facts. Just because your pet is alive when you pick it up, doesn’t guarantee the care was safe, humane, or even halfway good. These are also facts.

There are way too many people that open or take over pet care facilities who have no business doing so. They hire inexperienced and uneducated people to work for them, because they pay poorly. What kind of care do you expect from someone who is getting paid a tad over minimum wage?
The demand from the public for ‘cheap care’ is causing the rise in poor care, poor products, burnout, compassion fatigue…… the list goes on.

You also can’t expect anything good from those who haven’t sought the credentials available, which means investment of time, money, education. You can’t expect exceptional service for cheap prices.

The general public assumes that all pet care providers are properly trained, certified and capable. 85% are not. That is a HUGE percentage. There is no entity enforcing any kind of secondary requirements above signs of life and a willingness to do a job.

Yesterday many of us in the grooming community celebrated the conviction of a groomer in Oklahoma that brutally unalived a standard poodle. It was the dogs owners, backed and supported by members of the grooming industry that are working hard to put regulations in place, and who worked tirelessly to bring awareness to this case, and many others around the nation. It is happening for trainers as well. Too many ‘trainers’ have been guilty of the same. Many of us are working to get places like these held accountable and pushing for legislation to take place.

This is why I am so outspoken and abrasive when it comes to seeing new ‘pet care providers’ popping up everywhere. I have over 4 decades with my hands on hundreds of thousands of dogs. I am an expert when it comes to providing the highest quality care in the safest environment. And I will never be quiet about other providers and their lack of accountability.

I can provide information as to how to properly vet a care provider. I will also be offering classes in the near future to teach on this subject, as well as behavior and grooming at home.
Please message if interested in either of those things.

08/28/2024

In memory of those at the Rainbow Bridge: This year we have lost 17 precious paw souls. Post pictures of your loved pet that is watching over you.

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day on August 28th sets aside a day to remember the pet companions we’ve lost.

The death of a pet, whether furry, feathered, or an uncommon variety, is felt deeply. They become family and a familiar part of our lives. Mourning their death is different for everyone, and the observance provides a way to help heal the ache of loss.

The pain of loss is real. As each person travels through their grief, we remember the companionship and comfort they provided to us. Don’t forget that part of the relationship included care provided by you. The empty space left by the loss of a beloved pet is sometimes a difficult void to overcome.

Celebrate the home you provided and the joy your beloved pet brought you in return. When you are ready, you will know the time has arrived to find a new ‘critter’ to replace the emptiness felt. There are many animals yet to find a home. In time, you can be their new home.

HOW TO OBSERVE
Take time to enjoy memories of your pet. Look through pictures. Consider a visit to an animal shelter if you feel ready. Volunteering time may help the adjustment. Use to share on social media.

08/26/2024

We have restructured our business and are now offering luxury one on one holistic grooming services 2 days a week.

~~~~~🐾 Great news!!!! 🐾 ~~~~~

We have expanded into offering mobile paw care services. This is a unique, first of its kind service in Alabama! We have a crew of highly skilled professionals ready to serve all of north Alabama and the furry friends who all need their feet maintained.

Appointments will be available starting Monday September 9, 2024
We will be offering pop up nail trimming clinics around north Alabama as well.
We are also available for fundraising events.

Let the professionals at Nailed It North Alabama Nail It for you!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/uV8NQrpwPgEgqYua/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

08/26/2024

We have restructured our business and are now offering luxury one on one holistic grooming services 2 days a week.

~~~~~🐾 Great news!!!! 🐾 ~~~~~

We have expanded into offering mobile paw care services. This is a unique, first of its kind service in Alabama! We have a crew of highly skilled professionals ready to serve all of north Alabama and the furry friends who all need their feet maintained.

Appointments will be available starting Monday September 9, 2024
We will be offering pop up nail trimming clinics around north Alabama as well.
We are also available for fundraising events.

Let the professionals at Nailed It North Alabama Nail It for you!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/uV8NQrpwPgEgqYua/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

North Alabama’s premier mobile paw care service! We are dedicated to the wellness of every pets feet!

08/09/2024

Did you know that pet grooming is a completely unregulated industry? There is no requirement for formal education, no required continuing education, and no required testing or certification?

Anyone and everyone can just pick up a pair of clippers and start advertising themselves as a groomer and charge people for a service they aren’t trained to perform.

It’s completely up to you, the owner, to do your research and make sure the person you are trusting with the health and safety of your pet is qualified to care for them.

Every groomer should be trained, and that very basic training takes months.

It takes years to truly master the ins and outs of grooming and everything that goes along with it.

Pet grooming is so much more than just a hair style.

*It’s knowing dog behavior and how to safely handle all the different personalities and quirks.

*It’s recognizing health conditions that would be better suited seeing a vet such as skin or ear infections.

*It’s being prepared for any and all emergencies that can happen, from seizures to allergic reactions, to nicks and cuts and quicked toenails without panicking.

*It’s knowing how to best deal with a variety of coat types properly.

*It’s being able to know when to stop a service on a particular dog due to behavior or health.

*It’s having the knowledge and patience to handle a different species while holding razor sharp clippers or 8 inch long scissors.

At the very least, the groomer you use should seek out continuing education to make sure they are current on the changes in the industry, from upgrades in products to tools that make the process easier for the pet and them.

They should be current on their pet cpr/first aid certification which needs repeated every couple of years.

They should be able to answer your grooming related questions with knowledge and confidence and if they don’t know the answer they should know where to find it.

They should have an emergency plan in place with a local veterinarian in case anything happens, because when working with animals it’s not a matter of if something happens, but when.

They should come recommended by other pet owners and pet professionals.

And it’s worth noting that there is nothing wrong with using a groomer that is still in training, but they should be working alongside an experienced groomer and under their direct supervision.

Ask the questions, after all you are paying them for a service. A groomer who has spent time and money to be as educated as possible is excited to share their knowledge!

07/30/2024

😃😃😃

07/15/2024

I always want to provide something nice to look at for my precious clients! Happy, healthy, well styled pets are the best!!

07/09/2024

Had some fun today! No, I don’t get to play with puppies all day, but sometimes I get to have a little colorful fun! 🤩 😃

Levi is such a great candidate for color! He makes visits to assisted living facilities, he is a goldendoodle that was rescued from a shelter and is the BEST dog. CGC certified too. I am excited to hear about his visits this week!

06/18/2024

Believe it or not . . . Professional Groomers DON’T want to shave down your dog. It can cause extra wear on our equipment. It takes longer in many cases. And the “after” pictures aren’t something we can use to promote our business or skills. If you see a shaved dog it isn’t because the groomer was lazy or couldn’t do a nice styled trim (it is actually harder to get a nice finish on a shave down). The dog’s coat was most likely neglected and too matted to save. Or they are too old, have health issues, or a lifestyle that requires it. Whatever the reason, we save what we can and still try to make them look the best with what is left.
There are also groomers that it is all they know, to shave dogs short. I always have new clients shocked when they are asked what kind of style they are looking for. Most don’t even know there are options other than shaving.
The best and healthiest scenario for your pet is to have them on a regular schedule for professional grooming, while doing maintenance at home through brushing, desensitization to different tools, different touch, etc.
We are all part of a team of personal care providers for your pet. We want the best life for you and your furry friend. We want to educate you on the best direction and the best fit for you. And we want to be able to offer all the styles and techniques that we are highly skilled and trained in. 🐾 💕

📸 Texas Red in an Asian Fusion style!

06/17/2024

Looking to hire a bather for a pet grooming salon. Experienced preferred but will train the right candidate. Possibility of learning to be a professional groomer.

06/08/2024

THE DREAM THAT MANY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND:

My Dogs are my personal dream.

One day when I am very old and when I can not walk anymore, it will be in my heart as a trophy of my memories.

Every time I am with my dogs, I think about how wonderful they are.
I stopped talking about it to those who do not understand, and I learned to communicate with others of the same mindset.

I have met some amazing people I now call friends from all over this big world because of my dogs.
I spent money that I did not have, giving up many things, but all these things are not worth even one special moment with my dogs.

They are not just a pet or a thing that I own, they are the lost part of my soul and my spirit.
And when someone says to me: "It's just a dog", ... I do not answer. I just swing my head and smile.

A dog..... only the person who loves them understands it.

Wishing good Karma to my friends and all their dogs...

and the adventure continues...

📸: Shed Dog Studios

05/28/2024

These working girls took some time for a Spaw day today!

05/26/2024

I have tried to always educate people who believe we charge too much or are trying rip people off if we are higher than someone else.
As dog groomers we often receive remarks from owners that they spend more money on their dog's haircut than themselves and other family members. Which had me realize their comparison is completely off. Dog groomers do not just cut the hair on the head, the dog receives a full body spa experience. In addition to a full body haircut, which is a lot more than the average human scalp of 120 square inches, your dog also receives the equivalent of a manicure, pedicure, brazilian (shaved, instead of waxed), full body bath and blow dry, deep ear cleaning, possible debugging (hello fleas and lice!), and most likely a detangle or shedding treatment. Keep in mind most dogs only get bathed every 6-8 weeks, while most humans shower daily. I also would bet that you and your children do not bite your hair stylist, let alone defecate on the styling chair. Hair stylists do not need to be trained in first aid or CPR; and while pet groomers are not required, most will take time out of their busy schedules to get certified because they see a lot of health issues while that dog is in their care for 2-4 hours. We see more of your dog than your vet does, and see all the different issues and symptoms that some diseases cause, so we can direct the owners to seek vet care if we find things that are concerning. And like hair dressers, they also will choose to continue their education by getting certified through programs such as International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC), National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA), International Professional Groomers (IPG), and many more. These certifications involve practical and written tests where the groomer shows their knowledge about specific breeds, coats, care and breed profile trims. All this and more to help your dog have the best experience while in their care.

If we were to compare the actual human cost of a full service spa to a dog's groom you would be looking at an average of $620 for a human and $115 for dogs, pricing varies by size and location. Please remember this next time you want to compare your haircut to your dog's. And don't forget to tip your groomer! They go through a lot to make your dog look amazing.
Jessica Glen

05/23/2024

The Unseen Consequences of No-Shows.

We’ve had four in the last two weeks. That’s a whole day of work ☹️

As a pet parent, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend clean, stylish, and happy. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you don't show up for your pet's grooming appointment?

How Missed Appointments Affect Your Favorite Pet Groomers

The Ripple Effect of No-Shows:

- Your groomer has reserved time specifically for your pet, and no-shows mean they lose valuable income.
- Other pets and their owners may be delayed or turned away due to the time slot taken. They could have been called and had your place if enough notice was given.
- Groomers prepare supplies and equipment in advance, read your notes and get everything ready just for your pet, which go to waste when you don't show up.
- Repeated no-shows can lead to higher prices or stricter policies for everyone.

We Understand Life Happens!

Emergencies and unexpected events can't be helped.
But a simple phone call or message can make all the difference to our schedules and help others waiting too.

Let's Work Together!

- Please respect your groomer's time and effort by keeping appointments or communicating changes of numbers, emails, and availability.
-Add reminders to your phone calendar, please don’t ignore our reminder messages and emails.
- Remember, your groomer loves your pet and wants to provide the best care possible and have them groomed on time and when they need.

1 no show= $100+ lost. 1 no show a week can be a loss of $5000+ a year to a small business.

This is then 1-2 hours we must find a way to pay the staff, and lose this income.
Imagine your boss said we aren’t paying you for two hours today but you must stay here and twiddle your thumbs?

By being mindful of the impact of no-shows, we can all work together to create a more considerate and supportive community for our pets and their groomers.

05/15/2024

Sweet Texas Red sporting an Asian Fusion style! Call us today to get your pets a fresh and trendy style!

05/12/2024

Wishing all moms out there a Happy Mothers Day!! 🐾 🌹 💐

04/23/2024

We have a FABULOUS new groomer at PAWSH PET SPAW!!
Brittany has 15 years experience, does breed trims, Asian fusion styles, has excellent handling skills…… is kind and compassionate to every furry friend!
Get your best friend looking their best! Call or text 256-444-1063 to get an appointment today!

04/12/2024

Cuteness overload!!!!
Sloane and Briggs are the sweetest sisters! Briggs is sporting an adorable Asian fusion style while her sister carries a more traditional doodle pattern!
Call us today for the best pet styling experience for your fur friend!

03/30/2024

Come out to the North Alabama Canine Expo on April 27, 2024 from 11-4 and meet us and some of our dogs! We are going to be doing a raffle for a year of grooming, 6 months of grooming, and a really nice basket of goodies for your pup! Half of the proceeds from the raffle will go to the North Alabama Animal Warriors, a super great organization that goes above and beyond to serve needs of pets in Limestone and surrounding areas!

Full service dog styling studio. Canine esthetician, master stylist, behavior consultant.
40 years experience. Highest quality products and styles available. Safe, secure, soothing environment.