Pet Grooming by Molly Bina

Let’s talk about comfort grooms! Its a term I like to use to explain what it means to give a groom for your pet that best fits THEIR needs as opposed to the choice or preference of the owner. Sometimes it can mean a puppy’s first haircut and they are too nervous for me to scissor by the eyes extremely short so I just trim a little. Sometimes it means a dog with a heart condition whos too stressed that day for nail grinding so I skip it and just clip them. Or a kitty who’s never been groomed before and making sure all the matting is shaved is a bigger priority than a bath. But most of the time, a comfort groom is typically for senior pets. Their joints ache more than they did when they were younger. Standing for a long period of time exhausts them. Their cloudy eyes may inhibit their vision enough to make the scissors near their face very scary. Humanity over vanity is my motto and even tenfold when it comes to my furry clients in their golden years. They may still be spry at home, but their spa days are getting a little tougher for them. I will do what makes them the most comfortable while still doing the best I can to bring back their youthful glow. Sure, Lucy’s undercarriage may of had a few hairs out of place when she went home today. But this beautiful golden has lymphoma and felt the most comfortable laying down for most of her time with me. I would much rather have an owner be a little disappointed that the groom isn’t 100% perfect than an old baby be uncomfortable on my behalf. The pets always come first.