Less Stress House Call Grooming

02/21/2024

It happened, I hot hit with the flu. I've been down since Monday and simply don't have the energy to wash my own hair, much less dogs hair.

I'll get back with everyone when I can, please be patient with me, on top of being sick I still have to run a house and provide care to my pets.

Thank you.

02/18/2024

I'm a groomer, of course my back hurts 😪 😫

But really, if my back hurts so my furry clients can feel more comfortable, lay down for their groom, no coughing or struggling to breathe if they're experiencing health issues, and in general feel safer during their session, I'll take it.

I love my geriatrics 💜💜

02/06/2024

"Are we almost done here? I need to vote for you in the tattoo challenge!"

Shamelessly asking to continue voting for me please 😊

https://cover.inkedmag.com/2024/allyson-duffin

02/05/2024

Can I ask everyone to do me a favor?

A few weeks ago I sent in pictures to be featured as a cover girl in Inked Magazine.

Well, I was selected as a finalist! Voting begins NOW!

Many of my clients know that an image of me with my fresh face and neck tattoos was made into a viral meme. It's hurtful, but what's worse is the threats of violence I received, and continue to receive, in the posts I find of people sharing my meme.

I am on a journey of self love, and I want to win this 💜

Please vote for me as often as you're allowed, I'll greatly appreciate your support!

https://cover.inkedmag.com/2024/allyson-duffin

02/05/2024

I hate having to share sad news so early, and I've been putting it off because I am very sad about it, but I need to share the Ruby has crossed the bridge.

Rubes was one of my best girlfriends, grooming her was a piece of cake, the clean up from the deshed less so 😅

I'd been working with Rubes and her brother and sister for a while, then she had her leg surgeries and we took a break. At her next groom I found lumps in her groin, and not sure what they were I told mom. Mom of course got her baby in to the vet where they discovered she had advanced lymphoma. Unfortunately, the prognosis was not great, and she passed just a few weeks later.

Thankfully though, her family was able to monitor her health and know what was going on so they could make the decision when the time came. It sucks, so badly, but that time with her made a difference, and I'm grateful and distraught at finding the lumps, it's a mixed feeling.

So please help me wish Ruby a safe, happy and healthy journey to her final destination, that wide open field where her knees don't hurt and she can run wild and free, until she is joined by her loved ones. 🌈🌁

01/29/2024

Friends, fans, clients and anyone else that's here, hello 💜

I think it's about time I make this announcement publicly- I'm getting divorced. This is happy news, so please don't feel upset.

Just because this is good news, doesn't mean everyday is a good day. I am struggling mentally and physically some days as a single momma to all of my pets , running my business, and keeping my house going. Life is hard sometimes, but it won't be forever 💜☺️💜

I know it's taking me extra long to get back to clients, to reschedule when the weather is bad, some days I'm running behind because my wonderful clients are taking care of me, feeding me and listening when I need someone to talk to. Please be patient with me, I'm doing the best I can with the mental and physical strength I have at the moment.

I am so grateful for all of my wonderful clients, past and present, the people that continue to reach out every day, everyone trusting me with their babies, recommending my services, the goodies my clients are gifting me, and the understanding, most of all, that my clients are showing when my day is proving to be a little tough.

I love you all, truly, and I'm so incredibly thankful for your support over the last almost 4 years. Here's to many more, just with a different outlook 💜

01/25/2024

Sweet Connor 🥰🥰🥰

I love this fluffy boy! And I'm also super proud of this groom 💜

01/20/2024

Hey Rubble, looking good 😍😍😍

Starting my Saturday with this fluffy teddy bear boy. To quote dad "He looks so huggable!"

I agree 🥰🥰

01/12/2024

New year, new Tess! She came running right over for her nail trim, jumped on the couch and let me pet her belly!

I think we're becoming best friends 🥰🥰🥰

01/11/2024

My new sweet old lady friend, Elle 🥰 She's 16!!

01/09/2024

This is an EMERGENCY!!! The Humane Society of Missouri needs our help! What can you do? I'm glad you asked!

-Send a monetary donation
-Donate food, toys, bedding, towels
-Foster! Adopt! Walk a dog! Volunteer!
-SHARE SHARE SHARE!!

01/09/2024

Yesterday was my first day back to work after 2 wonderful weeks off! I'm still getting back to messages, so please bare with me.

I missed all my best buddies during my time off 🥰🥰

Here's Niko, getting a much needed deshed, he was looking pretty dingy 🤣

01/03/2024

Good morning everyone! I still have a few days off and I'm milking it for all its worth because come Monday, I'm back full time!

I've been enjoying this time off with my babies amd making some changes to my life, business, and everything in between.

One thing I'm focusing on is, through all of the change, I'm keeping my pets health a top tier priority. They are still getting thwir teeth brushed daily, I'm changing water bowls daily, always washing food bowls after meals, and ensuring they get adequate play time.

As far as Belle's health goes, she is loosing weight and showing signs of confusion at night so I feel she is headed towards CCD, like her brother Paco 🌈🌁. She will still be joining me most days, but she has an adopted grandma now that will be caring for her on days when my schedule does not allow for her to work with me.

I want to hear how YOUR babies are doing! New tricks, new diagnosis, favorite memory with them this past year, and anything elseyou want to brag about! 💜💜💜

Here's LJ and Sandy, my tabby twins 😻😻

01/01/2024

Mr Pickles, my friend and foe, left his family after a short and difficult battle with IBD. I started as his groomer, which he begrudgingly accepted while wearing the space helmet, and became his pet sitter later. This doesn't mean he liked me anymore though 😅

He was of the spicy variety, always keeping me on my toes. No matter how much work I put into his groom, he'd spend hours after "fixing" his hair. When I would visit for sitting, pictures were always of him hiding, but I know as soon as I left he came back out to survey his property.

I got to know his momma very well during our time together, and I love when my clients become like family. She trusted me with his care and I never took that for granted. Mr. Pickles loved his food, treats and toys, he's now free to indulge in his vices once again 🌈🌁

01/01/2024

Can you spot Duffy?

Well, his family did. Many moons ago this little angel boy was found outside of Duffy's restaurant on a rainy St. Pat's day. His family consider themselves so lucky to have found him, because he was a comforting and gentle addition, something they needed ❤️

In his hay day he enjoyed long walks and soaking up the smells in nature, in his older years he still enjoyed time in the sun with his loves ones, just at a slower pace. He's back to full speed and anything in between now 🌈🌁

01/01/2024

My oldest cat client, Wiggy, unfortunately is not able to join her very devoted momma in 2024.

Caring for a medically complex pet is a lot of work, and I'm so thankful I was a trusted caregiver for her. I had been grooming Wiggy for a while before I became her pet sitter, but that strengthened our "bond." She never truly enjoyed my company, but we came to an understanding with each other that I would make her feel better and she would accept it 😌

Wiggy was strong headed and smart, she was a snuggly pur machine and a beautiful older gal. I know she's running things now, like she did in her home 🌈🌁

01/01/2024

Often I work with seniors and they remind me of my own past senior babies, and Cisco was one of them. He reminded me of both Paco and Teddy, two of my babies that suffered from Canine Cognitive Disfunction, but were the absolute sweetest dogs I've ever had.

Cisco had a bit of spice by the time I met him, that didn't matter though, I still loved him so much. His wonderful momma always wanted something fun for him, and his biggest hit were bell bottoms 😍

I know the moment he stepped foot across, he was restored the ability to run and play, and he'll be welcomed by friends 🌈🌁

01/01/2024

Sugary sweet Olivia has the sweetest and most loving mom, and I know that because I've been caring for her babies for about 3 years.

I only had the opportunity to groom Olivia once, and it was a hospice groom to remove some matting that had developed due to skin and coat issues from her illness. She purred and talked to me through the entire groom, and afterwards her momma gifted her a beautiful sweater. Even though I'd only groomed her once, I saw her regularly as I was there for her dog sister, Lucy.

Olivia was unwell towards the end of her long and abundant life, but illness and injury do not follow our friends to the fields of flowers that await them. Olivia, I wish you safe travels 🌈🌁

12/31/2023

When Emmett joined his momma, it was later in his life. I had already been grooming his sister, Shady Lady, so he became my client too.

Doing his nails was...not easy. Through trial and error though, we persevered. He was the absolute sweetest, most loving and caring boy, and sat outside the kitchen watching Shady get groomed to make sure she was alright.

I didn't get to know Emmett his whole life, not even for a full year, but it was time well spent ♥️ Arthritis made walking difficult for him, he deserves the soft gallop to his eternal peace 🌈🌁

12/31/2023

I started working with sweet Lucy when her momma noticed she was having troubles in her old age keeping clean.

Lucy had a rough start to life but her remaining years with her little sister and her incredible momma were filled with love, protection, care and stability. I groomed her regularly and kept her matt and di*******ry free, and she kept me on my toes. In her old age, Lucy had s***k and once peed straight onto my face during her blow dry.

When we become a health care aid to our furry family members, we enter a new level of love. The adoptions we make to our homes to make life easier for them, the medical terms we learn, the patience and companion that we find by becoming a geriatric care giver change our lives.

Please wish this old lady a comfortable trip to her afterlife 🌈🌁

12/31/2023

One of the most impactful deaths I had this year was Tink. I only had the opportunity to groom her 2 times, one was a comfort and her final was an end of life bath.

Tink passed away from advanced kidney failure, but she lived with attitude and spice 🤩

At Tink's final groom, 24 hours prior to her crossing, I gave her a bath and sang to her. At one point, through both of our crying, I felt a shift in her energy; she became lighter and seemed to lift up, almost rise toward the ceiling. It was such a strange feeling, I started sobbing immediately.

She was able to pass peacefully the next day with her loved ones close by, at her home. Tink left her family physically, but will always be with them spiritually. Safe travels, sweet friend 🌈🌁

12/31/2023

Happy New Years Eve!

I'm so grateful to all of you, my wonderful clients, for the support you've offered me this year. I appreciate your trust and love that I'm part of so many families.

I have fallen behind on posting memorials, it's sad and hurts my heart when I get the texts that a friend has passed.

I have numerous friends to post memorials for today, I'm sorry that I waited until today to do them 😔

Before I begin, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, I'm sorry some of our friends couldn't physically join us in 2024, but they will always travel with us in our hearts ♥️

12/18/2023

Yay! The count down to my annual 2 weeks off has begun, starting saturday the 23rd through sunday the 7th, I'm off!

I'm booked up as much as I need to be this week, but with Belle's illness and some life changes on the horizon, I've decided to offer some last minute OH S**T, "I forgot to get the dog groomed" Appointments!

From now until Friday, I'll have appointments available earlier than my usual 9 am, later than my usual 3 pm, and on my normal day off.

The fee for making me work when I'm cold, sore and tired will be at minimum $50, at maximum however I feel that day 🤣

Please be patient when messaging me, I'm only one person. Have a great day!

12/14/2023

I have received some very sad news about my sweet old lady, Belle, she has been diagnosed with renal failure.

For the time being, she will need to be with me so I can monitor her comfort, ensure she's able to potty regularly instead of being inside all day, and just spend as much time with my girl as possible.

I won't be pursuing the ultrasound to determine what stage of the disease she's in, I don't need to know how much sooner she'll leave us.

I'm asking for compassion and understanding during this difficult time. For nail visit houses she can stay in the car, but I'll be bringing a soft sided crate to keep her comfy in while I work. If this will be an inconvenience please let me know and I can figure something out.

Thank you for your support 💜

11/21/2023

It's that time of year where everyone is getting sick. Thankfully my house is clear (unlike last year when we had covid at this exact time 🤞)

I am BEGGING my clients, if you are sick, if you have any illness symptoms, if you have sick kids at home, TELL ME! My ability to work and stay healthy will always be more important than giving your pet's a haircut. I can reschedule you if you're sick, I cannot reschedule 2 weeks worth of appointments when I get sick.

December is so full right now, if I get sick I simply don't have anywhere to put clients.

This also goes for the respiratory infection that's affecting dogs right now. It's currently being treated as a very contagious kennel cough. If your dog is exhibiting any illness symptoms, tell me! I groom immunocompromised, geriatric, and special needs dogs. Their safety is more important than your dog getting groomed, remember, I can reschedule your dog, but I can't do anything for a clients dog that gets sick because I groomed a sick dog.

Safety is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE!

If I get to your house and you are coughing, sneezing, or your dog seems ill, I'm leaving. No way around it.

Please respect me and the animals and humans I see every day. 💜

11/18/2023

This bean bag chair started as her dad's, Lilly has since claimed it 🤣🤣

11/16/2023

This perfect gentleman's mom's out up their tree already, so Max was able to have a mini photo shoot after his groom 🥰🥰

11/08/2023

Is now the time to add to your family? I guess you won't know until you try!

GPG has been full all year, but that hasn't stopped them from continuing to help their community and the animals that live there.

If you are interested in adding a special cat or dog to your family, please go meet them and bring someone home! ❤️

We are full. We've been full....ALL year.

But that won't stop us from trying to clear the shelter so we can make room for more homeless pets this holiday season.

For the remainder of 2023, we are holding walk-in adoption events every Wednesday, 3 - 5 PM and every Saturday, 11 AM - 1 PM.*

And (drumroll please) every adult cat and adult dog has a waived adoption fee!** That's right. A generous donor gave us a year-end gift so that EVERY ADULT DOG & ADULT CAT waiting for their forever home has a $0 adoption fee!!!

These cats and dogs will be zero dollars to adopt thanks to the thoughtful sponsorship in memory of Zach Schneider, who loved all animals including his foster pets from Gateway Pet Guardians. To honor Zach's love for animals this winter, the adoption fee for these 45 pets pictured here will be covered, along with many others looking for forever homes. We are extremely grateful to the Schneider family for this gift.

HELP US CLEAR THE SHELTER this holiday season! Please spread this news far and wide and open your home to your newest family member.

www.gatewaypets.org/adopt

*no walk-in adoptions November 25 and December 23 & 30th.
**The waived adoption fee is for adult dogs and adult cats at least 6 months and older. Offer does not apply to puppies, kittens, and small dogs under 25 pounds.

11/03/2023

I love that it's winter and my clients will start growing their coats long again 😍😍

Coraline, my sweet Havanese girl, got a tidy today! Did you know, not every visit needs to include a full haircut? Bath and tidy (face, feet and sanitary), nail visit (with optional brush or sanitary trim), and a full groom are a few options we can choose from to keep your pet's coats in the best condition!