"Howl-A-Lujah" Dog Grooming

10/25/2024

from a fb friends' page:
FYI: Bobcat spotted this morning behind our house at the end of Belmont Ave. Kitty corner from the pool/legion park. Keep an eye on your small animals. 🐱

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06/01/2024

From my personal page yesterday:
i just want to let you know that at about 11am this morning Greta(16+) and Vienna(12+) crossed the rainbow bridge together. Vienna would have been 13 in august. Her back and rear were getting weaker and she had lost all control of both bladder and bowel and was experiencing yet another bout of urinary tract infection. Not being able to walk, and just dragging around bc she didn't like the wheelchairs i have, she'd drag through her soils and the cycle of infection would just keep going. I am going to miss her soft, gentle brown eyes and her loving demeanor. She had a 'woody' personality and was a very proud doxy girl. The office seems so empty now.
Greta's kidneys were doing very well. We were fighting and maintaining there excellently. Her hearing was gone and her eyesight almost gone however, and the librela injections for her arthritis were not giving her any sort of longevity as they were in the beginning. Her personality had graphically changed from the ball-playing, cheerful, 'i love everyone' attitude to one of fearfulness, lonliness, and reactive fear biting towards any one or thing that moved around her. That wasn't Greta. Not at all. Lilly was afraid of her and so were the others, not knowing what to do around her. During the night last night, I cuddled her under my arm and slept on my side so that she felt safe, but at some point during the night someone moved and she snapped out at the air and bit me in the side and stomach. I KNOW she didn't mean it. She was scared. It wasn't fair for her to live like that.
This house is quiet. Confused. And, we are still mourning other losses as well. I do not expect that I am going to recuperate from any of this any time soon.
My head is splitting from crying all the way to Manteno, and then home again with empty cages.
I will be good for nothing for days now once again.
2024 has been the very worst year of my life. I am not looking forward to anything more in it.
The only doxy i have left now is Major. Poppy, Lilly, Hanz and Ilsa are doxy mixes. Cassie and Meatloaf are chi's.
I'm down to 7 now. And my heart hurts terribly.

05/05/2024

Today was my last Saturday workday! Starting the new 3 day work week semi-retirement schedule. Everyone has been just great at working around that so far, and i am grateful. Everyone is prebooking as well which makes everything so much easier all around. This change came none too soon i guess as all of a sudden i'm having to see the dr far more often than I'd like to lately. Just had a cyst removed from top of my head and got the stitches out yesterday. Next month i have to see the cardiologist again to follow up on my LBBB, and it looks like towards fall I'll have to take a little time off for a hernia repair surgery... I don't even want to think about what might come up next!!! Being 2 yrs past 65 and everything starts wearing out at once! I keep wondering where the 'gold' is in the golden years? I guess it's in the drs pockets!😜

04/26/2024

The work on the railroad crossing on main street in town has been completed and the street is open again!

04/16/2024

Please take note for upcoming grooming appointments!

03/18/2024

Just wanted to give an update on the business, decisions, and new schedule.
~I am honoring the Saturdays that I have booked until the 1st weekend in May. After that, I will no longer be working on Saturdays. I have talked to all of my 'saturday' clients and discussed this with them. So far, we have been able to work out other options for grooming during the hours i will be open during the week. I may have to occasionally work a later/longer weekday to accommodate this, but that's 'ok'.
~I will be working only 3 days a week now, and have initially chosen Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to begin the transition, SO it is VERY important that you rebook your next appointment before leaving. Otherwise, it may be a little longer before I can book another one for you. (most times that's not a big deal if i have to go out another week, but you can see how that could escalate if a lot of people do that, and we'd get really backed up)
~I don't anticipate any pricing increases at this point. Perhaps at the beginning of next year (from $55-$60) but that's certainly not a definite for now.
~I have let a few clients go to help with the stress on a daily basis: people who never tip, people who only groom their dogs once or twice a YEAR, difficult dogs, or people who constantly cancel. Between my heart issue and stress issues, I need a calmer regimen heading into this 'season of life' for me.
~I do NOT do credit cards or debit cards (never have), and I PREFER NOT to do personal checks (unless you are a client that I've made that arrangement with previously.) CASH ONLY!!!!!
~I have NOT taken any new clients for some time now, and do not plan on doing so. Now if you are PRESENTLY a regular client and lose a pet and replace them, that's different.
~anyone who is a former client that hasn't been here in over 6 months, would be considered 'new' and therefore not seen here again.
~I am not planning to go into full retirement any time soon, but am paring down to work smarter, not longer and continue to work for great folks with great little dogs.
~Between life events and health issues in the past 8 months, it is time to implement a new system, new rules, and new schedule to afford myself a better 'quality' of life. No, it certainly won't be 'beneficial' financially, but mentally, physically, and emotionally, I am looking forward to some respite.
Thank you so much for understanding and standing by me. I appreciate ALL of you that trust me with your pets care for the past 20+ years!! (9 of them here in watseka) I look forward to continuing to serve you!

03/03/2024

update on closure:
i managed to start back to work a little this past week. i'm exhausted physically and mentally. i am starting to call people back to try to fit them back into the schedule. i've appreciated those who have been considerate and patient. Thank you for that grace. I have a long way to go to get caught up, and I'm still battling fatigue and congestion from the flu.
There will be changes coming however. I'm going to be making some hard decisions to start thinking about slowing down and cutting back on my workload. I need to find time for myself after so many years of service to others. Once i get caught up, I will be dropping saturdays permanently as work days, affording me weekends off and opportunities to be with my family more, and only working 3 days a week. (wed, thurs, fri)
I realize that this will impact some folks and we won't be able to find other times to accommodate your dogs for regular grooming. I'm going to be 67 come September, Lord willing. It's time that I start prioritizing my own life, health, and mental well being. I need to make time for counselling and respite for my soul. Yes, I NEED to work to pay the bills, but somehow between my recent health issues and life events, things have changed, and so have my priorities. I will do my best to get everyone who's appointments were cancelled in the past 3 weeks, back in, but it will take some time. After that, I will have to make some hard choices as to how much I can handle.

02/26/2024

UPDATE on things here:
Yesterday was my first full day with a normal temperature. Yes, I need to think about returning to work here soon. I do not know what or how much my body is going to take, or if it's going to cooperate with that idea. So, I am going to have to start SLOWLY with appointments that were already on the book at this point, and add in, in order of cancellation, those who are waiting patiently to have their little ones groomed.
In addition to the last 6 months of stress over my heart condition/diagnosis/tests, loss of one of my own dogs, the sudden, horrible loss of my grandson, and battling the influenza A, I've dropped an additional 10lbs. I need frequent breaks, rest, and to eat to keep my strength up even tho my stomach says 'no' to most everything i put in it...I'M TRYING TO GET BACK ON MY FEET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...
Some folks are concerned that i may not be returning to work at all. While I wish at this point, retirement was an option, it is NOT. I have to work to pay the bills. I just don't know how my body is going to react to putting it back into a regular schedule.
So, I again, ask for your patience. There is no handbook on grappling with grief, and this entire situation has been so hard on everyone in my family to come to grips with. We will all process things differently and in our own timing. My body physically reacts poorly to stress with tremors and fatigue. I can only pray and hope that if I push it into gear, it's going to accept that nudge and not fall apart further on me.
Trust me, I miss my 'normal' routine.
Nothing about life feels the same however, so, I have to navigate in small steps to find a new normal.
I am thankful for so many people's prayers, cards, and support through this most difficult of seasons....
I am hoping to be returning phone calls starting tomorrow.
We'll just have to see how things go.

02/22/2024

well, it's official. mycarle chart results are in on my covid, rsv, and influenza tests. I am positive for Influenza A, as the dr suspected. Along with the ear and sinus infection for which he rx'd an antibiotic. So, more rest it is for me....
They said they'd call me today with results/protocols, possible antiviral therapy (but it's prolly too late for that now)

INFLUENZA A
Normal value: NEGATIVE
Value
POSITIVEAbnormal
Consider antivirus therapy for high risk patients.
Refer to UpToDate for list of high risk patient types.

Influenza A target RNA detected.

02/20/2024

The business continues to be closed. I am sick. Going to the Dr. in the morning. Not sure if this is the flu, or a recurrence of the bronchitis/ sinus infection i had recently. I'm not usually around a lot of people at a time, but between last week's events and standing in the snow and cold wind on Saturday, i picked up something nasty. 3 days of coughing, fever, and constant headache prompts me to seek treatment. Again, i am sorry for the inconvenience this may cause you. I will return to work just as soon as i possibly can. Thank you for your understanding during this very difficult time.

02/14/2024

https://www.knappfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/carson-santefort?fbclid=IwAR0SHzJZti8XUzXq6yMnlkENQUlV_YXojjhIuxOV_0cVEE6tPKYTOYgowjE

View Carson A. Santefort's obituary, send flowers and find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/10/2024

AS OF TODAY, 2/10/24 "HOWL-A-LUJAH" GROOMING WILL BE CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO A TRAGIC AND UNEXPECTED FAMILY LOSS. I DO NOT KNOW AT THIS TIME WHEN I WILL REOPEN. PLEASE KEEP MY FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. I AM SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE.

01/24/2024

I made the call to close business for today. There are still plates of ice covered in water on my driveway where people would have to walk. I waited until it was light enough this morning to attempt to take out my garbage, but, i put 'yak trakkers' on my shoes in order to even consider it. The rain and rising temps are making progress at exposing gravel, but it's still very slippery. Everyone who was scheduled for today has been rescheduled. It's just not worth the liability, insurance, or injury risk....and while I don't like cancelling another day of income, we're all safer if i do. Some of my elderly/infirm/handicapped clients can't get out of their cars to bring their pets in, and I offer to go out to get them and bring them back. I'm not willing at this point to do that either. If i fall, i don't work at all!! Not worth it! Hoping that the temps cooperate to melt more of this today and then we'll see about tomorrow, tomorrow! I'd almost appreciate a little wind with this to dry things up faster, but so far, it's just rain/sleet. I'm sorry for the inconvenience of this, but better safe than sorry.

01/23/2024

As of this morning, I'm not sure what to do about grooming for tomorrow. I had an electrician here this morning to fix one of my shop fixtures and he had a very difficult time navigating the ice on the driveway in work boots, then carrying a ladder in. It seems that the ice IS melting a little but refreezing then like a skating rink because it can't drain off or into the ground. I will have to make a judgement call later today, about tomorrow. I myself fell going out the door a couple of years ago and broke my wrist slipping on ice that was under the snow, so i DON'T want anyone getting hurt trying to come in or going out either carrying or being pulled by dogs on leashes!! I've already had one client call, and rescheduled her.....with so many weather related cancellations in the past couple of weeks, the scheduling is a mess right now, but, i'd rather be safe than sorry!

01/21/2024

My 2024 isn't starting out very well. This weather is brutal. In the past couple of weeks, I've had my nuclear stress test rescheduled twice, major car/brake repair, a frozen pipe in the house, my washer not working, and a diagnosis of liver cancer in my dear little cushing's rescue dog Hobo...who declined rapidly this past week, and died on Wednesday morning.
My stress and anxiety levels have been absolutely unbearable prompting a visit to the dr to get back on medication to help me deal with everything bombarding me right now.
The heart test is rescheduled for February 5th now, the car is fixed to the tune of $500.00, the pipe is thawed for now, i'm holding off repair on the washer for now as i have two and can use the other one, but Hobo is gone. He's not coming back. For 5 years that dear little soul battled all kinds of horrible things and did it with exceptional grace, tolerance and in good spirits. Nothing could squelch his spirit. He was my inspiration daily to try to see beyond adversity and muscle through each day. We all feel lost here. His besties are looking for him and not understanding why he's not here. His 'noise' is missing in the pack, and his little helicopter tail and wolfman smile arent greeting me at the door when i come in from work.
The pain of grief is unbearable...
And the weather continues to make things difficult with a possible ice storm coming early this week.
I'm doing my best to keep up with everything, but i am very weak emotionally right now and spent physically and financially.
Please keep us in your prayers. IF this ice storm comes through, that will threaten my power and my home is all electric. That means no light, no cooking, no heat, no water...and more frozen pipes. It would mean cancellation of appointments for grooming as well.
So. Please be kind. Please be patient. And please pray for me and the remaining pups. None of the remaining 9 are 'young'. They range in age from 9-16. Pray that this storm misses us and it starts to warm up to where we don't have to worry about that anymore!!..and i still don't have answers where my heart issue is concerned. They keep telling me that 'stress and anxiety' are not good for my heart. Well, duh....
Rest in Peace dear little Hobo....until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge

01/20/2024

For those who know Dr Jo Ellen Fisher DVM of Watseka. Her husband has passed away....

View Kett R. Rankin's obituary, send flowers and find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/24/2023

Best wishes to all of my clients for a Merry Christmas! Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!

12/01/2023

New pup to a regular client, after the loss of an elderly pet. This is Stella the 4mo old maltipoo. A real sweetheart for grooming too!

11/29/2023

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all have a safe, happy, lovely holiday!

10/30/2023

I am feeling better. Still coughing and that wears me out. I've incorporated a few cancelled grooms back into the schedule already. Hopefully will be able to call back remaining folks and put them back in too. I can't just add days back in unfortunately to make up for lost time. I just can't work that hard anymore-getting too old. 'Slow and steady wins the race' for me anymore. Doing the best i can to still serve all my regular clients as they expect to be served. Bronchitis wasn't 'in the plan' at this point...still waiting on other tests and appointments about my recently diagnosed heart findings. Probably won't have answers until after the holidays. Praying that viruses and nasty gunk will stay away from my house, and yours!

10/23/2023

Playing it by ear for this week's grooming schedule. I FINALLY was able to get into MY dr's office this morning and was prescribed the antibiotic i wanted and needed Thurs when i went to the e.r. and got nothing. Dx: acute respiratory infection/acute bronchitis. So, I will be starting the antibiotic i should have been taking for 4 days already, tonite. I'm hoping it will kick in and i'll at least be able to groom some by end of the week.... Will just see how the medication affects me, and how well I'm breathing. In the meantime, fluids, cough medicine, and lots of rest. I'm feeling very weak right now. Heading for the couch and a nap....

10/20/2023

Shop is closed again today. I went to urgent care last night, but they didn't give me anything for what i've got. Just have to ride it out and rest, hope, and pray i get better and not worse. At least I'm negative for covid and strep. "just a virus"....so am trying to treat myself in olde timey ways and hope for the best! Of course i have no idea where i'm going to put people back in for grooming in the next couple of weeks. I'm sorry for that inconvenience, but I just can't work as hard as i used to... and, I'm trying hard not to worry about the loss of income.

10/19/2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTE: THE BUSINESS WILL BE CLOSED TODAY, THURSDAY OCTOBER 19TH, DUE TO ILLNESS. IF YOU HAVE APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY, I WILL CALL YOU TO RESCHEDULE AS SOON AS I'M FEELING BETTER. (no fever, negative covid, but my tonsils are the size of walnuts and feeling very angry) ...where this came from i haven't a clue...

09/03/2023