Well, I had a good time in Atlanta. Didn't place in any of the 3 classes I entered, but I was happy with how the dogs turned out. Great strides were made, I feel. The next show is April at Intergroom in New Jersey. This is a large, international show so placing here is a big victory. If you woukd like to see pictures of the dog's I groomed this weekend, like us on facebook www.facebook.com/LittleShopSalon or follow us on Twitter @LittleShopSalon. 

While in ATL I lined up some possible speaking...
Continue reading ...

Several years ago two adorable Pomeranians walked into Little Shop for a makeover. Their mom, Laurie, mentioned an interest in grooming.  I admit at the time I thought there's no way she would cut it as a groomer, she was so immaculately dressed and soft spoken I couldn't picture her covered in dog hair dealing with some of the less savory aspects a day with dogs often entails.  When the opportunity arose for her to start working one day a week with us I thought for sure she would decide this...
Continue reading ...

As you can see, I have been very lax on updating my blog...here are my following list of excuses: my computer decided to put itself down, I do not have internet at the shop, I attended 3 grooming competitions and was a speaker at one trade show since my last post, I went on vacation, I was tired, I had to play with my attention hungry dogs, I had to work.....hhmmmm, I'm sure I could think of some more things, but I feel sufficiently justified in my mind.  ;)  I apologize for my respite and am...
Continue reading ...

On a beautiful day in August with the sun pouring in our open doors, a customer asked us who's kitten was walking around the reception area.  I looked out to see a tiny orange kitten walking right up to the customer's German Shepherd!  No fear, tail high in the air as if to say, "Hi, will you take care of me?"  It was love at first sight!  I knew in an instant this was going to be the shop cat I had been wanting for years.  We took her to the vet for an upper respiratory infection.  Within 2 ...
Continue reading ...

Been busy with so much around the shop lately that the blog has been sorely neglected. Since the last post, I have been to another grooming competition in Rhode Island.  I was entered in 4 classes.  In the "All Other Purebreds" class I was competing with Pippin, a curly coated Portuguese Water Dog, loaned to me by a good friend and PWD breeder, Jane Harding of Cutwater Portuguese Water Dogs in Essex.  With Pippin, I was given an honorable mention.  The judge, Julie Ostoski said of the class a...
Continue reading ...

I'm back from an exciting weekend at Intergroom in NJ.  This particular show happens to be one of my favorite competitions and trade shows.  While I did not place with any of my entries this go round, I was able to gain some very good experience and learn some new tricks for next time.  The highlight of the weekend had to be the arrival of my new Kerry Blue Terrier puppy.  She is 10 weeks old, and quite the firecracker!  Her name has not been decided on as of yet, but we are working on it!  T...
Continue reading ...

I arrived with my 4 dog entourage Friday morning and got right to work.  Jackson and Jake were bathed and then once we were all settled into the hotel room, Jackson and I headed back out to the competition ring. 


Jackson is an absolute angel on the table, and how can one resist his face?!?

Although we did not place, we learned how to tweak our groom for the next time.  Here is a picture of Jackson all finished. 


Friday night they had a wonderful new class, Pomadorable.  Several groomers enter...
Continue reading ...

We had a great time at our open house party!  Our estimate was about 200 visitors who watched our demos, snacked on hot dogs and donuts, visited with their dogs and others' pets, won prizes, and enjoyed the beautiful day we were given.  Thank you all for coming out to support us and find out more about what Little Shop has to offer.  We look forward to our fall festival next year with even more great attractions! 

Continue reading ...

You already are!  Your pet's fur is on it's way to Alabama to assist in soaking up the oil spill in the Gulf.  Here are some videos on how the whole process works. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQOD_Ir2vQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj_mna5lckg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuWyFVo62o

Thank you for your help!  Be sure to donate your nylons as well, with runs are fine.  We are so happy to be a part of something to help our community along the Gulf Coast.  Keep bringing us that fur, and we...
Continue reading ...

I am back from another great weekend at a grooming competition.  Every time I go I am so encouraged and renewed to come back to work and make every pet look and feel their very best.  Seeing old friends, winning awards, buying new tools and learning new tricks really does something to the groomer's soul. 

Well, I was quite successful in this competition.  It began Friday morning when I entered the ring with Jake, the Irish Terrier. 

He was his usual feisty self, so much so that the judges com...
Continue reading ...

Our tubs are in place and awaiting the plumber to hook them up, then we will be kicking off the new edition to Little Shop of Howlers: the DIY dog spa!  Please check back soon for updated pictures, hours of operation and pricing information. We are so excited about this new aspect of our salon. 

Continue reading ...

Tuesday, March 16 was our first day in our brand new salon!  It was absolutely wonderful!  We are still finishing with some small decorative details, and the self serve section will be up and running in a few weeks.  Please feel free to come visit us any time, we love guests!



Continue reading ...

I was asked several months ago to groom a Portuguese Water Dog, Ch. Ebb Tide's Upcountry Titan, aka Sage, for this most prestigious show.  Of course I agreed, and so began our journey to "the Garden" (Madison Square Garden that is!).  Monday, February 15th, we prepared Sage for our trip down to the city.

Sage snoozing in my lap on the drive down. 

The hotel was filled with gorgeous dogs, and we were made to feel like celebrities.  Tuesday morning we awoke early excited for our big day.  We he...
Continue reading ...

We are excited to announce that Little Shop will be moving in the upcoming weeks to a new salon.  We will be at the same address, but several doors down from our current location.  Construction and painting has taken up much of our time and energy which is why we have not blogged in several weeks.  However, we are hoping to be in the new space come March.  Don't worry, we will let you know if we have moved.  Please enjoy some pictures of our progress. 


1: Materials dropped off. 

Construction ...

Continue reading ...

I competed on Friday with Jackson, a Golden Retriever. 
We did not place, but considering it was my first time grooming a Golden for competition, I was quite pleased.  The judges commented that it was a beautiful job.  I look forward to many more successful competitions with this handsome man. 

On Saturday morning, Rusty, an adorable mixed breed, and I took the ring.  Again, we did not place, but were awarded the Taxi Memorial Award.  This award is given to the groomer who has captured the be...
Continue reading ...

We want to give you and your pets the best experience they have ever had at a pet salon and spa.  Please fill out our forms we have available on our website to improve our services.  Check out the VIP page for a link, as well as the Contact Us/FAQ page for the "Fill Out My Form" link.  We greatly appreciate your input and hope to bring you even better service in the future.


Continue reading ...

What a whirlwind of a weekend!  I (Erin) competed with a customer's Kerry Blue Terrier, Connor, Friday afternoon, and a friend's toy Poodle, Sticks on Saturday.  This was my first time in the A division, the highest level of competition, so I expected to be paying my dues as a rookie.  My goal was for personal improvement in both the classes I entered.  While I did not place either day, I was able to get some constructive criticism on my grooms to improve my chances next time.  After the comp...
Continue reading ...

We leave tomorrow for the biggest grooming trade show and competition in the country.  Groom Expo is hosted by Barkleigh Productions in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  The weekend holds much learning, shopping, competing, and fun for all attendees.  I (Erin) will be competing with a customer's Kerry Blue Terrier, Connor.  This will be only my second time grooming him as he is maintained mostly by his mom.  Kerry's happen to be one of my favorite breeds to compete with as you can tell by the numerous ...
Continue reading ...

We want to thank all the parents who have taken in a homeless pet either from a shelter or a rescue organization.  Every pet needs love, no matter what their heritage or their past.  Please come in to Little Shop and receive any add on spa service* free of charge to help pamper that precious pet even more!  We are also going to carry this special through to August 15th as well!  And remember, dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole. 

*with purchase of massaging bath packag...
Continue reading ...

Well, I (Erin) went to Intergroom this past weekend to compete in 3 competitions as well as do some shopping and attend some seminars.  I left on Thursday to drive to Somerset, NJ with my Standard Poodle, ZZ, my American Cocker Spaniel, Rip, and a customer's baby, Jake, an Irish Terrier. 

My first competition was Friday morning with Jake in the Handstripped Terrier class.  We did not place because we are still learning Jake's growth cycle and he did not have enough hair to make a significant ...
Continue reading ...

For VIPs and first time customers: receive $5 off the Deshedding Treatment when you mention this web special!  Visit our Salon Services page to learn more about our Deshedding program.  Imagine a house without those pesky tumbleweeds in every corner and a vacuum bag not full after three passes over the carpet!

Continue reading ...

Hello and thank you for visiting our new and improved site!  We are having so much fun creating this informative oasis for you and your pets to enjoy and interact with.  Please visit often as we are continually adding new features and and updating current ones. 

This page will be our newsletter to you with seasonal grooming tips, competition updates, pet news, and local hot spots for you and your pet to visit. 

If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to leave them here, emai...
Continue reading ...