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...
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If you have ever had a pet that does not like being groomed you know what I'm talking about. Often times our first reaction is to avoid what we consider undue stress. However if you own a breed that requires regular grooming, extended time between appointments only makes matters worse. Think back to a time when you didn't go to the dentist for your regular cleaning only to find out months later that there was now a cavity. The process you originally dreaded (which wasn't that bad to begin wit...
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Welcome to our Open House Festival!!!!  We look forward to being able to let our fur down a little and have some fun with our friends and their pets.  There is a lot planned tomorrow, here is our schedule...remember we are dog people so everything is a little flexible.  :)

1:00
Rescue Roundup Grooming Competition @ Little Shop of Howlers
   - local groomers will be giving homeless pets a much needed makeover in the hopes that they will go to their forever homes clean and happy.

1:30
Agility Demo w...
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As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, you decide to go a little longer between your pet's haircuts so as to keep her warm.  Oh, and don't forget that chic sweater you bought to help keep the chill off.  Then you take her into the groomer and they tell you it's all tangled and the best option is to clip her short and start again, what went wrong?  The first problem is that your groomer most likely sets up a haircut that works in your usual timeframe to keep your pet matt free.  When...
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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...
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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...
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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! 

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September 26, 2010 we will be having an open house and party to celebrate our new salon.  Paws N Effect next door will also be holding some dog friendly events.

So far we are planning:
BBQ (with vegetarian options as well)
Ice cream
Grooming demonstrations
Private grooming consultations for your pets
Nail trims
Teeth brushing
Agility demos
Flyball
Lure coursing
Healthy diet seminars by local vets
Rescue group fundraising
Door prizes
Special coupons
Tours of our salon
Self Serve Pet Spa will be open
CGC testin...
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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...
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In response to increased interest, we are now offering private appointments to those pets seeking the ultimate Zen experience.  Is your pet nervous around other people or pets?  Do you want an exclusive styling session with our staff?  Come experience the serenity a private appointment can offer. 

We cater to many pets who are rescued and have questionable pasts.  Often these pets are skittish and become withdrawn somewhat when in a new environment.  While we keep Little Shop low volume every...
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