What inspired you to get into grooming? Like most groomers I
love animals. I grew up surrounded by them. I wanted to work
with animals, and grooming or becoming a vet tech seemed
like the only options where I could earn a decent income. I can't
stomach blood to the point that I would barf and pass out in a
veterinary setting, so I went the grooming route.
Where do you currently groom? I groom at Wagging Tails Pet
Resort in Eagan MN. I do not work well under pressure and
stress, and I require variety, so a pet resort has turned out to be a
perfect fit.
What is your favorite breed to groom? Anything that is blowing
it's coat. I think it's fun to blow the chunks of hair out with a
velocity dryer. Though the hair in the face, and the cleaning
afterwards not so much. Those are also my favorite before and
after photos to take.
Is there any breed you would love to get your hands on, that
you haven’t groomed yet? No. It's a boring answer, but I've
encountered pretty much all that I can imagine. No more oodles!
What is the most rewarding thing about grooming to you? When
I find out that I've made a difference in someone's life. Over
Christmas I received a card and large tip from one of my request
clients. Of course the tip was great, but the card was what
touched me and made my entire year. Her words actually made
me tear up. She thanked me for taking such good care of her dog
Maggie. She said Maggie cuddles with her when she doesn't
feel well and makes her terminal Cancer bearable. I did not even
know she was sick. She said dogs and the people who take care
of them are miracles.
What is one grooming skill you wished you could improve? Can I
pick two? Poodles and Doodles!
As a male in the industry, have you at any time felt discriminated
against, or belittled based on your gender? If so, how did you
combat that? I've never personally felt discriminated against by
any co-workers or bosses due to my gender. I love working with
women, I always say women are the superior sex. It's actually
been others outside of the industry who have judged me and the
profession in general. I actually had one guy tell my friend that he
thought I was attractive, but he couldn't date me because I'm a
dog groomer. That speaks volumes about his character. He never
stood a chance.
Favorite song to rock out to, to get you pumped for a full day of
grooming? Just about anything House or from the 80’s. Anything
I can dance and sing to. I have a full playlist specifically for work
that ranges from current House music and Enigma, to Duran
Duran, Michael Jackson, and Elton John, to the The Little Mermaid
and RENT soundtracks.