2002 Essay Contest Entry Archive

2002 Essay Contest Entry Archive
"Why I Became a Groomer" or
"Why I Want to Become A Groomer"

Envision a shiny little black dog, hand scissored into the shape of a teddy bear, wearing a little bandana and smelling like cherries. This is the work that I do. I am in the business of transforming God's little creatures that have been in great need of care, into fluffy and lovable pets. I give owners pet advice and help in any way I can whenever they call. I am in the business of making both pets and owners happy. I receive Christmas cards from Cocker Spaniels and Westies. I do hear it when some people say that pet grooming is "easy" and that it would be fun to play with dogs all day.

I must say, the pet grooming profession is a bit more complicated than that. Pet groomers need to be highly skilled in public relations, animal handling, equipment hygiene, hair styling and have endless patience and compassion. Pet grooming is the only profession I have known and I have devoted my working years to. I've done it both for the love of animals and my family. Few other professions could have offered me the flexibility that grooming has offered over the course of the 23 years that I've been doing it. The little creatures are led in my shop door, often times in dire need of help that I can offer. Toenails too long twisting their toes or matted hair covering their eyes. Sometimes I can detect minor health problems and encourage a vet visit before the medical problem becomes too difficult to treat. The owner of a dog may visit a groomer 1-8 times a year and a vet only once. That puts responsibility on me as a groomer, (and as a fellow pet professional other than the vet) to help monitor a dog's overall situation.

I have had the honor of having now thousands of people, bring me a little member of their family to have me give them a better hair day. I know of the unbelievably strong bond that exists between an owner and a pet, it is said to may be as strong as other members of their family. I have been blessed to be able to create joy inside these people's homes as the pet parades around after returning from one of my makeovers. My treat is to witness this activity when the owner comes to pick up the pet at the end of a grooming appointment. The dog and the owner seem equally proud. This is where my calling in life yields its rewards. It seems to be as gratifying for the owner to have their family member cared for, as it is important for the pet. I have had a customer carry a Miniature Poodle above her head because she had an appointment the morning after a blizzard, that kind of commitment makes me feel the value of my service.

The happy screams and excitement of little kids that see their puppy trimmed for the first time...gives value to the service I perform. An elderly lady (who's husband has passed) finds a special outing in getting her Pomeranian "Sadie" bathed...makes me feel the value of my service. Lending an ear to the gentlemen customer who had flood water in his house, makes me feel I have an important connection to my customers and that they may feel the same way about me...gives value to my service. My children have been raised within my appointment book, in and amongst the Poodles, Bichons and Miniature Schnauzers. I have been able to schedule play practice, band concerts and pet appointments according to need and that has truly been a gift. I could not have been more honored in my life than to have had loving owners entrust to me the care of their best friends. I could not have selected a more challenging or more rewarding field of work.