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2002 Essay Contest
Entry Archive |
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The question is "Why I became a groomer?" That is a question I have often asked myself. I have always been an animal lover and have known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be part of the animal industry. My idea of the perfect job has ranged from veterinarian, marine biologist, vet tech, zoologist and dog groomer; all in that order. Honestly, I had no idea there was such a person as a dog groomer until I fell into the profession thirteen years ago. That was when I started as a bather for two groomers in a small shop in a neighboring town. While taking on the task of bather, I decided grooming just might be my niche. Had the groomers I was working for told me everything that was involved in being a groomer, I would probably have turned and run the other direction. Fleas, ticks, skin conditions, ear infections, anal glands, no-show appointments, just to mention a few, does not make for a very glamorous job description. Lucky for me though, I learned all of these things, and much more, gradually along the way. I have been a groomer for thirteen years. Ten of those I have owned my own salon. A typical day for me includes many one-sided conversations. My little furry friends I have on my grooming table may not be able to talk back, but are all excellent listeners. They have heard my problems, sadness and excitement. They have contentedly listened to topics ranging from disagreements I have had with someone to my excitement about an upcoming vacation. If someone were to walk in my salon and see me having one of these one-sided conversations they would think I’m either crazy or see my real love for the dogs. And I’m not crazy. There are so many rewarding aspects of the dog groomers life. I enjoy visiting with my clients, making a special effort to take mental notes of what is going on with them personally. Asking how their recent family vacation was, and knowing their children’s names. Letting the children pick out the color of ribbon for "Peaches’" bows is a must for me too. These little things mean a lot to my clients and makes me feel as though I am more to them than just their groomer. I have always been a very social person who could strike up a conversation with anyone, so the public relations factor came very easily to me. Another enjoyment I get from my job are the surprises from both my human and canine clients. The holiday gifts are always a pleasant surprise, but so are the sincerity of a thank you or an unexpected tip. I had a surprise just a few months ago that made me giggle for a week and still makes me smile whenever I think of it. I had a customer who came in on Halloween with her Bichon, "Roy", dressed up in a jack-o-lantern costume. I was on the telephone with another customer when "Roy" came strolling through the door all decked out. It was all I could do to contain my laughter until I was finished on the phone. In the thirteen years I have been grooming, I have never had a four-legged trick-or-treater come to my shop. These are just some of the small things that make my job fun. I never know what the day has in store for me. My job is also very gratifying. I feel very confident with myself when I can take that Bichon that has not been brushed, not to mention bathed, in at least six months and transform him into a well groomed, head turning, beautiful example of the breed. I pride myself in the fact that one of my clients once told another Bichon owner she spoke with in another town who was looking for a groomer that I was the groomer to take her Bichon to. My career has been such a success for me and my family. I have the flexibility to set my own hours and schedule time off around my children’s school schedule. It is wonderful being my own boss. My business has been very good to me, my husband and our two children, and I truly enjoy my job. Sure there is the occasional "accident" I have to clean up or deal with the customer who wants me to perform a miracle on "Sweetie" who I haven’t seen in at least a year and who really isn’t a sweetie, but there are so many positive pay offs it is all worth it in the end. There is no other profession that I can think of that would allow me to experience all of these rewards. I am glad I fell into this career and very grateful to have the skill, knowledge, and ability to be a successful groomer. I truly feel this career was my destiny and am very glad for that. In my opinion, there is nothing more gratifying in this profession than to have no make-up left on by the end of the day due the numerous "doggie kisses" I have received, and to hear from a customer, "this is the best haircut "Buster" has ever had, thank you". Now, who else can say that about their job? Only a groomer! Tricia
Wagner |
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