2002 Essay Contest Entry Archive

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

I think it was my calling to be a groomer. As a child I would always pick up strays. I would bring them home bathe them feed them and find them a home. I was always the happiest when surrounded by a furry creature. I always had pets growing up, turtles, bird's cats and dogs.

We lived in Manhattan and when I went to school, which was within walking distance, I would pass the New York School Of Dog Grooming. I didn't have to pass it but I made it a point to walk down that block. I would look in the window everyday on my way to school hoping to see dogs being groomed. I never did but I looked just the same. I did this from Elementary School through High School.

After High School I went to work. Just blocks from my home and the grooming school. So I was still walking by looking in the window. I did this for years until we moved to Queens. Shortly after I got married. I then would go on to have children 2 boys. We then moved to Staten Island. My first job in Staten Island was working for Pet Savers. I was so happy, the pay was lousy but the animals were incredible. It was there that I met a real live dog groomer. I was so amazed at how she transformed the looks of some of these animals. Well I knew this was it and I had to become a groomer.

So I took the bus into Manhattan and went to the New York School Of Dog Grooming where I looked in the window and went inside. I spoke to the instructors and took the tour. Finally inside, I dreamed about what it would be like inside for years. I felt like I was home. This is where I was meant to be. After all these years the void was filled. I am 44 years old and have been grooming for 2 1/2 years. I wish I would have started sooner but I am just happy to be living my dream.

Like any job it has its good points and it's bad points... nice dogs nasty dogs, nice owners, nasty owners. Happy dogs, sad dogs, Happy owners, and sad owners. In any case I love my job and I am around the things that have always made me the happiest in life, furry creatures.