2002 Essay Contest Entry Archive

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

I have often wondered how I might have a career that would combine my love for animals with making a living. I live on a mountain top in Tennessee. My neighbors are the best you could ever want to find. Our mountain is full of critters, bears, mountain lions, deer, raccoon, squirrel, possum, turtles, frogs of all colors, hawks, and so many different critters it is hard to list them all.

Tomorrow, I begin my career as an apprentice groomer. Critters have always been special to me. Nothing better than a cuddle up to a cute and snugly puppy, kitty, or even monkey to warm my heart. Why here on top of the mountain in Tennessee, I have been known for looking after baby frogs, turtles, and the cutest little bat you ever want to see.

Monkeys were my first love. My favorite was a Spider Monkey named Elizabeth. When I first brought Elizabeth home to my parents home, I left her with my Mom and went to work. They received an emergency phone call from my Mom. Elizabeth climbed on my her head, and wouldn't get off. The monkey had diarrhea all over my poor Morn. She tried to get the monkey off but each time she would scream and bite her. She even tried putting a banana across the room, but the monkey hid her eyes. I came home and got the monkey off, and with love and patience Elizabeth became a favorite pet, and a loved one of everyone who meets her.

Before my husband went to Viet Nam he got a monkey for me, a Pigtailed Mawcat. Her name was Susie. She would keep me company while he was in Viet Nam. Although Susie loved me, and allowed me to dress her in doll clothes and all, she hated everyone else. Susie bit six people the first night, and then went on to tear up my mother-in-law's kitchen! I still have the photo my husband's Mother gave me as she screamed "The monkey goes!"

Since then I have had horses, pigs, chickens, and of course dogs and cats. I had a little six pound Yorkie. He was a terror at the groomer. One day I picked him up at the groomer and was saddened by the fact that he had accidentally gotten his eye cut. I knew he was difficult to hold on to, and I decided to try to groom him myself. I purchased Wahl clippers and groomed him. He looked so cute neighbors would ask were I got him groomed. Life takes many turns! Finally at the age of 54 I know what I want to be when I grow up, a groomer.

The Lord has blessed me with a real chance to do what I love the most. To provide a service that not only makes the Critters look and feel their best, but puts a smile on their owners' faces too.