2003 Essay Contest Entry Archive

Why I Became a Groomer

Growing up, I can't remember ever having a dog that got professionally groomed. I used to brush my Shepherd mixes and bathe them in the summer, in the back yard. I never knew there was such a job in the world. My first experience with a dog that had to be groomed was only 7 years ago.

I always wanted to work with animals, so when I found this wonderful shelter in Westchester County I signed up to be a volunteer in any way they wanted me to. My role was to help make the dogs feel better in any way possible. At first, walking and playing with the dogs was all I did. Later on I bathed the labs and mixes, because I really did not know what else to do. Then spring came and so did the shepherd/collie mixes. These dogs were at best, once a year grooming dogs. With the help of one of the kennel hands we would get out the clippers and make an attempt to find the back end of these dogs. This was a challenge to say the least. After removing years of packed hair and not to mention what else we would find, these dogs would walk around with a skip in their step. Yea, they looked funny but felt better. This started me to think about working with dogs somehow, but still did not know what a groomer did.

Then, in walked "Poppy" a 5 year old Cocker Spaniel, who was rescued when his owner's house was part of a drug raid in the bad part of town. This dog could hardly walk, he was matted all over. He also had all kinds of huge tumors on his side and legs. We really did not know his story, we could only imaging his life was not a great one. Poppy was a good dog, but didn't do much of anything. After watching him for a few days to see what his personality was like, the director decided to send him off to the vet to have his tumors tested and to get shaved. I was away for 2 weeks after his surgery and shave down. When I came back, there was this little cocker puppy running around behind the main desk. I could hardly believe that this was Poppy. He could actually run, which he probably had not done in years.

My only reaction was WOW. Who did this? How? The vet removed the 2lb tumor on his side and leg. The groomer shaved him down and now all his body parts moved independently. I just sat on the floor and played with the naked little dog. He was the happiest dog I have ever met. He was a different dog. I knew right at that moment that I wanted to be a dog groomer. To make such a difference in a dogs life. To make a long story short, I quit my high salary job and went to grooming school.

Today, I am a mobile groomer and love every dog that I service. There are many that have been kicked out of 2 or 3 shops for behavior problems. After getting these little guys to trust me, I have some pretty good dogs to work with. I would not change my job for anything. Never is a day the same or routine. I see improvements in skin conditions, after years of suffering with no treatment. Usually, all it takes is attention to detail and a true love for the dogs. I became a groomer to help these little furry friends. Their problems keep me awake at night. I call vets with questions on the treatment. Owners call me at all hours with questions on food, brushes, kennels, dog walkers...and I never get tired of helping.

How many people in the world can actually say they love their job? Most groomers can say they do. I just love helping people's dogs. Every little "thank you" after making people's dogs beautified is worth it. I just love it when you finish scissoring that perfect top knot and you bring 'Princess' into the house and mom musses with the head. Yea it took 10 minutes to get it perfect, and 3 seconds to mess it up...but hey she is happy with the groom and princess is happy that she is home. It makes me smile and this is why I became a dog groomer. I can't imagine my life without 250 dogs in it.

Heather McFarland