I started volunteering my services to several of the local animal shelters in May of 2004, also the time I started my mobile grooming business. Since my first job was working at the local Animal Welfare Association in 1988 I thought it fitting to offer my assistance in cleaning pets up in hopes of increasing their chances for adoption. On February 28th I received a call from Barbra Giano, head of The Burlington County Animal Alliance, asking for my help with 33 dogs removed from a home in Maple Shade NJ. These dogs were covered in urine and feces. Many of the dogs were emaciated, malnourished, dehydrated and needed immediate medical attention.

Attached are two photos, one before and one after of one of these pets that I groomed for the shelter. All of the dogs I groomed that day seemed to be very grateful for the grooming efforts. This one in particular was severely matted. His coat was soaked in urine. Large globs of matted fur and feces clung to the poor guy. His skin was also red, scaly and tender in spots from urine burn. The only thing that I could do was to shave that nasty mess off. I gave him a medicated bath to sooth his skin. Let me tell you, he really loved the massaging bath! I even received a few kisses from him for that! Through it all he was very sweet and loving. This guy loved all the attention and I know he felt better.

As for the pets’ owners, Michael and Shirley Smith are faced with almost 200 civil and criminal charges each. The animal cruelty charges have penalties up to $1,000 in fines and 60 days in jail for each count. All of the pets have been adopted. More info can be found on our website (listed above). We have a special section dedicated to the shelters. News articles can be found on our ‘in the news’ section.

Groomer: Alice Countryman
Location: StylishPet Mobile Pet Grooming, Hainesport, NJ
www.stylishpetmobilepetgrooming.com