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2002 Essay Contest
Entry Archive |
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In retrospect, I think the number one reason that I became a groomer, is my genuine love for dogs. My father was a trainer of German Shepherds for the military and I saw this wonderful breed, not only be an awesome guard animal but also a loving family member. We've had dogs all my life and I've always groomed them myself, regardless of the breed. After my divorce, I moved to Colorado and into an apartment that didn't allow pets. That's when I began to volunteer at the local humane society, that also offered a grooming service for their clientele. What a marvelous opportunity to start as a bather and watch and observe the 'artistry' of grooming. I absorbed it all. Never has one person been so showered with 'doggie kisses.' I studied, practiced, listened and read everything I could get my hands on, in order to learn. This was to be my life's work. I quit my corporate job to offer my services to a local pet store conglomerate, only to find that they didn't really want a groomer. What they needed was an extra pair of hands during the last days of summer to bathe and brush, clean and disinfect and generally fill-in when they were short staffed, including scrubbing fish tanks when the grooming shop wasn't busy. This was not what I wanted to do. I was a dog groomer, not a fish groomer. God smiled upon me and not long after that, I became associated with an investor that had started a mobile dog grooming service. His groomer had just left in order to pursue other goals. I am now delighted to say that I have the pleasure of once again being showered with doggie kisses and smiles from owners as I hand them back their precious 'family member' that feels good and looks great. hat's the part that makes this job so worthwhile. A satisfied customer, a happy pet and repeat bookings...what more could a groomer ask for? Monika
Phillips, Groomer for: |
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