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 held several professional jobs in my life to recently entering paralegal school and working in a law office for a year. I have groomed dogs off and on through the years to make extra income. It all started with showing dogs as a child from 5-12 years. As a child, watching TV was done with a cocker spaniel in your lap and a slicker brush in your hand. My mother knew I would be a groomer at age 6 when I somehow captured one of our Siamese cats and clipped it down, without a mark on it, and proudly told my mom the cat was ready to enter in a show like the dogs.

Law is a stressful job and I recently became seriously ill. My doctors advised doing something that I love and without a lot of pressure which I was under at the law firm from the supervision of a high paced boss. Therefore, I obtained a grooming manager position at Petco. Now I groom dogs for my health. I have worked at many private salons but chose Petco because I get to work on dogs in serious need of grooming and attention. I see many backyard dogs and mixed breed pets as well as very well cared for purebred house pets. Occasionally I get to work on some show dogs and or retired show dogs.

My most rewarding client is the dog that is banned from all other salons. The dog that at the end of a few hours of slow gentle handling and love, some Tellington Jones touch work, a little bit of clicker training or treat training, work with thinning shears instead of pulling out tangles, etc. turns into a tail wagging grateful well groomed dog that is suddenly proud of himself and his experience.

I love grooming because no matter how down you are or how poorly you may feel psychically there is always a sea of happy faces little faces waiting for your love and grooming. Always one dog, or several, is willing to give you kisses and cling to your neck. It is great fun when an owner says do what you want and make her look cute, then I get to work being creative working with the dogs conformation, coat type, and my scissors to make it look it's best. I have been able to develop some of my own signature clips this way.

In the business of grooming it is also rewarding to find things like ear mites or infections just starting; that owners did not know about. It is comforting to get the dog sent off to the vet for needed treatment to get it out of the pain it is in now, and before the dog gets in tremendous pain. I truly enjoy the borderline vet work of plucking and cleaning ears and getting the mites out, inspecting skin and coat, checking toes, pads, nails, and knowing a play a role in keeping my friends healthy.

I guess my favorite thing about being a Groomer is watching the dogs prance, and leap for the owner and the look of astonishment on the owners face when they see their groomed dog. Another wonderful feeling is when the owner takes their dog to the car and passerby's stopping to turn and stare at their beautiful dog. The owner and the dog puff up with pride but pride cannot even come close to the feeling it gives a Groomer.

Grooming is a life giving and life-rewarding job in a world full of not so nice jobs or life giving jobs. Dog grooming is a job you can do and feel good about yourself for doing at the end of the day.