2002 Essay Contest Entry Archive

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

Why I want to be a groomer or why I became a groomer? Hmmm... This one is definitely going to be a little tricky.

Let's see. I really don't think that why I became a groomer would be a good topic to follow through on. I had little choice in that area. I had been going to technical school to become a surgical technician and was told two weeks prior to graduation that there simply were no jobs available in our area in that field. Having been working as a bather part-time at a local grooming shop, it only seemed logical to take a grooming position when my career choice fell through. Later, it made more sense to buy that same shop and continue working it. So there really was no reason for becoming a groomer other than needing to put food on the table and a roof over my head. So, I guess that means that finding out why I stay a groomer is the best route to follow.

Having said this is the best route to follow was far more simple than explaining why I have stuck with this career. I mean, it's not like I can say that I enjoy picking up dog poop or wiping dog pee. I don't enjoy being bit or bit at. My hearing has suffered from the years of trying to talk over or listen over the noise of dryers, clippers and barking animals. The dog who screeches when I pick up his foot has not helped my nerves any. But, still.... there is something to being a dog groomer. Perhaps it's the reasons that just anyone could understand.

Having no boss is a definite plus. Really, who likes having someone look over their should all the time? I know my job and I do it well so why do I need someone checking behind me? The oohhs and aahhs when the pet is picked up is a sure tip off that I have been successful in completing my task to the satisfaction of my boss (the pet owner). There's also the schedule that needs to be considered. I can get an early start and be finished early enough to take my son to little league or fix a terrific supper. I can start a little later if I'm feeling a little under the weather. Heck, I can even schedule a couple of days off when I need or want to and I can do all of that without putting through a request to the chain of command. But, these are reasons that any old Joe or Josie off the street could relate to and not necessarily why a person should become or stay a dog groomer.

I guess to get to the heart of the matter one would have to understand grooming and be able to visualize it. There's something about taking in that shaggy, matted, filthy mutt and turning him into a pet who's coat is clean, soft, shiny and a pure pleasure to run your hand over. It's a kind of magic really. How many times have I heard groomers say, "I don't know what they (the owners) expect, we're not God and we don't do miracles"? Well, the truth is that we are not God but in some small way we do make miracles. How about the dogs who have been to every other groomer in town but have been sent home undone because of behavior? Yes, it makes me feel good to know that I can achieve a rapport with this animal and accomplish the impossible. Maybe the reason lies with every dog who literally runs up the walk for their weekly bath and bathes me in slobbery dog kisses.

I guess the reason could be that these owners have become entangled in my life. I've seen how time passes in my customers' lives. I've watched at the first visit when the harried mother brings the pet followed by a couple of less-than-behaving children. The years pass and then it's the kids in their teens picking up the pet and then a few more years and the parents are empty nesters picking up the pet again, only this time not harried. Even the heartaches in dog grooming are bearable because you know that your faithful pet client who just passed away has enhanced your life and you his.

Maybe the reason I am a groomer today is as simple as I get a kick out of watching the dogs' coats change from season to season or maybe it's far more complicated, I don't know. The truth is I can't narrow it down and I can't give you only one reason. The truth is that I am what I am as a result of circumstance and for too many reasons to list. And you know what? Even when the day comes when I'm ! not sitting in the shop daily clipping coats or polishing nails, I'll still be a dog groomer because it is the only job that I never had to try to fit into but rather it fit me.