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2003 Essay Contest Entry Archive |
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Why I Became a Groomer Three years ago I bought a round trip ticket to the ancestoral home and threw the return away. I had endured a 26 year career as a police officer, raised 4 kids single handed and pursued a degree in criminal justice. Ireland is a healing place, mystical and magic. Here is where I met Rhua, my companion "modder rhua" (red dog) and my life changed. Law Enforcement was the last thing on my mind to earn a living. I had a unique way with animals, and the magic of Ireland enhanced that ability. Rhua and I went off to Scotland to learn the trade of dog grooming. Grooming your dog was also the last thing on the minds of most Donegal people. These dogs work for a living. Education to pet care and the love most have for their animals was all it took. Rhua herself was beyond making a profit for her previous owner and was chucked from a moving vehicle. The old girl was estimated at about 12 years old, her once glossy red coat dull and tatty when she was found on the side of the road by a farmer hunting his lost sheep. After a month in Dunragit, Scotland, learning the skills from a master groomer, Fiona Keith, Rhua and I set up shop in a small village on the River Lennon. Rhua welcomed the frightened dogs in, together we assured them they would come to no harm, and we transformed them into "smart dogs"! Many had never had a warm bath and the coats were matted and dirty. Bog Dogs..strange mixtures of terriers and collies, and the purebreeds...unreckonizeable! Now, we have a long list of regulars. We reside upstairs of the salon. Rhua is first down in the morning to undertake her "walkie" and then settle in behind the counter to await the clients. She certainly has a knack! She is shiney, glossy, healthy and friendly. She has been there, done that! However, at 6 P.M. Rhua is not beyond letting clients know the salon should be closing! If she wore a watch, she would be tapping on it! It is not unusual to have a dog client show up at the door, on his own, to visit for the day, or just to say hello. There is no leash law here. The dogs are street wise and very communicative. This is very hard work, but very satifying. A wise choice for me. I am doing something I love. We have a new addition to our staff of two. A lovely lass from Scotland named Kim, who "talks to the animals" and a four month old collie named Bobby, who was orphaned at birth. He is a designated pet, although his parents were champion herders. Rhua is teaching him the art of gentleness, and how to make a proper pot of tea for the folks who bring their dogs to us! Submitted by Patricia
Milligan |
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