Maybe I'd Better Figure Out How To Bathe JD At Home

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

First, poor Luca suffered a broken tail and eventually had to have part of it surgically removed as the result of a visit to the groomer. :(

Then I saw this story & video about a groomer beating and abusing dogs she was being paid to groom:

 http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/charges-laid-against-calgary-dog-groomer-...

Now, the worst story yet: A dog who died after being thrown against a wall by a groomer at the vet's office!!!!

http://www.pawnation.com/2013/09/09/dog-groomer-throws-maltese-agai...

I'm afraid to leave JD anywhere at this point. 

What I can't figure out is why anyone who could do things like this to a helpless dog chose a profession where they spend their days working with dogs. 

[Charlotte and Bo]

As you say Karen, why would these people want to be around dogs all day if they don't love them?  All I can think of is that it is a power and control thing and that they need some anger management.  At some point in our lives we are supposed to learn impulse control, not to mention right from wrong.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amen, Charlotte.

[Sally S Miles]

In 1984 I got a job at a groomers, started out bathing dogs - no experience needed, other than dog ownership.    Why? I did it to learn how to groom my dog after seeing firsthand how less than kind other groomers were with dogs.  Bathing leads to clipping and such - did not pay groomer for many years - still I have seen far too many friendly groomers use the smack and swat, yank and shove on dogs. I've seen far too many left standing on a table.   I have not been back to the local place where the groomer was incredibly rude - told me how to 'show her who is boss' - and then had to deal with a very shaky pup for days afterwards.   

I hated that my dog had to go through this!

Currently there is a great need for folks to do this job and usually no experience is needed to be a bather. 

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Disgusting to read and see. 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Swearing isn't allowed on DK but if I could I would!  I think the key is to find that groomer that you trust and stick with them.  I'd rather suffer a "not perfect" groom with someone that treats my boys well than to go to the groomer who does the perfect cut but is not loving.

[Heather]

I agree with you Jane. My very good friend owns a grooming shop and does my Doodles for me. She has told me how DIFFICULT it is to find and keep groomers and bathers. She has had many show up for work high on drugs etc. Things that would blow your mind. She is there ALL the time and keeps a close watch of all that goes on. This makes me so nervous, as we are moving in the spring and I will need to find a new groomer. My friend is the only one that has ever groomed my doodles. Makes me anxious for sure!!! :(

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This really is so disgusting!  I often think that our dogs (and cats) have to depend on us to keep them safe....for the most part they are truly defenseless.  One thing that was important to me when choosing our groomer was that it is all open so that you can watch and see what's going on....no "back rooms".  I often show up early to pick up G & M because it's really kind of fun to see the dogs.  She doesn't crate them...they have a play area and beds, and they just "hang out".  My guys love going there (which is always an indication to me of how they're treated).  They walk in tails wagging, and always seem to be having a good time when I pick them up.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The set-up at JD's groomer is much the same, but with one huge difference. JD really doesn't want me to leave, to the point that last time he tried to get out the door with me. :(

I think i might have to start spending a few hours at the groomer's every 6 weeks. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Every time I go to Petsmart I stand and watch the groomers and I ask myself why any of them choose to be groomers because it certainly doesn't seem like they love animals.  They all look miserable ... I'd be hugging and kissing the dogs I was grooming.  This is the same place that let Sophie slip off of the table with the noose around her neck as I stood there watching from the other side of the counter!  Last time any of mine went to a groomer.

[Heather]

I was in Petsmart two days ago and thought the exact same thing!!! I never see anyone smile behind that glass window. They ALL like they HATE being there!! CRAZY!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sheri, that's one of my greatest fears. The fact that it actually happened to someone I know is terrifying.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I hear you!  I never gave this a thought with my previous dog, Teddy.  But nowadays it feels like I'm always "on alert."  I took Finn to a pet store as a 6 month old pup for his first "grooming."  I had met the groomer several times in the store and she seemed nice and capable.  SO imagine my surprise on the day I took FInn in and she was obviously in a bad mood.  I didn't like the way she handled the pup and to make matters worse, this was his first visit and there was a large noisy floor dryer next to him blowing on the dog in the next cage.  I asked her to move the dryer which seemed to P her off so we left. Finn never went back there and later I learned a dog had been blinded there by a dryer left too close to a cage.  Awful! Now we have a groomer who FInn seems to love.  He literally pulls me into the shop to greet her and we are friends. Finn is allowed the run of the shop while he waits for me to pick him up but you can usually find him laying at J's feet while she grooms other dogs.  Still I find groomers on the whole to be a rather "gruff" no nonsense group prone to the frustrations of the job, and if I have to look for another, I would think about getting the equipment and doing it myself. You'd all be treated to some pretty funny "after" pics.