Hacked Gooming Job and the groomer blamed me.....

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

So a few days ago, I put out a discussion regarding the terrible hack job that my regular groomer did on my Frankie Girl. I got wonderful responses from many of you and decided to let her know, via email, how disappointed I was and how I just could not believe she had actually done the cut herself. Today, I received a very nasty email in return, telling me how it was all my own fault for not combing Frankie out on a regular basis and how I should let my future groomer know before hand that I do not want her eyelashes trimmed as this is part of the grooming process. I did agree that she did have some mats under her chest, but her legs were just long and not matted at all, and just did not warrant being shaved down to the bone. She also told me she wanted a picture of Frankie to post on her own website under the subject "how to not send a doodle to the groomer".  Of course, I nearly jumped through the computer screen when I read this, but my husband told me to just ignore the email and move on. Being the obedient wife that I am (sometimes) I am taking his advice, but I just wanted to share with everyone the closure of this sad story of trust.

[Camilla and Darwin]

OMD, how rude!

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

Wow! That is incredibly rude! I would post a review of the groomer on 'Yelp' so others like you can be warned before they go to this person.

[Martha & Cooper]

I am sorry you got that kind of response too.   But I am glad you found out about her.  I also think that if there is a place to post a review, I would it.   Anyplace that she advertises, like google, yelp, local yellow pages online etc allow for reviews now.   I would want to know as much as I could about a groomer before I left my dog with one and if I read a review from someone that was treated like you were, I definitely wouldn't go to one like her. We all just depend on each other for recommendations. 

I think I finally have a pretty good groomer.  The first groomer I took Cooper too, I wasn't so sure about and after the second visit, I decided he wasn't going back.  I just didn't feel comfortable with leaving him.  You know, it was just a feeling and I felt like he was there entirely too long.   I didn't see any place for them to be taken for potty breaks, etc.   Especially if they were going to be there all afternoon!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Frances, I am so sorry.  I just saw Frankie at the dog park, and felt her coat and I didn't feel mats and, with Ned, I am an expert mat-finder! Her e-mail to you was unprofessional and rude.  She doesn't deserve to be getting a paycheck.  You can not be in a service industry and treat clients that way.  I am a firm believer in 'what goes around, comes around' and her hateful behavior will be 'rewarded' in the same spirit!  I would take Nancie's suggestion and post her name and shop.  I think you and Nancie live fairly close - you might ask her for the name of the groomer she used for Gracie before she began grooming her herself.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Actually, Frances lives probably a bit closer to you.  She lives in Trabuco Canyon, CA

[Lynn D.]

I would leave reviews of this groomer on yelp, yahoo, angie's list and where ever DK folks can think of. At least you can prevent other folks from being as disappointed and upset as you are now.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is clearly an unprofessional groomer who has never learned that "the customer is ALWAYS right"!  I would also post a review outlining your horrible experience.

[Judi, David & Maddie Irishdoodle]

Wow so sorry you had such a rude groomer - I feel if she was a professional she could have just rubbed her hands through Frankie's coat and told you she was matted (if she was) and that she would possibly have to clip her short and at that point you could have voiced your opinion as to what you would allow her do. 

I would be tempted to grab a coffee and take Frankie for a nice walk and park myself quietly outside her shop just so the public could view the hatchet job. That's me though - a Scorpio - I don't forgive I get even (sometimes) lol.

Frankie will look better in a couple of weeks and I often say about my own hair that the difference between a good haircut and a bad is about 2 weeks.

[Anna and Achilles]

Does this groomer work for someone or is it her own shop? If she works for someone you could call and complain. YOu could even show the owner the e-mail. If this person is losing customers for the owner, they might want to know.

That was really horrible!

[Linda Lynch]

I went through this(without the nastiness) with a mobile grooming service.  She kept saying I didn't brush Lizzy-which I do almost every day.  After nicking our Schnauzer on the leg and not owning up to it, I started researching and interviewing other mobile groomers in our area.  I found a great lady who has been doing grooming for 30 years and OWNS a doodle.  So when she came the first time, she asked how I wanted Lizzy and I showed her a picture.  All was well until she called me from the van outside to come see something.  Lizzy was quite matted and I was astounded....BUT, she asked to see my brush.  This was the problem-she had the patience to explain that all my brushing was just going over the mats-I went to Doodle Country website and sent pics and explained the problem-Kemp was great with his recomendations and I think we have the problem solved.  She's coming on Monday for their every 7 week grooming and I have my fingers crossed.   The point being, the groomer had the patience and caring about the dog and its' owner to explain how I could be better and help her help Lizzy look beautiful!  By the way, had to interview, by phone, 6 groomers, before I was satisfied with this one.  Keep looking for the right one!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Linda...that is really great that you found such a wonderful groomer who understands and takes the time to explain.  It helps having them right out your front door too!  I guess any of the Doodle owners who live near you in Ohio will be sending you messages for more information.

[Linda Lynch]

I love the mobile part of it...no stress for the kids-no dropping off and picking up(while they are in a cage all day air drying) and saves gas.  It is a little more expensive but worth it for an extra 10.00 or so. 

I wish we could find a mobile vet as well-had one in Boston and in Florida.  It helps in diagnosis too, when they can see the animal in its' home environment.  Haven't been lucky here but finally got one fairly close to home.  The holistic vet we were using went into retirement(he was 1/2 from us).  We always ask our dog walker because she is SO fussy about her furkids.  She has been known to "Interview" vets and doggy day care outfits.  She still hasn't come up with a day care that passes her stringent standards!  But, we took her advice on a close vet who also has a doodle.