More on dog grooming

One of the worst experiences in dog grooming? When a customer neglects to pick up their dog. This is happening to my boss right now. Her husband had to go to his second job, leaving my boss and her young son at the shop until 1:00 am. All because someone left their dog at the shop. The lady probably won't even tip her!

Oh, yeah, another thing--always tip your groomer unless they do a terrible job! If you tip your hairdresser, you should also tip your groomer. Groomers don't get into this business for the money. It doesn't pay well, and it can be gruelling, thankless work. So put a little sunshine in the day of someone who loves your dog almost as much as you do!

On dog grooming

Most of you probably don't know this, but I am a part-time dog groomer. Yes, it's an odd profession for an accountant with an MBA, but it's definitely a huge passion of mine! I work at a small mom and pop shop here in Albuquerque called Bath Brush and Beyond (isn't that a cute name?).

I used to own my own shop and loved it, but the economy shut me down two years ago. My five-year-plan is to earn enough money to open another grooming shop.

Grooming is a profession that requires patience, compassion, skill, training, and a bit of artistic flair. A lot of folks don't realize how much work goes into grooming a dog. Many dogs are very good on the table, but I get my fair share of dogs who don't want their legs shaved, dogs that pee on the table (and sometimes me!), dogs that are horribly matted because they don't get brushed daily, and dogs that just plain don't want to be groomed--these are the ones that often bite. Can you imagine trying to give a haircut to someone with terribly tangled hair who is trashing around trying to bite you? LOL It can definitely be challenging!

I was thinking this morning of breeds I don't enjoy grooming. Maybe that's a negative slant on things, but I honestly do love most breeds. The ones I don't particularly like are German shepherds (they are VERY nervous and difficult to wash and dry), Pekingnese (tend to bite a lot), labs (they aggravate my allergies way too much), and Pomeranians (just because when you cut their coats short it's very difficult to get a smooth look). My boss hates doing cocker spaniels, but I love them. I also don't do Bichons, but only because my scissoring technique hasn't progressed to the point where I can give a good haircut.

My favorite breeds to groom are Golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, shih-tzus, and miniature poodles. There's just something so satisfying about giving a poodle a good clean face with a sweet topknot above. 8)

Well, that's my spiel on grooming for now. I'm sure I'll have more to say in days to come!

It's been a while!

I haven't been blogging at all lately, too much going on. Right now I am still working as a dog groomer but also working at a Farmer's Insurance Agency and studying to get my insurance agent's license. It's slow and tedious, but it's coming along. So I'm working five-six days a week but still managing to crochet quite a bit.

As far as my shop goes, things have definitely picked up in the last month. For some reason, there weren't very many Christmas sales, but January has been awesome! I've finally noticed that the majority of my sales are made on weekends, which makes total sense. That's when people have time to get on Etsy to shop. I think I'm averaging about two sales a week so far, and that far surpasses my expectations. These bowls are definitely the way to go.

Next I want to learn how to needle felt. It looks like fun, and so many things can be made that way. I'd also like to upgrade the wool yarn I use. There's a great shop in Albuquerque called Village Wools that is on my list of places to visit as soon as I have the money. Maybe even next week! Hopefully they will have felting needles and I can kill two birds with one stone. Can't wait to go!

Some more sad news

My husband and I are divorcing. Having a very hard time with it and turning to crochet to help me get through this. Not sure what to do about my shop name, since I won't be a Bowen anymore...

On a happier note, my sales have been up a little bit, which is really nice. I have a lot of things to post but haven't been up to photographing them. Still having trouble finding a nice area. Maybe today I'll buy a white sheet and a lamp at Goodwill. That will give me something to do to take my mind off my sorrow for a little while.

My latest creation

Now I'm experimenting with embroidery on felted bowls. Eventually I'd like to learn needle felting. Some of the needle felted projects I've seen have been so lovely, and it seems like a great way to embellish felted bowls.

Still having trouble taking pictures due to lack of light in the home. Any ideas how to overcome that?

Oh, and some good news! After being separated for five months, I'm moving back in with my husband. I'm so excited about it. Tomorrow is the big day! It's so much fun packing everything up, because I know soon I'll be back with my beloved. Can't wait!

My best work yet!

This trio of felted bowls is definitely the best I've made yet. It was so much fun making this set!

Emily

Sad news: my beloved Boston terrier Emily passed away suddenly of natural causes on Saturday afternoon. She was a beautiful soul, a puppy mill rescue who had been badly abused when I adopted her in June 2005. Despite her rough beginnings and her already advanced age, she became a friendly, outgoing dog who loved playing with her doggy friends and cuddling with her people. She is missed.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

--Mary Elizabeth Frye