Dog Groomers

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Be Careful Who You Go To

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Today was Ernie’s day to shine. We had an appointment at a groomer in Chippewa Falls at 1 pm. 

My husband and I had never been there before, so we left early. After driving past the place, we turned around and went back. To say we were less than impressed was an understatement. It was not a place of business but someone’s home. The guy was outside bringing a dog out he had just got done with. The owners were raving about him so I thought he must be ok. I gave him Ernie’s leash and told him we’d be back. Ernie did not want to go into the house with him. The guy was dragging him. I told him to pick him up. He picked him up and then waved at us. A knot formed in the ball of my stomach. Leaving Ernie there gave me a sick feeling. I didn’t know this guy from Adam. We went to Fleet Farm where my husband was looking for a light for his garage. I stayed in the vehicle and worried about Ernie the entire time.

We were gone for about forty minutes and returned to the groomers. As we arrived we saw him outside with Ernie, heading into the house.

We parked and waited. The groomer brought Ernie out wrapped in a towel. He was shivering, it’s cold in Wisconsin and he’s a small dog.

I asked him how Ernie behaved, and he said he did great. I paid him and we left.

As we drove towards home Gary noticed Ernie’s foot was bleeding. I grabbed a sweatshirt and wrapped it around his foot to stop the bleeding. Placing a phone call to the groomer I told him Ernie’s foot was bleeding and asked him what happened. He said maybe he clipped his nail too short.  He tried telling me Ernie walked around and wore it down too far and that’s why it bled. Give me a break. I hung up on him.

Happy Dog

Arriving home Ernie could not get in the house fast enough. I’ve never seen such a happy dog. He was so glad to be home he was running all over, jumping from the bed to the couch and back to the bed. Grabbing his toy, he wanted to play.

When I checked my phone, I had numerous messages from the groomer stating that it’s quite common for a groomer to clip a dog's toenail too short. In addition, he tried blaming the entire thing on Ernie saying he walked around too much wearing down his nail. I didn’t respond to him and just deleted his text messages. We will never go back there again. My husband wanted to drive off as soon as we saw the place, but not wanting to judge we didn’t.  I should listen more to my husband. The entire process made me sick to my stomach. It was our first experience with a groomer also; we’ve never had dogs that needed grooming. If it was my business, I’d be more careful so something like that doesn’t happen. But no one is perfect. Furthermore, when you make a mistake, own up to it. Don’t blame the dog for God's sake.

Poor Ernie

Gary and I didn’t like the grooming he did either. Now instead of Ernie resembling a 70’s rock star. He looks more like a balding old man. Oh well, it will grow out eventually.

Live and learn, I’m just sorry Ernie had to experience it.

Zoom and Groom will be his next grooming experience. They come directly to the house. Or maybe we will try a relative. Paige, she also does dog grooming. At least with Paige we know Ernie would be in good hands.

One thing I have learned is to listen to your instincts. That sick feeling deep down in your belly when something doesn’t feel right. 

Trust it!

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