Describe your business to our readers
I am a dog groomer in Aylesford, I cater for all breeds, small and toy up to extra large. My services include a full groom and pamper, I do facials free-of-charge as part of my grooms, blueberry and marshmallow and all dogs receive as part of a full groom, a cut, trim, to breed standard or owner specification, paw tidy, nail cut, facial, bath, fluff dry and a bow or tie or bandana. I also do a loyalty card on their 8th groom they get £10 off and all dogs will receive a little treat on leaving.
Do you have your own dog(s)?
I do have my dogs, Daisy the inspiration behind Daisy Doodle is a shihtzu. She's 8 years old. She's grey and white, her favourite pastime is to sleep, pretty much all day! Our second dog is our puppy who is Blue, for short Bluebell. Blue has one blue eye, hence the name, she is a little bundle of fun and very very affectionate. She is half spaniel and half cockapoo. She's also grey and white.
How do you start your day?
I start my day with very wet kisses from both my dogs and taking them out to the toilet. My working day starts with my first client, anything from 7.30am to a more civilised 9 o'clock and the first thing I do before I invite my first client in is get my room ready so that would be refill the water bowl, switch all the lights on, disinfect my table again (even though I've done it the night before), general tidy around, get all my customer information leaflets out ready so I know exactly what that dog had the last time they were in and if they have any medical or behaviour needs I need to look out for. Most of the dogs I do know now, but when I'm doing 9 dogs a day it's hard to keep track of who has got what's wrong with them, especially when I have got about 7 dogs called Luna!
How does a typical business day look for you?
A typical business day is usually around 6 dogs starting 7.30-9.30 usually my last dog 4.30 giving me that 2 hour slot if I need it, then I finish my day with a massive clean down, sweep, hoover, disinfect my equipment, clean my tools, oiled, get my information sheets ready for the next day, I tend to do that the night before just in case I have an early booking, gives me more time to drink tea! In between grooms I'm usually sweeping and cleaning and letting my own dogs out for toilet and a cuddle not a lot else in between to be honest I don't have much time!
How do you finish your day?
I finish my day with a clean up, literally clean clean clean and more clean!
What do you most love about running your own business?
What I love most about running my own business is the freedome, to a degree, being able to help charities that's massive to me, so I can fill my time how I want to fill it. I had a cancellation today, so I filled it with two rescue schnauzers that I'll groom free of charge to help the charity. And also meeting such wonderful people like yourself, I've made some lovely friends, you included and I'm really grateful for that. (Dog Advisor - Aw thanks Cheryl)
And your least favourite thing?
The thing I like the least is just when I see dogs from the charities that have been neglected or that are matted, and I see that dog go through the groom. A matted dog being groomed is not pleasant. It's stressful for the dog and can take hours. I hate that part of this job. But I'm also honoured to be able to help the dog when they're in that kind of a state, but also quite upsetting. The other thing I hate is losing a dog. I've had 11 now that have passed as I do a lot of seniors and rescues, the seniors I'm getting them end of life (am welling up now) but you do get attached, so it's hard.
What would you like to say to dog owners reading this?
For any dog owners reading this advert, I would like to say welcome to our wonderful website, and all these amazing businesses have so much to offer, with one primary goal, The Dog Advisor included, is that we all absolutely adore dogs and we do these jobs because we adore dogs. And thank you for visiting us and we hope to see you again soon!
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