Groomingdale's St Thomas

It's been a busy few days getting things worked out and running almost smoothly. Thank you to all of our wonderful and patient and supportive customers. Your kindness and patience during this time means everything to me. Remember - curbside pickup and dropoff only. An email went out last night regarding how things are running. If you didn't get it, please contact me and I'll send it to you... Please be on time for your appointment dropoff and pickup. Please prebook your next appointment. Please..... Please... Routine grooming is necessary! Speak to me about the schedule that would be best for your fur-friend! And remember.... Kindness matters.

I know you have all been wondering.... It is now officially confirmed that yes, groomers are permitted to be open at this time. Could that change? Yes.... We are operating curbside. That means that you meet me in front of the store. You are not allowed in the store. Payment is through the store as usual. Questions? Concerns? Call or text! 5196949827

Pet Valu.... We're always here for you and your pets. Please be patient while everyone adapts to the sudden changes and the return to curbside service only. Remember.... Kindness matters.

A big day with these two wonderful friends! The biggest reminder I can give right now is that all dogs; especially those who require haircuts or those super-shedders; really do need to be maintained on a regular grooming schedule. Together we can figure out a schedule that works best for you and your fur-friend.

I hope everyone had an amazing Easter!! I know I did!! But it's always nice to get back to work! I had some great friends.... And my little helper... By the shop today!!! What a great day!!!

We all need a smile right now.... So I thought I'd show you who's also patiently waiting for me to be able to reopen!! I miss you all!!! Be well! Be kind! Stay safe!

We're still fighting behind the scenes to try to get us the green light to reopen. We know how important groomers are to you... This is how important each and every customer is to us. ... We're still fighting.

Brushing.... It's very important for all coat types! Very, very important for those longer coats that keep growing and growing) and for those super shedders!!! Here are some tips. Smooth coated breeds (think Chihuahua, Pug, Labrador, Rottweiler, etc) I strongly recommend a rubber curry comb for home use. It's great for scrubbing them in the tub and brushing them to a great finish without damaging the skin or coat.... Longer hair, I tend to recommend (for home use) a basic comb. This decreases the risk of skin and coat damage. Right now, I don't care what you use.... I care that you are trying. You'll see my helper using a slicker brush and a dry shampoo spray on Blueberry. Tips for picking a good slicker - curved teeth and a soft base that the teeth are mounted in. No matter what you want to use, the Pet Valu St Thomas staff can get it all togerher for you... Even the dry shampoo spray. To start, spray your pet with a bit of your dry shampoo of choice and work it into the coat. Next, with one hand LIFT your dog's coat and GENTLY brush with the coat growth (brush down). Each time you run the brush through, pull down a but more of the hair from under your hand. Ensure that you are gently working out any tangles that you're coming across. You don't have to brush the entire dog every day; that will get overwhelming. You can split the dog into days. Always concentrate on the action areas though - under the arms, base of the tail, behind the ears. Please DO NOT scissor out any tangles that you find. This is very dangerous! Questions?? Please ask!!!! I'm always here for you!

A little humour for you.... But some honesty too. For all of you who have a doodle/poodle/really any breed that requires a haircut .... If I can't comb it, I can't keep it long. Brush and comb your dog. Always. But especially now. ... This weekend, me and my helpers will get together information about combing/brushing techniques that you can use to keep your dog's coat in good condition until I can return to work.

Sadly, I now anticipate being closed beyond the end of January. Please stay safe everyone. I miss you all!!! ... Coming very soon.... Brushing!!!!

Nail Trimming.... Oh the nail trimming. Those words strike fear into the heart of many people! I'll go through the basics... Including pictures! Most people, no matter how good your dog, are not lucky enough to have dogs that will willingly get their nails trimmed. Some will squirm.... Some will scream like my friend Winnie ... This task is usually best completed with 2 people. Or, you may choose to not complete it at all. If that's what you feel is best for you and your dog, remember, walks on concrete help file the nails and your vet is still able to help you!! Call them! They can trim your dog's nails during this time! To start.... Nail trimmers! So many styles! I tend to steer people away from the 'Guillotine' style. They can crush the nail. The scissor style is beautiful. I use the red handled ones you see pictured or the white handled ones you see my helper holding. Next, have on hand flour, or quik stop (available at the store if they have stock. Regular baking flour works just as well!!) just in case. Even professionals have accidents!! Next, get your dog in a firm hold. The one you see my helper demonstrating works best for us. Ignore the look of betrayal and judgement on your dog's face. Don't make eye contact. They'll melt your heart and make you give up before you start if you do look in their eyes. Instead, look at their nails. White - look for the quick (see Oppie's paw). You can just see where Oppie's quick ends. The very tip (past the quick) is white. That is the area that is safe to take off. Don't take it all off. Play it safe. Black - black nails like Darwin's are tricky.... Don't have a heart attack. Some dogs, you can see the quick so look at the area of the nail between the paw pad and the nail. See it?? No?? Don't panic.... Just take off the tip. If you take just the tip of the nail off every couple of weeks and walk your dog daily, you'll be in great shape when I can get back to work and see you!! After you're done, hugs and treats for everyone!! I miss you all!! Stay safe!!