 Losing Scrappy...
Dear Yorkie Lovers: I have read all of your posts with great sadness. I must speak. I am a professional groomer in MA. 45mins or so from where scrappy died. It upsets me that this has created such distress, (with good reason). No dog or cat should ever die in a groomers care, unless a pre-existing medical condition occurs..(heart, seizure etc). Even then, a responsible groomer may not put a delicate dog through a grooming unless it was absolutely necessary for the dog.
To that end, let me speak about professional groomers. There ARE professional groomers out there. We strive to give your babies the "Next best thing to Mom" care when they are with us. We have a very difficult job. Animals will be animals...they find inventive ways to wiggle out of things...cages, leashes, collars...More often than not, you have to have eyes in the back of your head.
In the case of scrappy, this groomer was wrong. Plain and simple. Ideally, when a dog is tethered in a tub, you would want to use a harness... if you must step away from the tub. But always keeping a visual of the pet. Further, if the pet must sit with a medicated bath on, you may put the pet, wet, with a towel into a kennel while you step away. A responsible groomer would never have left the dog tethered with a choke chain.
None of us where there, so we don't know the exact circumstance...I only ask that you not throw in the towel on all groomers. Many of us, go to seminars, to continue to learn..we seek out the latest tools and techniques. And those of us that are professional...support licensing. The person who posted that she waited while her dog was done...is right on. Poster named : Maneticgal also has it.
Look for these things in a professional groomer. Pride in appearance. Cleanliness of surroundings..(not including hair on the floor of course). Openness and willingness to show you all areas of their salons. How many years? What sort of training do they possess? Are they a "certified master groomer"? A test a groomer can take..on their own to show they have complete knowledge of grooming any breed. Do they belong to a trade organization? NEPGP.COM (new england pet grooming professionals) Groomexpo.com? Intergroom.com Do they make you feel comfortable?
It is very scary leaving your kid with someone...A professional, however will do everything in his/her power to alleviate those fears...for you and your dog.
No dog has ever passed away in my care..but they have been injured. In which case, your groomer will say...Listen mrs. smith...I nicked misty with the clipper today, I've cleaned the small wound that came from it. If you feel she needs vet care, please take him immediately and I will of course cover the cost...OR...Mrs, smith. I'm afraid I've nicked misty today..I felt she needed a stitch,,so I took her to Dr. Jones for you..he fully examined her and she'll be good as new in a few days...etc. HONESTY...
I believe that all any owner wants is honesty and caring. Accidents will happen, but a stand up person will step up to the plate and do what's right.
I am truly sorry..scrappy's mom... That would NEVER have happened on my watch or the watch of many, many other professionals.
A professional groomer is your first line of defense against parasites, early skin conditions...unchecked wounds..ear infections. Things you may not find without them. I hope you can find another groomer you can trust..If you can't..See me...Or many others I can refer you to in this state. You will then know a professional..
I am so profoundly sorry for your loss.
J.Falzone
A Pet's Peeve |