[ArabellasMom]

Really, really sorry for the long novel I just wrote. I think I just needed to get it all out.

I am in need of some advise about a situation that occurred when Bella went for her first grooming. The groomer works in her vets office. I had been working with Bella since day one on being brushed, combed, bathed and touched in general. I had her to the point that she would just lay down and go to sleep while brushed or combed her. I decided to take her to the groomer when her hair around her eyes was poking her.
When I dropped her off the the groomer came out, told me to take off all her harness and leash. I told her that I brought her blanket so she would feel more comfortable. She refused to take it and told me it wasn't necessary. Bella has separation issues so I was fully expecting a little bit of whining but it was more of the shaking that occurred. The groomer told me she would be ready by 5pm (It was 10am when she was dropped off).
At 5pm I picked her up and she was completely over joyed to see mommy. I asked if there was anything that I need to work on with Bella's grooming at home. I was told that the groomer was gone for the day, so she didn't know. I got her in the car and she refused to sit in her spot but wants to climb into my sweater. I figured it was her way of saying "your not leaving my sight, again." The first thing she did once inside the house was head to her food and water bowls. She spent the next 10 minutes drinking and eating. I had to take it away so she would make herself sick. Of course, the next action was the potty. I found all of this a bit odd. The next day I went to brush her and she completely freaked out when she saw the brush. She started shaking, tried to jump out of my arms and then curled up into the tightest ball hiding her head. She has never reacted like this.
I keep trying everyday and with the same reaction.
The following week Bella had a vet appointment, so decided to discuss it with the vet. Upon parking in the lot Bella went into a shaking fit and refused to leave the car under her own power. I packed her in shaking and all. The vet immediately asked what was going on with her. I told her what occurred in the parking lot. I then explained the grooming episode. She told me she would be right back. She came back to let me know that the grooming session was a typical first timers visit. She did tell me that Bella wasn't given any food while she was there, I said is that normal? I was told that I would need to bring food for her next time.
A month has gone by and Bella still curls up into a tight ball and hates bath time. The shaking has stopped but she still is not the relaxed puppy I had before. Everytime we go to the vet now she refuses to get out of the car.

Is this a normal reaction to first time grooming? I hope not. Should I have been told to bring food for her, as the little ones get low blood sugar easily? Am I over reacting? I don't want to take her back to this groomer and I don't know what to look for at a grooming facility.

Any response and advise would be greatly appreciated.