It's a Cats Life

Happy Birthday Haiku!

Last week Haiku turned 3. She's been a "dog", age-wise, for quite some time now, however, she looks and acts just like a puppy. So I will continue to call her a puppy until she doesn't.

This is how I fight 'the man'.

 
 Collar and Leash by Yellow Dog Design

Available at Clip Clip Hooray in an array of styles and sizes 

Haiku got a new collar and leash for her birthday. Sure, I took better pictures of her, but her tag was displaying my home info in all of them, so you only get to see the one too blurry to entice stalkers. At least, I hope it's too blurry.

Anyway, Haiku continues to be super adorable in her old age. We started a new training class, Out & About, this week. We'll be learning how to be well behaved when we're out and about! First class was lots of fun and Haiku had a great time. Plus she did pretty well! I'm proud of my little dog.

In other news: Spring is here! It's getting busy, busy, busy here. Everyone's ready to get their dogs cleaned up, clipped up, and brushed up after a looong, snowy winter. Please plan on 3 -5 days before I can get your pup in for an appointment. Saturdays are really booking up. If you need a Saturday appointment, I probably can't get you in the same week you call. Plan on a one to two week delay on Saturday appointments. As always, I'll do my best to get you scheduled as quickly as I can. I keep on NOT having super powers (grrr) so there's a limit to how dogs I can groom in any one day. Your patience is appreciated! Give me a call at 410-848-6863 and let's get grooming!

Feelin' Better

I'm happy to report both my kitties are feeling much better! I ended up taking Switch to the vet. She had to stay overnight before giving a urine sample. She had a UTI, and got a shot of antibiotics. She's back at Clip Clip Hooray, complaining loudly because she has to stay in a cage until I'm sure she's back to her usual litter box habits.

Crack had 2 big pockets of infection open up (that same day) and she's much happier. They have to drain on their own though. Which means I've done alot of laundry this week between her and Switch. Lots of infectious leakage...EEEEWWWWW.

But the important thing is both of them are feeling better! I don't mind doing a few extra loads of laundry. And while neither cat had anything that is contagious, I've been extra careful in my cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Preventing the spread of diseases is pretty important here at Clip Clip Hooray. As you can imagine, it's pretty easy to have a dog come in with something and spread it to every other dog. I'm always sure to disinfect my grooming tools and equipment after every use, clean and disinfect the tub and dryer nozzle after each bath, and clean and disinfect the cages after every pet leaves. I always try and wash my hands in between pets too. I wash my floors with a regular cleaner, then go over them again with a disinfectant. Dogs are never allowed to interact while at Clip Clip Hooray, and I try and discourage from owners letting dogs interact during drop off/pick up. Not only do you never know how someone's dog might react to your pet, you never know what germs he might have!

Today I'm taking some extra time to disinfect any other areas that might pick up germs and whatnot. I'm also listening to the "Siamese" whine at me. Poor kitty. Heal up quick and I'll let you out!

Current Rabies A Must!

Ok, so I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here. Not that I've ever beaten a dead horse before...

I would LOVE to groom your pet. Honestly! But I require proof that your pet is current on his Rabies vaccination. That's something I personally require, but it's also something the state of Maryland requires you do for any pet over 4 months of age. AND, the Humane Society, that licenses me to run a grooming salon also requires it.

Rabies is serious business.

So when I tell you to please bring a current copy of your pets Rabies vaccination, I don't mean if you feel like it, or remember, or take your other pets certificate, or bring me an out of date copy. I truly mean bring me proof that your pet is current on his Rabies.

* It doesn't count if you assure me your pet is current on "all his shots". Do I need to explain why?

* The collar tag isn't acceptable. Collar tags don't have your name, your pets name, the date it was given, the date it expires...anything useful.

Please. I need a piece of paper from your vet. A receipt with "reminders", the actual certificate, a proof of vaccinate report...yes, your vet will know exactly what to provide for you if you call them and ask.

If your pet was vaccinated at a clinic, or all you have is the tag, you may call the Health Department, who will mail you a copy of proof of vaccination. It usually takes 2 weeks and they REALLY don't like doing it. Clip Clip Hooray will NOT, for any reason, call the Health Department to obtain this information. No way, no how.

At this time we're not able to accept faxes, since Clip Clip Hooray is fax machineless.

Sometimes I can call your vet and get the information I need. HOWEVER, if your pet isn't current, and you didn't realize he was, I still can't groom him. And your vet has to be open and able to speak with me at the time of drop off. I can't hold your pet while you go to work.

Please note, if you bring your pet in for grooming and are not able to provide proof the pet is current on their Rabies vaccinate I will have to turn your pet away. I'm sorry, but I told you to provide the information prior to the appointment and I will not break my rules for you. I will certainly not risk my licensing or a fine for you. I always will not risk my life or your pets life. Because that's what it comes down to.

Please, please, please! Find the information before your appointment. Bring it with you on grooming day. Be current! (OMG, don't try and pass off expired Rabies on me. That really annoys me. I know todays date and I can read.)

PS. If you've never had to provide current Rabies vacination information to a groomer before in Carroll County, your groomer has been acting recklessly and illegally. I don't know the law for other areas, but here, that's what it is. If you think I'm made of hooey, check with the Humane Society.

Long Time Gone

Oh, hello there. I, um...I'm sorry I haven't been around much recently. I haven't forgotten you, I promise! And, uh, I...I'll be gone again for awhile. Here, let me explain.

I've been gone from twitter and typepad for no interesting or exciting reasons, I simply haven't been feeling well and sometimes getting up, putting on pants and getting to work was about all I could handle. Of course, I have no exciting reason for feeling poorly. I know, I know! I'm boring.

I'm happy to report I'm finally feeling better! Just in time to head off to Cat Grooming School. Sunday I fly down to South Carolina where I'll be spending 2 weeks immersed in cat grooming. I'll learn so much there, and prove it, too, by taking 9 (NINE!) tests to prove my grooming prowess, cat and business skills and become a Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG). I'm nervous! And excited. And nervous!

Heads up: Clip Clip Hooray will be closed January 23 and reopen February 8. January 22 (tomorrow) I'll be closing early, about 2:30pm.

And now a cute picture to smooth things over.

Super Cute. Molly the Cockalier.

Snow Day!

It's no secret, I love snow! Love it. Don't even mind shoveling it. Haiku likes snow ok. She likes an inch or two of powder to play in.

Why are we HERE???!!!!

However, Haiku does NOT like 22 inches of snow. It's overwhelming. Luckily we have a condo association that pays people to shovel. So yesterday on our morning walk, we had about an inch or so of packed snow with maybe an inch of loose powder on top. Pretty fun! It was so peaceful and such a pretty morning that I thought, "if we just keep walking, we can get to the store!" Mind you, I was wearing my jammies under my jeans, hadn't brushed my teeth or anything of that nature.

So we walked. Let me tell you, the only people that had shoveled their sidewalks along Main Street were the lawyers, a flower shop and like, two private homes.

I spent most of the walk carrying a completely miserable Haiku

 
 

It SUUUUCKED!!!!!

Poor Haiku. She still hasn't forgiven me. She got a blow dry and brush out and lots of TREATS!, then I let her run around the store while I shoveled and salted. I called Andie over at Andie's Doggie Do's to brag about the snow (she hates it!) and much to my surprise she was there!

the view from CCH's door, the Main Street/Bond/John Street intersection

Even better, she and her husband swung by and gave us a ride home! Even though I only live about a mile from the store, it's a looooong mile walking through almost knee deep snow and carrying an 11 pound dog. Especially when you haven't even brushed your teeth.

 
 Talk to the paw, I hate you.

Haiku spent the rest of the day sleeping on sofa next to the husband. He was very sympathetic. She refused to have anything to do with me.  I wonder if she'll ever forgive me.

2 years!

Today is Clip Clip Hooray's second anniversary! Whooo hooooo!

I also got this picture today. Rogue and Wrigley are two of my favorite dogs and I love this Christmas card they sent. Thanks guys!

Too cute!

 

Exciting News!

Clip Clip Hooray is now a member of the National Cat Groomer's Institute of America! Well, more accurately, I guess I am now a member of the NCGIA...but you know what a mean.

What is the NCGIA? It's the first feline specific  grooming association ever to be formed. Its purpose is to set and maintain cat grooming standards,  provide the education and training for meeting those standards and to certify groomers that have met those standards.

So that's pretty exciting! What's even more exciting is that at the end of January I'll be attending the first ever Feline Grooming School. At the end of those two weeks I'll become a Certified Feline Master Groomer.  I'll spend two weeks learning everything from breeds, to anatomy to business management. I'll also be  honing my grooming skills. Learning better ways to handle cats, different grooming procedures and styles. I'll take 9 (NINE!) tests to prove I've mastered the ins and outs of cat grooming. Having flipped through my study packets, I can tell you this is intense! 

I love grooming cats! I'm really looking forward to learning and becoming a Certified Feline Master Groomer. Can't wait! In fact, I'm going to start studying now...

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it SNOW!

It's snowing! But we're still grooming dogs here at Clip Clip Hooray. Usually "we" means me and Haiku. Or, sometimes, "we" means just me.

But not today.

Today "we" means me and Niki! Who's Niki? She's the new groomer here at Clip Clip Hooray! Today is her first day. The first of many I hope! And by "new" I mean new to CCH. Niki's been grooming for 15 years and has lots of experience. Today we'll see how she and her grooming style fit in here at Clip Clip Hooray. So far, so good!

Keep your fingers crossed, I think I'm on to a good thing here!

And I'm loving the snow! CCH might close a little early today, depending on the weather. If you had any plans to stop by and visit, shop or get a nail trim, call ahead. Just to be sure we're here and haven't already left to go play out in the snow.

Rainy Day Tips

It's raining AGAIN! Look at it coming down...we need to start thinking about building an ark or growing gills. Since rainy days and dogs can create all kinds of havoc and discord, I thought I'd share some tips that I use every time it rains.

Tip #1 - Hand Walk Your Dog! Most dogs do not like getting wet. Even water lovin' dogs like labs don't care for going outside in the rain to potty. And many dogs won't. They will either hold it - which is bad for them - or pee somewhere inside - which is bad for you. Often pet professionals hear about sudden housebreaking lapses when it's wet or cold (or worse, cold and wet!) and worry their pet is sick or maybe "acting out". If your dog suddenly starts 'going' in the house when the weather turns icky, it's probably neither of those things. He probably just wants to pee where it's warm and dry and he feels comfortable. I think we all can relate to that! So leash up Fido, grab a baggie and take him for a quick walk - on a leash - whenever it's time for a bathroom break.

Tip #2 - Pick Up Poop ASAP! While we're on the subject of potty breaks and leash walking...it's time for Tip #2 (haha, get it?!) Pick up your dogs poop immediately. I mean, you should be doing this anyway, especially if you leash walk your dog. Not only is leaving poop laying around gross, but it is a fabulous way to transfer parasites and diseases to both other pets and wild animals, and to humans, especially little kids. It's also illegal and you can get fined. Anyway, it's the right thing to do, so pick up your poo! I know when it's wet or icy out it's really tempting to leave doody patrol for "later". You know, when it's nicer and you really feel like spending a gorgeous day picking up animal waste! Guilty! I think about it too. But when it's rainy, especially if it's going to rain for awhile, the poo will start to break out, fall apart, getting all squishy, soggy and hard to pick up. It's really best to just pick it up as soon as it hits the ground and get it over with. Grab a grocery bag when you leave the house (or your handy poop bag holder available in purty colors here at Clip Clip Hooray), even if you don't think your dog is going to poop. Because if you don't have a bag, you know he will! Just bag it up before it gets water logged and your life will be much better.

Tip #3 - Keep Cologne by the Door! If your dog is wet, he probably will go tearing through your house shaking and rolling on everything. When Haiku comes in from the rain she goes nuts! Shaking, rolling on the rugs, "sharking" on the sofa (you know, where they push themselves frantically with their hind legs why rubbing their face and shoulders on the cushions?) and generally doing everything she can to make everything in the house smell like Wet Dog. So I keep a bottle of pet cologne by the front door and give her a spritz or two before I take her leash off. At least then my sofa has a chance of smelling like Blackberries and Vanilla rather than wet dog. Plus it will help cover up the Wet Dog smell on your dog. It's another thing that will make your life better. Clip Clip Hooray has a selection of dog colognes, from sweet to floral to fruity to um, uh...we have lots of different scents! Yeah. Like Orange, Rainforest, Pomegranate, Sugar Cookie, Puppermint, Honey Lavender, Gingerbread and more. This is a good way to keep your pup smelling "salon fresh" in between groomings or baths, too.

There ya go. Three Rainy Day tips that I, personally, use every rainy day. The best part? Clip Clip Hooray has everything you need to help you out! Collars and leashes in all colors and sizes, colognes in all scents and poop bag holders and refills, also in all colors and patterns! So stop on in and take a look. We'll all get through it together!

almost gone

Well, tomorrow is the last day Clip Clip Hooray will be open until next Wednesday. I know! CCH will be closed for an extra 2 whole days.

How will any of us ever survive?

Beats me. But Saturday morning I'll be heading off to Chicago. The husband is going to a conference and I'm tagging along for no particular reason.

CCH will reopen Wednesday, October 7th at 11 am.

P.S. I'm trying really hard not to be bitter about all the phone calls I've been getting recently. The ones that go "OMGWTFBBQ you can't groom my dog until the next week!!!!!! *click*"

Yeah, those are getting old folks. Take a deep breath, flip your calendar to the next week and keep an open mind. There's only one (1) of me to do EVERYTHING at Clip Clip Hooray. Answer the phone, groom the dogs, pay the bills, curse at the leaky ceiling...it's all on my shoulders. And I can only do what I can do. So sometimes I don't have any appointments available for a few days. Maybe not until the next week. It's ok. It's not the end of  the world. Deep breath.

And you know, there are several groomers in the Westminster area that don't have openings available until AFTER Christmas. Zoinks! Doesn't make waiting a week seem so bad, eh?

Rest assured I will try and get everyone in for grooming as soon as possible. Meet me halfway and adjust your thinking to getting your pet groomed in the next few days to the next week, instead of OMGTOMORROW!

Pretty please, it's stressing me out to get those phone calls.

Please enjoy this cute puppy as my Thank You for being understanding.