I don't think I'm expecting too much from a groomer that I trust my dogs with, but anymore, I just can't seem to find one that I consider thorough and/or competent.
Years ago when I had my Lhasas, I went to a guy that was absolutely wonderful. He loved and pampered all his clients, and would point out any potential problems to their owners. Thanks to him, he uncovered a serious ear problem with one of mine, and I was able to have it surgically corrected. Unfortunately, he left the business to become a vet tech. And I'll bet he's a great one.
The next groomer was good, and I took my dogs there for years. Then she sold her farm where she had her shop, and opened up a shop in a small mall, with new groomers who were terrible and careless. I know that they sedated Myndi and Sparky one time (they were like zombies for a couple of days after I picked them up), and one was so rough with Sparky, that she injured his leg and I ended up having to take him to the vet. Doc said it appears that his leg was twisted, or maybe grabbed in a rough manner. So on to another groomer for a while. They did a decent job on my pups, but I learned of an incident when the groomer left a dog alone on the table and it jumped off, and ended up hanging by it's neck. Fortunately, the dog was rescued and was none the worse for wear, but there was no way I was taking my guys back there.
So I found yet another groomer. I've only taken them there twice, and even tho I wasn't all that thrilled with the cuts she did, it was acceptable. So they went this last Tuesday to get rid of their winter coats - an okay cut - but nothing great. Anyway, Sparky has dew claws on his hind legs, and I always remind a groomer of this, and it's noted on his chart too. Last night, I noticed what I thought was something stuck on one of his back legs. Well it was the dew claw (it's a black nail), and was curled around in a circle. I can't find the end and it appears it might have grown back into the "toe", so I called my vet and I have to take him in tomorrow. The groomer definitely saw this because the hair is cut all around it, and the claw on the other leg was cut back. Am I wrong in thinking that she should have mentioned this to me??? As long as it is, I doubt that it was cut when he were there last November either. I realize that is somewhat my fault, but I shouldn't have to check every nail to make sure that they all have been cut - IMO anyway, and when his hair grows even a little, it's hard to even find the dew claws!
So right now I'm pretty darned ticked off. Groomers are at a premium around here, but I don't think I want to take them back there again either. There is a girl that has a mobile grooming service with a fully equipped van that comes to the house, and she gets rave reviews. Of course, I would be paying over double of what I pay now, but it might be worth my peace of mind. Myndi is getting up in years, and it stresses her to go to the groomer anyway, but with the mobile service, she would be right in her own yard and wouldn't have to be in a cage at all.
So am I being a picky b*tch, or am I justified for the way I feel???I just don't know what I'll do when they need to go again. Anyone have any ideas???
at my feet
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I don't use a groomers very often since I have cats but the one I do use is very good. No, I don't think you're being too picky about this. You should receive great service and they should let you know if they find something on your animals like skin conditions, ear problems, nail problems etc. I think that using a moblile groomer will be a great solution for you and hopefully this groomer will be a good one.
She said she's a good groomer, but as far as I'm concerned, the jury is still out on that! 
She still only does a mediocre job as far as I'm concerned. I probably will call her next week and say something to her about it. I was too p.o.'ed last week to do it, since it could have ended in a shouting match, and I didn't want that!
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