Toast
Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 7:01PM 
Here is today's gallery. Amy rolled into the pool water in the center of the pool cover and then ran through the dirt. Nathan was napping. Dennis was out with the dogs and came in with her handing her to me to wash. After Monday night, I may have to take a break from grooming. Just a day or two otherwise I will be out of commision for longer. I have 4 dogs going home early on Tuesday so after that, break and ice and maybe a stiff drink. I am tired of complaining and tired of it hurting. I can't even hold a glass with my right hand and my left is not much better. I can't demat 2 solid days in a row. I pay in the long run and most times I don't even get a thank you or tip so I may have to curb dematting. I am trying to figure it out. Now I get why 99% of groomers just shave it off. Then they get blamed for shaving. heh
Reader Comments (12)
Truthfully, I don't understand how anyone can responsibly let a dog be so matted. Long or short hair, it doesn't matter, just do daily brushing and combing and you will not have mats. I don't get it, truly. It only takes a few minutes each day,
I agree with Anne. But you also have to set limits: 1) Your fee should not be a lat one but should reflect the time and skill needed for dematting, and 2) Tell the owners to shape up or you will shave!
I agree with Ellen! Darlah, you have to look after yourself!!
Ruth
I agree with Ellen. There should be different rates depending upon the coat condition. Many groomers say upfront that the quoted fee only applies if it is mat free.
Line combing is the only way to find the little knots that can end up as big mats. Collars and harnesses if left on can contribute to matting.
Your hands and your back must both be sore, you need a break.
Darlah - make yourself a priority! You need rest and relaxation. 🍾🍷 Enjoy!
I agree with everyone. I think that if you bring your dog in and you know he/she is matted. You should expect to pay more. But the truth is that unless there is a good excuse or inexperience (like I was at the very beginning) your dog should not be matted. As well Darlah I am worried that you can do real damage to your wrists and then where will you be (and all of us haha). The pain is excruciating as well. Have that drink. Hope tomorrow is better.
Darlah, we need you to be in good health so please take a break for your wrists. I agree with what everyone is saying. Charge a premium fees if dematting is warranted. We all love the long coat of havanese but shaving might be better for certain lifestyle. The owners should also take responsibility to educate oneself about how to take care of the dog's coat. Tenshi has a harnest on because she pulls and chokes on a collar when on a walk. The area where the harnest sits is super prone to knots. I always find small ones there and she's not crazy about me deknotting it, sometimes I would even sing to her to calm her down. Yes silly me.
I agree with everyone else. It only takes 5 mins to do Ollie if I comb him everyday. 5 mins isn't a big deal. You should tell the people that if there is a lot of dematting to do then they have the choice of the dog being shaved or pay a hefty surcharge for your time. Every other company in the world charges for their time but you are so nice you just do it and absorb the cost. You can do permanent damage to yourself Darlah. You are to0 important to your family and fur babies to do that to yourself. If we don't stand up for ourselves in a respectful manner, then some people will always take advantage of our good nature and get someone else to do the work. If your charge, they will demat their own.
Take care of yourself Darlah. I had a poodle years ago & didn't realize I was only giving a superficial brush. My groomer made me aware I needed to comb out thoroughly to get rid of mats. My present groomer does a quick check for mats when I bring Pippin in & that determines if I pay a higher or lower price. It seems fair to me.
I agree with everyone ! You need to take care of yourself ! One of these days your hands won't recover and what will you do then ! People are taking advantage of your generosity.
Ditto! I've learned as well that if I want to keep the coats long, I have to bath frequently, comb thoroughly root to tip, and I avoid any coats or sweaters like the plague. Do all three and the two get to stay long.
I've had to demat before, and there's no way I could do this now with my carpal tunnel. You'll make the condition worse if you try to push through it.
I am attempting rest to begin in a few hours. I have dogs that are going home. The rest can wait or Nathan can do them. With this rain the process is futile.