Oh guys I wanna cry! Chason had his first trip to the groomers today. This puppy spa came highly recommended so I didn't even think twice about having any problems (all my neighbors take their foo foo dogs there). When I dropped him off they said he was a little matted but not bad (I brush him every night but can feel a few mats in him...been there since I got him). I told them I wanted a little taken off all over and then the the "deluxe package" which includes bath, massage, nails, cologne, and whatnot. Well I just picked him up.....and he is almost BALD! He is so mad at me too. I asked the lady what happened to him? She said the matting was much worse than they thought. I asked her why she didn't call me first? (at least I wouldn't be so shocked)....and she said ,"What difference would it have made?" I told her I probably wouldn't be so p'd off..that's the difference. I could tell I wasn't gonna get anywhere with her..so I asked how much do I owe..grabbed my dog, and got the heck outta there. I live in a prissy town and I don't always fit in around here (being that I'm a minority) so her demeanor doesn't surprise me. Meanwhile, Chason is so mad at me. I ask him for a kiss, and he just turns away. Does this happen? This is my first trip to a groomer EVER. I need advise for next time. Thanks for letting me vent if anything.
i dont know much about groomers, but it seems to me that they could have called you if they felt your dog needed a shave. i dont think they have the right to do what they did without your consent. they didnt say anything to you beforehand that they might need to shave him. so i dont think they had the right to do it. yes i would be mad myself
I remember the first time I took Farley for a grooming. I cried when I saw him - my little fluff ball had turned into this thin gangly imitation of a dog! It is definitely a shock when there is such a dramatic change in their appearance. That being said, sometimes the matts are deep with the outer hair not appearing to be matted and it is actually much easier on our furpals to do a very short clip and just get rid of the matts. Sometimes not only is it extremely time consuming but impossible to get them out and it is very hard on the dogs not only with potential pain but just the long length of time it would take to try to get rid of the matts.
The upside is that their hair does grow back rather quickly - of course, the 1st time it does seem to take forever! I take my 2 every 8 wks for a clip and although I don't have them shaved they are cut very short. It keeps them much cooler & happier in that they don't have to tolerate alot of in-between grooming sessions. A quick brush occasionally and they are ready to go.
I am sure Chason will soon be over making you feel guilty and be happily giving you kisses again!
Denise, you always say things so eloquently. Your post always make people feel better... She is right Mason. You and Chason will both be feeling better in no time!
Sadly, I have heard this oh soooo many times for first time pups getting their first clips. Where in SO.CAL did you take him? Did you say you were in the Long Beach area? Many times I think pups do not cooperate and then they end up having to fix things and clip shorter. I would bring a picture of what you want him to look like after the clipping. I know it must have been a shock for you. Going from fluffy to naked is a shock.
Aww man. All I can say is it will grow back. I was completely bald when my son was born. And would shave it again today, but for the opposition of my family. If you've seen pics, it's long and thick now.
My mom is a groomer and i was. I agree that sometimes shaving is unavoidable but they should have called you first. That is a must at my mom's shop if she even has to do the slightest change in what was originally planned. Poor baby. It will grow back and he will forgive you.
Well, them matts are gone now. Maybe that is the extreme makeover version for dogs When it grows back, get someone you are happy with, or be the disgruntled customer and demand discounts for what you got this time... Denise would know about grooming, makes sense what was said. Good time of year for REAL short hair, should be hot soon. You are the second person tonight to complain to me about their dog being mad at them for a shave. My friend's Great Pyranees got the same treatment, and she says he is mad, too. They will get over it real fast...
Well I was out of town the past few days and wanted to let all of you know Chason is not mad anymore. He reminds me of a crazy monkey. He wasn't able to hop up onto the sofas and now he can fly it seems like. I am in Thousand Oaks, and it isn't cheap. I paid $87....and the lady got mad when I lined out the tip line...ughhh the nerve of her. I called and spoke to the owner this morning and she is refunding me all of my money. I have promised her, that in return, I will give HER a second chance. She said it is her policy to contact the owners should any of the original plans change. She said she will take care of Chason next time.
Meanwhile, my Chason looks a little funny..but he's healthy, happy, and he's mine
Thanks for sharing your stories...I know I'm not alone!
It is definitely a shock when there is such a dramatic change in their appearance. That being said, sometimes the matts are deep with the outer hair not appearing to be matted and it is actually much easier on our furpals to do a very short clip and just get rid of the matts. Sometimes not only is it extremely time consuming but impossible to get them out and it is very hard on the dogs not only with potential pain but just the long length of time it would take to try to get rid of the matts.
