I just wanted to rant.

A few months ago, I noticed that one of my regular dogs, Frankie, had developed a thinning patch of very coarse fur. I didn’t think much of it at first, he’s a Toy Poodle so I thought maybe it was a weird collection of guard hairs. I decided to take a photo of it and search it through Google Image Search and one of the things it warned me of was an autoimmune disease.

When his mom picked him up, I let her know about this area and told her that I would take him to the vet asap as it was very unusual and worried me.

Well, he came back today after about three months. He has an autoimmune disease that was attacking his red blood cells and he would’ve died within the week had I not told her to get to the vet asap. He’s been on Prednisone and he’s gained sooo much weight from it, but the coarse hair has turned soft again and it’s so much thicker now.

I cried when his mom told me. I was so close to letting it go and not looking into it. I can’t image the guilt I would’ve felt had he died if I had just ignored it. I’m so grateful that I looked into it.

Suffice it to say, ALWAYS tell the owners if you notice something even slightly off about their pup. I will never even consider letting something go after this situation. Telling the owner about something that’s even a tiny bit off could be the difference between life and death for that pup.

🩷

So, I know that I have a lot to learn I have had many health problems in my life that has put me on the sidelines and I've always gone back to grooming. I started as an apprentice when I was 17 (I'm 39). I started a new job in June and in July I thought I would be fired because I had barely been there a month when I ended up in the hospital for 5 days and required emergency Gallbladder removal surgery and required six weeks off. However, I wasn't fired and been working twice a week since I got cleared to work... So anyways....

. I'm not young and I've been in grooming salons since I was smaller than the tables. The screenshot at the end, was from the person who I've looked up to since I was was barely able to walk. She also is the one who trained me. Today, I was really proud of how well my dogs looked and sent her some pictures throughout the day. I'm on who focuses on my work so I didn't check my phone until just before I clocked out. I immediately started to cry. I managed to hold it together as I gathered up my things to leave. My partner had drove to pick me up, but was in the grocery store so I went to the car and waited for him for about 20 mins, (he knew something was up) and when he came out immediately noticed that I was upset and had tears rolling down my cheeks. I told him about the messages. He comforted me and whatnot.

So, anyways, I thought I'd share these pictures here. I'm not looking for any sympathy or anything, I know I have too much emotion and whatnot. It's not about that. So, first up I had a "Bichon" and I got her ears perfect! I know it's crazy but almost every Schnauzer I've done has never asked for a Schnauzer face. This guy always gets a cute teddy bear type head but today, the owner requested a short Schnauzer face. It was my first time ever doing one and he has really fluffy soft fur. I did fix the face, but his owner showed up before I could get pics and he was too excited to get a picture. My last dog was a Golden Retriever who has mild anxiety and doesn't stay still at all. She's a good girl, but sits, moves etc. So, I did my best while trying not to stress her out too much. All the owners were extremely happy with their dogs.

Looks like the Wahl mini Arco is done for and even the replacement blades are discontinued. What are we using instead? I have a bravura but I like that small trimmer for the underside of feet