THE DOG GROOMING PHILOSOPHER

This is quite possibly the most difficult post that I have written so far. I have wanted to share my own thoughts and feelings about Rainbow Bridge and what it is like to lose a beloved family pet regardless of the species. Last year I met Jess, a beautiful pupper, and got to walk her whilst I was volunteering as a bather and prepper in Saint Rocco Dog Grooming & Spa in Crosby, Liverpool. Jess was one of my boss Emma's three dogs. I had met her other dog Floss in 2019, af

Earlier on in the year, whilst taking a break from my philosophy studies with the Open University, I stumbled across a BuzzFeed showreel via the Facebook group, Border Collies Rock. It was a compilation of videos from TikTok of a talking Border Collie called Casper, and his loyal sidekick, Daisy. Not forgetting Casper's favourite friend, Simon, the pink-haired unicorn. As a dog groomer, I was instantly hooked. I mean, what's not to love about talking dogs? Not knowing an

Now that summer is upon us, it is as important as ever to keep our dogs cool in the heat. The majority of us are aware not to leave our precious puppers in hot cars whilst nipping to the supermarket, and to avoid walking our furry-legged friends in the midday afternoon heat. However, this does happen on a daily basis. If you do chance across any dogs being left in a hot car when you are out and about, and they appear to be in distress, please dial 999 and report it to the

A very quick message to let you know that I have now updated the privacy policy for The Dog Grooming Philosopher. If you click on the link in the cookie consent banner, it will take you to the page where the privacy policy is displayed. This page is also located next to the 'Home' icon on the menu bar. I am still working on the background and font colour to make it easier to read. This will be done towards the end of this week. Take good care of you and I'll take good car

After so many months of setting myself the goal of adding a cookie consent banner and a privacy policy in accordance with GDPR, I am halfway there. The banner is now at the footer of my home page, and I have also created my privacy policy. This will be uploaded once the experts at Wix have got back to me with the technical knowhow. And my Open University philosophy module is nearing an end. Just three chapters of the final module book to go, and another assignment to write

Despite their excellent presenters and contestants past and present, I'm not your average The Great British Bake Off or The Great British Sewing Bee viewer. However, when BBC One announced in December a new competitive show for the beginning of 2021, Pooch Perfect UK, I clapped my hands with glee. I mean what's not to love about dogs and the art of dog grooming? For those of you that haven't seen the show over the last seven weeks, all episodes so far are available to stre

Whether you are looking to adopt a dog during lock-down, or buying a puppy responsibly from a reputable, Kennel Club UK registered breeder; Covid-19 has increased the price of pets, in particularly dogs, greatly. This also means an increase in the cost of pet insurance. GoCompare.com have put together a report which highlights the breeds most affected during the pandemic; on a monthly and yearly basis. The report can be found by clicking on the following link: https://www.g

A quick update as to how I've been getting on during lock-down and tier 3 and 2 restrictions. Towards the end of August, I returned voluntarily to a dog grooming in a salon I'd previously volunteered in as a bather/dryer/prepper and had the pleasure of working with so many doggos and puppers. As I had been out of action for so long, I'd forgotten just how much a physical job dog grooming actually is and at the end of my shift, it was taking a toll on my body. And this w

Well hello again. Whilst on lockdown, I have been trying to keep abreast of all the job opportunities I receive via email on a daily basis. If I had my time over again; would I still want to be a Dog Groomer? And the answer is yes. However, prior to self-isolating, I have had to apply for several different jobs in an area that I am more experienced in, and I am happy to say that the last one I applied for, I was successful and have been shortlisted to the interview stage.

As I am entering into my own self-inflicted self-isolation lockdown, and now approaching week eight, what can I say other than cabin fever has well and truly set in. And I relate more than ever than doggos the world over who are just kept in kennels through absolutely no fault of their own. I would like to say that I am optimistic, but right now, I am just full of the cynicism of the Malcolm X Counter-Culture generation that I belong to about when I finally get discharged.

Well, well, well...what can I say? To quote Ross Geller from all of our favourite sitcom, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - I have been taking a much needed 'sabbatical from life'. It's not the first time in my life that I have had to do so, and it sure as hell won't be my last. However, this time, it's been ever so slightly different. I had to self-isolate at home prior to coming into hospital, and then self-isolating again due to testing positive for, Covid-19. There are not enough word

'A dog is for life and not just for Christmas', is a saying that we are all familiar with. And in today's society, many of us are torn between buying a puppy or rescuing a doggo from a reputable shelter. Owning a pet comes with great responsibilities and life-long commitment. From veterinary care and pet insurance; diet and nutrition; exercise and mental agility; training treats and toys; regular trips to the groomers; and being your pooch's pack member and companion. Thes

So, I missed my end-of-month deadline for the task I set myself in January, which was to complete work on my Wix App, and online course with The Open University in GDPR. Both tasks have been rescheduled. Wix has bamboozled me completely; and I require help from someone who is a slightly more tech savvy. I am due to start a four-day workshop, Level 2 Digital Marketing for Business with Clickworks/Starting Point/St Helens Chamber of Commerce in February, and I am certain tha

I am taking a few days out to concentrate on my self-care and emotional wellbeing. My eyes have been on stalks as a result of late night blogging, and I can't find matchsticks big enough to keep them propped open. Normal service will resume on Funday Friday, and I may have good news to share with you all. So, whilst I am taking care of me, I hope that you are taking care of you! #pets #dogs #doggrooming

This weekend, I went to watch Tom Hooper's film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage musical 'Cats' for the second time, and having seen the trailer, I am excited for the upcoming cinema release this February of 'The Call of the Wild', directed by Chris Sanders. The movie is based on Jack London's novel of the same name, and features 'Buck', as the story's canine protagonist, and Harrison Ford, as John Thornton. According to IMDb: 'Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissf

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas, and like me, you are counting down to midnight and looking forward to welcoming in a new decade. New Year's Eve brings firework displays around the world, and perhaps the streets where you live. And if the latter is the case, keep your canine friends safe and distracted from loud noises and bangs. I used to play my favourite music to my dog Oscar, snuggling together under his duvet and it seemed to have a calming effect on him. How

Christmas is without a doubt, an exceptionally busy time for Dog Groomers globally, ensuring that your #dogs are completely pampered.

Welcome one and all to my dog blog, The Dog Grooming Philosopher. I am a Philosophy Undergraduate with The Open University. Whilst studying for my BA (HONS) degree, I re-trained as, you guessed it, a Dog Groomer. Although, I do prefer the word Stylist. My new career is both challenging, rewarding, and therapeutic. I mean who doesn't love slobbery, wet kisses and wagging tails? During the course of the next twelve months, my mission is to entertain and enlighten you about

Each month I am going to feature a #doggrooming 'How-To' video which will be an online collaboration between myself and qualified Dog Stylists within my social network. If there's anything that you would specifically be interested in seeing, please email me at info@thedoggroomingphilosopher.co.uk; your ideas will be welcomed and appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you. I am also in the process of fully updating my Wix App, for the mobile version of The Dog Groomin