Makeover-Angel Baby

Angel... What can we say about Angel. She is one of the staff favorites here at Midtown. She is a tiny little Maltese but she has the attitude of a Great Dane. She loves attention, and just wants to sit in you arms all day long if she could. She might even rough house with you if she is in the mood.

Well, Angel usually comes in every Saturday to get a bath and brush out, but she has missed the past couple of weekends. She came in last weekend looking like a hot mess. She had a matt the entire length of her body that would not come out. It was time for a hair cut. Here is the before:

See? Not so pretty.

Now she is looking adorable:

After the cut she did not know what to do with herself. She has never had short hair before. She kept doing little twirls and looking at her body like it wasn't hers. Then should do a little huff. I think it was a huff of satisfaction. I am sure she felt a lot better. She did look adorable in long hair so I am sure it will grow back fast. Until then she will have stylish little pixie cut!

Reconstruction

When customers come in the door, what they see is a beautiful new front room. Behind that first new room however, the rest isn't so pretty. Don't get me wrong... It's interesting. There was carpet on the ceiling, Laura Ashley flowered wallpaper that was stained on the walls, and more bright orange, swirly, shag carpet on the floor. Who couldn't admire that? So reconstruction is badly needed. It's an old house, what do you expect?

So we would like to keep you informed about what happens. You will be able to follow the transformation from beast to beauty!

The last thing that happened was tearing down that awesome Laura Ashley flowered and stained wall paper off the ceiling in the grooming room. Well actually, there were tiles, and when those came down we found the wallpaper. Then under that there was a beautiful wood ceiling. It's absolutely gorgeous! They don't build them like this anymore, that is for sure.

It was not a fun job. Dirt, years of dog hair, dust and flakes of wallpaper were every where. Protection had to be worn. You can see from the beautiful pictures that Laura Leigh was ready for battle. Yes that is a dog bandanna on her head!

Now we have a beginning to a great grooming room. We will let you know the next steps and how it goes. Fun, Fun, Fun!

10 questions: Heather

Our next profile is Heather. She is one of our grooming experts, and our resident cat groomers. It's an amazing sight to see her cat grooming process. She is methodical when she does it, and the cats love her still. She makes them feel good, and she makes us all laugh even on those busy dog filled days.


1. How long have you worked at Midtown and what do you do for them?

It’s hard to believe but about 2 yrs. Time flies so fast. I’m sure I could come up with a joke of what that is in dog years but I’m just not that quick. I’m one of the dog groomers and I also specialize in cat grooming.

2. How did you get started in the doggie business?

I grew up in the Virginia countryside surrounded with dogs, cats, the occasional cows and horses. My brother and I were always catching something and bringing it home, so I’ve always had affection for animals. When I moved to Austin a few years ago I was excited to get into the dog grooming world and start a new chapter in my animal life. Through my work with dogs I also moved into grooming cats before I realized I was one of the few in town that enjoyed it.

3. What else do you do besides work at Midtown?

I was an art director in Virginia so I still do the occasional graphic design job for friends and old clients. I oil paint and have a few of my pieces hanging in the shop. My latest project is restoring my 31' 1975 Airstream and Chevy Suburban tow vehicle. Oh it’s my baby!!

4. Who are your pets? Tell me about them.

My current kids are P.D. a 12yr old yellow tabby, Coby an 8 yr old grey and white tabby, and Nina my youngest, a dark grey tabby. All kids are short haired and cuddle bugs. PD is my man of the house, very sweet but very shy with a little kitten face. Coby thinks he’s the man of the house but really differs to PD on most manners. Nina is my little girl who
wants to be the princess but is pretty rough and tumble when it comes to play time.

5. What do you like most about working at Midtown?

The dogs and cats are always great and I Iove to hear clients say their dogs get excited to come in and see us. There are some kids I just can’t wait to see each month because when they first started coming they were grumpy old men and now they get the biggest smiles on their faces to see us. I have one guy named Bentley that took me months to get him to trust me fully because he’s had so many surgeries on his ears and they can still be pretty painful. Now he lets me do whatever I want and even plays if I can get him in a silly mood.

6. I know you love your job... but everyone has something they don't like. What's yours?

I have to say I’m not the best morning person. Much more of a night owl with my perfect schedule being up at 9am and to bed about 2am, but this job just doesn’t work to that schedule. By the time I get to work I’m up and running with the help of caffeine. I just hate, hate, and hate waking up in the dark. I run on the theory that if the birds aren’t up yet neither am I.


7. What is the best advice that you would give clients
about taking care of their pets?

SOCIALIZE. Do the best you can to get your dog out into the world at an early age. Let them have play dates with friends, sleepovers at grandmas and grandpas, and all the dog park fun they can handle. And that goes for the little kids too like yorkies, toy poodles, pugs and chihuahuas. The more comfortable they are with other dogs and people the better their life experience is going to be and your life will be much easier too. Also play with their paws, ears and mouths from an early age. It will make it much less stressful for them at the vets and groomers because by then it won’t be a big thing.


8. When you get your next pet what will it be?

Probably an American bulldog or a Doberman. I just have fallen in love with both breeds over the past few years.

9. What is your funniest pet story working at Midtown so far?

This was about a year ago. Another groomer that had the station right next to me was grooming a large male German
shepherd on her table. She ended up losing her footing and went straight down onto her butt. Once I realized she was ok we both started giggling. Then I realized that the dogs head was bobbing up and down and he couldn’t make eye contact with her. HE WAS TOTALLY LAUGHING AT HER! I completely lost it and so did the other groomer. It seemed like after that he couldn’t directly look her without this goofy grin on his face and his head bobbing. Oh it was so good.

10. is there one grooming secret that you would be willing to give up for our clients?

Brush early and often. I hate having to tell an owner that I have to shave their dog down due to matting and see the look of disappointment on their face. If you can brush them before any matting starts then it can be an enjoyable experience for both of you that will lead to even greater bonding between owner and pet.


That's Heather. Who knew a dog could laugh at you? I would have laughed too! Ha Ha.

Spanky and Belmont

Spanky the Boston Terrier, and Belmont the White Doberman are our comedic wonder duo. They come everyday for our daycare and just about every day there is a story to tell their parents. Like the time they both tried to fit into the smallest kennel, it was like watching the clowns at the circus fit into the tiny car. Or when they have they daily race to see who can get to the door to come inside first (Belmont usually wins, but lets Spanky think he won) Or the times when Spanky is wide awake yet he is still snoring, and Belmont reacts to this with non-chalance. They are brothers, not by birth but by actions. They argue and play and are polar opposites. Belmont is the shy introvert, and Spanky is the funny outgoing one. I am not going to try and describe them in this paragraph any more, I am going to list their likes and dislikes, and I think it might be enough so you will understand who they are.

Spanky

Likes:
Swirling his head in a hole in the dirt
Throwing up in the car on the way to day care
Rolling in the grass at home, then tracking it through the house
Always keeping one eye open while asleep
Full body massages
Bossing his brother around
Standing on his mom while she is driving
Snoring

Dislikes:
Anybody waking him from a nap


Belmont

Likes:
Tip-toeing through the house at midnight for a snack
Hiding in the bedroom when company comes over just like a teenager
Prancing around the backyard
His girlfriend Ivie
Getting confused when you try to put in him in his kennel, and then trying to fit between the kennel and the wall
Rapping the freshest jams (see halloween picture below)

Dislikes:
Being bossed around by his brother
Hotspots
Having his picture taken

Halloween Pictures

The 10 Questions-Laura Leigh

Our next 10 question victim is Laura Leigh! She is our head groomer here at Midtown, and she has a hard job. If there is any kind of issue Laura Leigh is on top of it, and helps us solve it. We depend on her and she always comes through!

1. How long have you been working at Midtown and what do you do for Midtown?

I have been working at Midtown since December 2007. I am a pet groomer, manager, but my favorite job is to go play with the pups in doggie day care.

2. How did you get into the doggie business?

If you take a look at my childhood photo's, just about every picture is me squeezing a dog, goat, duck, horse, or cat. Those poor animals.... No, but really I can thank my mom for getting me into animals. She is a dog trainer with 25 years plus experience. I just always tagged along with my mom to obedience shows, sheep herding trials, and things of that nature. I dabbled in dog training off and on since I was a kid. To support myself in college, I learned how to dog groom. ....And 10 years later I still love my job!


3. What else do you do besides work at Midtown?

Let's see... I just adore Austin! Usually, my husband and I go to Town Lake with our 3 dogs. Sometimes I go out to watch local music or you might catch me having a cocktail at Botticelli's. But my favorite thing is riding our scooter down to Alamo Draft House to catch a movie.


4. Who are your doggies? Tell me about them.

I have 3 special dogs. All are adopted. My oldest dog is Mikie, a 13 year old Border Collie. When I think of my best friend, I think of Mikie. My next dog is Page. She is a 3 year old Boxer/Hound/Pit mix. The best way to describe Page is, if she had a theme song it would be Cyndi Lauper's "girls just wanna have fun"! Last is my big old meat head Tyson. He is my 4 year old Pit Bull/Bull Terrier mix. He was abandoned at the Vet Hospital I used to work at. I think it was love at first sight! He has brought me a whole new love and understanding to the American Pit Bull. Because of him, I am now very active in APB rescue and education and bringing a voice to a very misunderstood breed.


5. What do you like most about working at Midtown?

I have to say the people I work with, just a cool bunch of strong women. I can't say enough nice things about them. We all support one another....sisterhood.


6. I know you love your job... But everyone has some thing they don't like about their job. What's yours?

I have to go to the chiropractor once a week. Dr. Ron works miracles!


7. What's the best advice that you would give to clients about taking care of their pets?

This is very basic advice. Good nutrition, exercise, and training. Research! Research! Research! The most important thing is let your dog be a dog, no matter what size she/he may be.


8. When you get your next doggie what kind will you get?

We will adopt of course! I would love to have a smaller dog, like a mini bull terrier, pug, or a french bulldog. But, I have to say, it might have to be another pit bull, they really need people to give them a voice.


9. What is your funniest pet story that you have had working at Midtown so far?

I would love to talk about the owner's dog Birdie.... she is a goof ball! But really anytime the backyard is muddy and the dogs in daycare roll around like piggies in the mud! It is so cute! They are having the time of there lives in the mud pit! But it isn't so cute when you have to bathe them later.


10. Is there one grooming secret that you would be willing to give up for our clients?

Yes! To prevent long coated dogs from getting matted, you must brush and comb them out every day! Never ever bathe them when they are matted....this causes even more matts!


There is Laura Leigh! We didn't know that Page had a theme song! Now it all makes sense! It goes to show you that you learn more about the people you work with every day. I hope you learned something too! Keep checking back to read about our amazing staff!

Incredible Makeovers

Today we had an amazing dog come in. His name is Boo, and he is a Lowchen. He hadn't been to the groomers in a while, and he needed it. He got a true makeover! He was proud to show it to his Dad when he came to pick him up, so he just pranced around and flaunted his new look!

Shiner

Another reoccurring article that we wanted to start was a pet profile on some of our clients that come in often. We will choose these animals because we love them and want to share our experience taking care of them. They might have a special background, or something funny that they do, or they might be so cute we just die every time we see them.

The first one is our friend Shiner Lovoi. Shiner has been coming to Midtown Grooming for a long time. Yes, she is named after the beer. She is very special because she is a Coyote mix. Very Rare! As you know coyotes are wild animals, and to have a mix almost never happens. Shiner's parents found her on the side of the road, and have tamed her wild side. She is now the Grande Damme of her parents hearts, and ours. She is getting a little older now, so when she stays with us we are very careful with her. We get to take her on walks and she gets excited to go. When we take her out and someone is walking by they are always fascinated by her and ask questions. She also likes to make sure that she stops at every bush and flower to smell (and sometimes the trash cans). She has taught us a lot of things, the biggest thing is to stop and smell the roses.

The 10 Questions

As one of features of this blog we would like to start is "The 10 Questions" In this article we will ask one of our employees 10 questions (obviously) and they will have to answer each and everyone! We will try and put them on the spot so we can get to all of their secrets. Now you can get to know our groomers, bathers, and managers.

So here is the first one: This person is very special to us. We wouldn't be here without her! It's Karen Ryan the Midtown Owner, Operator, and all-round tough girl (not really!).

1. How did you get in to the doggie business, and why?

My entry into the doggie business began with pet photography. I studied studio art/photography in college and discovered, after graduating, that I enjoyed photographing animals. I am a life-long animal lover. I was heavily involved in 4H when I was a young girl. I competed in equestrian events and my best friends, since childhood, have been my dogs. Having started my photography business, I eventually went into the grooming business with my family.


2. What do you do for Midtown grooming?

I am the owner. As the owner of a small, local business, I wear many hats. My primary responsibilities are the oversight of day-to-day operations, accounting, human resources and community relations. I am also Head Poop Scooper.


4. What is your big dream for Midtown grooming?

I want Midtown Grooming to become the premiere grooming/boarding facilities in Austin, and the state of Texas. My goal is to grow our specialty services while keeping our focus on a personalized experience. I pride myself on Midtown's reputation for having a staff that truly cares about each animal that walks through the door and our insistence on gentle, loving care. I intend to continue and improve upon our high-end services. My ultimate goal is to allow Midtown Grooming to grow, and it's staff members to advance their careers, as we add services and features to the business.


5. What do you like the most about working at Midtown grooming?

The animals! I love getting to know the interesting characteristics of the different breeds and the wonderful personalities of individual dogs. I also love seeing a pet that was in need of grooming come out looking, and feeling, like a million bucks. I am proud when I see daycare benefit a dog that seemed hopeless. I am thrilled to be able to brag to friends and associates about the wonderful care that my staff gives to the animals. Lastly, I love learning from the innate wisdom of animals.


6. I know you love your job, but every job has something about it you don't like.... What is yours?

A tie between being on the phone with IRS and emptying the poop-trashcan.


7. Who are your doggies? Tell me about them!

Gus is a Blab; a custom, one-of-a-kind Bassett Hound-Labrador. He is my sunshine. In my mind, he's a lot like the character, Brian, from the show Family Guy. I rescued Gus from the Town Lake animal shelter when he was 2 years old. That was 8 years ago. He has been my dream dog since the day I brought him home. He is very mellow and his strange appearance is a great conversation piece. Gus brings a smile to everyone he meets. He is very gentle and sweet.

Birdie is a little pitbull. She brings me absolute joy and laughter. She is the most affectionate and snuggly creature I have ever encountered. I rescued Birdie from Town Lake Animal Shelter this past summer. She has many cat-like qualities; Birdie likes to hide under the bed, sit on my lap when I type, jump up on the nightstand and drink my water, and she can practically climb trees. Birdie is an almighty terror, but I am so smitten with her that I just can't get mad at her. Little Buddha that she is, she is helping me overcome attachment to material things by destroying everything in my house. For example, see assisted in breaking me of my shoe fetish by chewing one shoe from many different pairs. Now, I keep only enough shoes to fit in the closet with the door closed.



8. What else do you do besides work at Midtown grooming?

I am a pet photographer. I enjoy doing artistic animal photography more than anything. I think my love for it comes out in the images that I make. I don't see much difference between photographing a human and an animal. Animals communicate very easily with their eyes and their bodies. And... there is no better feeling than hearing that a client is so thrilled with their photos and how much it means to them. One woman brought me a bouqet of flowers to say "thank you" and it meant the world to me. I also like yoga and running. I live a very quiet life with my dogs. Pretty simple. Nothing fancy.


9. What is the one piece of advice you would give to your clients about taking care of their pet?

To remember that there is great dignity in being an animal and to let their little animal be just that.
This is one of those "do as I say...not as I do" gems of advice because I put sweaters on my pitbull and bumble-bee costumes on my bassett-lab.


10. When you get your next doggie what will it be?

That's a tough one. A french bull dog, possibly. I also love pugs and chihuahuas. A catahoula if I had land. But, I think that pitbulls are in desparate need of loving, responsible owners... so I might go that route again.


11. What is the funniest pet story that you have had working at Midtown so far?

A client, who will remain unnamed, told me that her golden retriever sleeps in bed with her. One night she thought her dog had gas so she turned away from him, annoyed. Well, the smell didn't go away. When she turned back over, she almost rolled onto his poop. The funny part was how irritated he was with his owner when she had the audacity to turn on the lights (in order to kick him off the bed and change the blankets). Apparently, he did not take kindly to having his slumber disturbed.

OK... That was really 11, but we had to get as much info out of her as possible. You should be happy about the extra one!
I hope that this gave you little more insight to our mighty owner and her thoughts about Midtown.

Please come back often and check our blog. The posts are going to keep coming!

Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to our new blog for Midtown Groom and Board. We are excited to start this blog to tell you about the exciting things going on at Midtown.

We are starting this blog is for many reasons. The biggest one is for you, our customers. We always get the questions from you about how the day went, what happened during the groom, and general curiosity about the daily goings on. Here we will let you in on some (definitely not all) of our secrets.

You are going to see posts about our staff, so you can get to know them a little better. Reports about the biggest doggie or kitty makeovers. Musings on the backyard playtime with our boarding dogs. Tips from our groomers on how to keep your pet looking good between visits. Lastly there will be pictures and maybe even a video or two.

So, you should suscribe to our RSS feed so that you can be updated as soon as we update the blog. Just click the RSS button to the right to sign up.

We look forward to sharing our days with you, and hopefully you will have fun keeping up to date with our daily wild animals. Who knows, you might even see your loved one here on this blog!