Grooming is a vital part in the well-being and healthiness of a dog or cat, which can improve its quality of life. Regular grooming helps to ensure the dog or cat is healthy and comfortable.
Brooke Lawrence of Arcola recently registered her pet-grooming business Pepper's Petz.
Lawrence made the decision to become a pet groomer because she really loves animals and it was a career she could do out of her home, set her own hours, and still have time to spend with her kids and husband, Dylan.
"My auntie took the same schooling and I talked to her about it so I made the decision to do it," explains Lawrence. She took a two-year online course with 150 hours of practice time as an internship.
"Due to COVID I was able to do my 150 hours with my auntie instead of a grooming facility," explains Lawrence.
She just finished her final exam last week and is waiting to receive her certificate in the mail.
"I've been grooming for two months now," says Lawrence. "April was booked solid.”
Her two daughters - two-year-old Lyrik and six-year-old Phoenix – love pets as well since they have two dogs and two cats of their own. Phoenix loves to take pictures with the pets that come through for grooming.
"We're big animal lovers," says Lawrence.
Lawrence goes on to say:
"Some pets are a challenge if, for instance, they aren't a social animal or they don't like their nails clipped. Some pets are timid. Sometimes the dog may be terrified."
Although many of the clients insist their dog doesn't bite, she won't take any chances as the dog doesn't know her, so she spends the first few minutes just getting to know the pet and letting them get used to her.
"I prefer working with big dogs," admits Lawrence.
She bathes them, dries them, clips their nails, brushes them, fluffs them up and sends them on their way.
Some cats she's had don't mind at all. They seem to love the attention. It's a great day at the hair salon and spa.
Lawrence has had clients make the drive from as far away as Estevan, Esterhazy, Redvers, Carlyle and Stoughton and everywhere in between.
"I love what I do," says Lawrence. "It's nice to be able to work school hours to spend time with my kids."
"I love seeing all the different types of dogs and all their personalities ... even if they're the same breed they're still so different," explains Lawrence.
"It's very satisfying to hear the customer make the comment 'Oh I love it.'"
"It makes me feel so good," comments Lawrence. "It's definitely rewarding...it makes you feel good about what you're doing."
