New Friends from 2017

Last year was REALLY busy! Remodeling our home pretty much consumed our lives.  However, I did make time to meet a lot of new furry friends throughout the year.  Please allow me to introduce them to you!

There are Shih Tzus, Chows, Dachsunds, a Cocker Spaniel, 'Doodles', an English Bulldog, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier, Beagle, Australian Shepherd and a Portuguese Water Dog. So many breeds and so many wonderful personalities! I always love meeting a breed that I have only seen in books. Some of my new friends really enjoy 'spa' day. Some...not so much! There is one thing that they all have in common and that is, nobody likes toe nail trimming. Some fight it 'tooth and nail' LOL! but most of them learn to tolerate the experience. 

So far this year, the coolest new breed that I have the privilege of grooming is a 'Powder Puff Chinese Crested'.  Hopefully, I get to meet a bunch of new furry friends this year.

Dogs and massage

We all know how much we enjoy getting a massage, but did you know that your dog might just enjoy one too? I learned this by accident several years ago when we first rescued Gracie.  She had horrible car sickness.  At that time, my driveway was an 1/8th of a mile long. She would vomit before we even got out to the road.  By gradually increasing our driving distance, she was able to overcome the worst of the car sickness.  She does still has issues with it, but we can at least get to the Vet without her vomiting. I thought that the first cross country trip my husband, Gracie and I took was going to be a nightmare of doggie vomit.  Gracie rode on my lap, laying on a towel covered pillow (just in case!).  I could tell when her tummy was getting ready to revolt by the fearful look in her eyes and how her muscles tightened.  I tried to comfort her by very gently rubbing her shoulders and the back of her neck while my husband looked for an exit off the highway.  We got lucky and quickly found a rest area.  Gracie was able to make it outside before vomiting.  Ever since then, with the help of massage, she has mostly conquered her car sickness.  Gracie still comes to me wanting to be held and massaged when she has gotten into something outside that she shouldn't have and has a little tummy trouble.

Now, when I am grooming a dog who is afraid of the blow dryer, I have always been able to help them relax by starting with a massage with the dryer going but not blowing on them.  Then I very slowly introduce the dryer while continuing to massage them.  One of my favorite furry clients is Big Brody Malcomb.  He was terrified of the blow dryer at first, now it's his favorite part of being groomed. (Please excuse the floor! We were still remodeling our house)

I have a friend who has a Jindo named Sable. Sable LOVES to be massaged! She will sit in front of you and offer a leg so you can get started on her daily massage.  

Try it with your fur babies.  Let me know if they love it as much as my furry friends!

Whiskey

This beautiful old lady is Whiskey.  Her Mom called recently to tell me that Whiskey was diagnosed with cancer.  It was a heartbreaking phone call.  I fell in love with that sweet, gentle lady the minute I saw her.  I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Goldens, but Whiskey was extra special.

Her family chose to keep her home and comfortable until she is ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge.  There she will be pain free and happy; patiently waiting until she sees her beloved family again.

Rest easy my friend. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have the best clients!

Well, it's been a busy few months for us.  We purchased a new home in August which could mildly be called a "fixer uper".  My husband, Bob and I with the help of some very good friends and a lot of contractors, are finally getting this place put back together.  We ripped out rotted floors, walls, ceilings, doors...the list feels endless! With that being said, I apologize for neglecting my blog.  I have not however, been neglecting my clients.  They have all been so kind and patient with all of our remodeling.  Most have been excited to see the changes that have been occurring each month. Part of our remodel has been to build an actual grooming shop for me.  No more working out of my laundry room! It is so nice to have a room that is devoted to my furry clients. 
That picture was taken 2 months ago.  It is by no means finished yet.  Bob is getting ready to lay the floor this week which is very exciting! The finish work still needs to be done but it's getting closer all the time. FYI, that's my Gracie modeling the new electric grooming table. I am way more excited about it than she is!  Also, for the record, I NEVER leave a dog alone on that table! Gracie is just really good at 'sit, stay' and I know that I can trust her.

 Even though we have moved 10 miles farther from our previous home, all of my clients have followed me to our new place.  For some it's a little closer, but for most, I am farther away.  I am honored and humbled that they trust me with their babies and have chosen to continue to allow me to be their groomer.  My clients are more than just clients to me.  I consider each and every one of them a friend.  I am happy that they are comfortable enough to ask for a tour to see what changes we have made.  I am so grateful for their patience and support while my home and new shop have been 'under construction'.

I have been blessed with the best clients/friends.  Thank you all!

My favorite part of grooming...

My favorite part about grooming is this: 

I have clients who have brought their dogs to me and told me horror stories about how their beloved pet was mistreated by another groomer.  With lots of love and patience, I can teach a dog to trust me, to relax and eventually, sometimes even enjoy being groomed.  It doesn't happen in the first appointment or even the second one.   It took my little buddy Ryder, four appointments before he was comfortable with the whole experience.  Gracie and Molly, my Little Paws girls were good helpers for Ryder.  We always began and ended each appointment with play time!   

Ryder and his Mom have moved out of town so I don't get to see this sweet little face anymore.  I miss them both, but I am happy that I was able to help him overcome his fear of being groomed.  That's what my favorite part about grooming is...helping my furry friends to heal and watching their eyes light up when they come to see me! That's when I know that I am doing the job that I love, to the best of my ability.

Owner & Groomer of Little Paws Dog Grooming

Hi, my name is Kathie Boniface. I have been grooming dogs since 2010.  I received my certification in dog grooming and pet hygiene in May of 2015. I opened Little Paws Dog Grooming last year because I love dogs.  I believe they deserve the same respect as people. I understand that my furry clients are unique and have their own personality.  I will always treat them with patience, compassion and love.    

Six years ago I rescued Gracie who is a Shih Tzu/Bichon. Two years ago, I rescued a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Molly. They are the reason I decided to work for my certification in dog grooming. Both dogs had been neglected and poor Molly lived the first three years of her life in a 4 foot cage. They had major trust issues!  Brushing, massaging and just the general touching that grooming requires helped both of them heal.



I can't remember a time that I didn't have a dog. I believe dogs are amazing companions, best friends, and members of the family. I started this business because I want dogs to enjoy the grooming experience and I always want them to feel safe and loved. I hope to meet you and your furry friend soon!


To make an appointment please call: (269)569-0067
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