My Blog

Brewerytown Spring Festival

03/17/2012 15:55:00

Make a note in your calendar to swing through Brewerytown on Saturday, May 12, 2012. The annual Brewerytown Spring Festival will be in full swing.

The West Girard Business Association, the Fairmount CDC and the Greater Brewerytown CDC are the organizers of this event.

The festival kicks off at noon, and officially ends at 4:00pm, however, it usually runs several hours past the official closing time.

We are hoping to make this year's festival the most exciting, creative and tasty one to date. Our emphasis will be on handmade arts and crafts, specialty food trucks and lots of live music.

If you're an artist and/or know any artists that may want to exhibit at this event, please have them send their contact information to brewerytownspringfestival@hotmail.com or call 215 232-4766.

Please note, if you're a vendor, there is a $25 fee, and you must provide your own table and chairs. There is no fee for the public to attend this event.

If you're interested in sponsorship opportunities, email brewerytownspringfestival@hotmail.com or call 215 232-4766.

Please help spread the word...we hope to see you, and your family, on May 12th.

Flower Power!

02/14/2012 20:37:00

Well, I was going to write a short article on my foray into the world of flowers, however, some very nice journalism students from Temple University came to my store, interviewed me, then wrote and posted the following article.

Please click on this link to read it, then stop by my store to see what I have:

http://goo.gl/ugDoJ

Best In Show Loyalty Program

01/27/2012 15:24:00

Ladies and gentlemen - the Best In Show Loyalty Program is finally here. I haven't done any advertising for it yet...a window poster and other signage is coming soon. However, it's set up and ready to track the grooms of any client who wants to participate in the program.

The program is very simple. Once you've signed up for the program, you have one year to bring your dog in to get groomed six times. You must pay full price for five of those grooms, and the sixth groom is free. The grooms can be Full Service Grooms (with a haircut) or Bath and Brush Services, or a combination of both. The sixth groom can be whichever one you choose.

There are two main reasons why I'm rolling out this Loyalty Program:

First, I want to reward and thank all of my loyal customers who bring their dog in well over six times per year. This will give them one or two free grooms per year. They have been wonderful to me and my business, and they deserve my gratitude.

Second, I'm hoping this will encourage some of my less diligent customers to step it up and get their dog groomed on a regular basis. Six grooms per year will keep their dog in great shape, and since one is free, the average cost of each groom will be very, very affordable (Six $48 grooms, with one free, averages out to $40 per groom).

HERE ARE THE RULES:

1) You have one year to get your dog groomed 6 times. The 6th groom is free. The program resets annually from your sign-up date..

2) The five grooms can be Full Service Grooms, or Bath and Brush Services or a mixture of the two. The free sixth groom is your choice.

3) The five grooms must be paid at full price. Discounted grooms, specials promotions, etc., will NOT count toward your sixth free groom.

4) Only our standard Full Service Groom or Bath and Brush Service packages are free. Add-ons like a flea bath, teeth brushing, nail grinding, pickup/delivery, etc. must be paid for at full price.

Hey 9-to-5ers! Consider This New Service From Us.

01/25/2012 17:51:00

So, your dog (or cat) needs to be groomed. You work a typical Monday to Friday schedule, and your weekend is already packed solid with chores and activities.

What do most people in this predicament do?

They get their dog groomed after work at a shop that offers evening hours. This CAN be a convenience, if you don't mind going home to pick up your dog, driving to the groomer, then trying to kill 2 or 3 hours until they call you to pick him up. Now's it's 8:00pm, you're tired, hungry, aggravated, still need to walk the just-groomed dog, and won't get home until 8:30pm or 9:00pm.

THAT'S A LONG DAY!

Our solution? Drop your dog (or cat) off in the morning on the way to your job (we open at 8:30am Monday to Friday). While you're at work, we will groom him, walk him, then let him chill - on a fluffy towel in a spacious cage - until you pick him up after work (sometime between 4:00pm and 6:00pm). Our fee for this service? $20.

Here are three reasons why we think this is a great value:

1) Peace of mind - you can stay at the office and work. You don't need to sneak out at lunch to pick up your dog, or ask a friend or family member to pick him up.

2) Convenience - drop off your dog and go to work. No need to get this done after work, at night, nor spend precious weekend hours waiting for your dog to get groomed.

3) Save money - since this service is ONLY available Monday to Friday, if you Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, we'll take 10% off your total grooming bill.

So, next time your dog needs to be groomed, consider this time-saving/money-saving option, then call us. We think you'll agree that freeing up more hours at night, or on the weekend, is worth an extra few bucks.

Yes, We Groom Cats!

01/23/2012 17:16:00

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Handsome Himalayan

www.bestinshowgrooming.com

Occasionally a customer will call the store and lambast me for having a dog-centric website and marketing material.

I think it's pretty clear that we provide grooming services for cats, but obviously some cat owners don't agree. This is one reason why I really enjoy feedback from customers - I need that outside perspective in order to improve and grow.

So, for the record, Best In Show Grooming Salon does groom cats. In fact, we groom a lot of cats.

Our grooming services for cats fall into two basic categories - bath and brush service, and full service groom. Our bath and brush service for short hair cats costs $44. We will shampoo the cat, condition the coat, clean out the ears, and trim the nails. For a medium or long hair cat, the bath and brush service is $50 to $54. For this higher price, we can shave out the sanitary, rear and underbelly. For long hair cats, this helps the cat keep himself clean after using the litterbox, plus helps minimize tracking.

Our full service groom includes everything in the bath and brush service, plus a hair cut. For most cats (regardless of hair length), the full service groom costs $66. If the cat is unusually large, very aggressive and/or matted, the price may go up to $80.

Our hair cuts for cats are very limited. We either shave down the cat or give him a Lion Cut (there are several variations to the Lion Cut; see one example in the video above). Unlike dogs, cats won't stand still on the grooming table, nor will they follow commands. Cats have very flexible bodies, thin skin and a generally low regard for the grooming process. So, to minimize stress to the cat and groomer, we opt for very simple cuts - shave downs or Lion Cuts...nothing fancy or extraordinary.

You may never have thought of getting your cat groomed, or if you did, weren't sure how often to get it done. If you have a long hair cat, and have allergies, or dislike shedding, get your cat shaved frequently - probably every few months. For all other cats, I recommend having them professionally groomed (even if it's just a bath) at least twice a year. Even though nature has equipped cats with the instinct and tools to clean themselves, they can always use a hand now and then. Think of all the dead hair, dander, dirt, litter, dust, food, etc., that cats must lick off of themselves everyday. Give them a break, and let us do the dirty work.

Spring 2012 Dental Clinic. Are you in?

01/19/2012 14:02:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of good dental hygiene for our dogs and cats. As the owner of a grooming shop, I see the neglected teeth of many pets, but don't believe I have any truly effective solutions I can offer to my clients (other than to recommend them to a vet for an expensive dental cleaning that probably involves anesthesia).

After googling forums, articles, companies, products, etc., I came across this company:

http://houndstoothpetdental.com/

I found them through an online article I read about a former Wall Street guy who was bringing them in to service his clients at his high end doggy daycare centers in Manhattan.

I read through their website, read online reviews about them, and have had several phone and email conversations with them. I believe they could be a great alternative to dental cleanings that require anesthesia.

Since they are not located here in Philadelphia, I will need to schedule a 1 or 2-day clinic - probably April-May 2012 timeframe - for them to come in. The two main benefits of bringing them here - they are cost-effective and don't use anesthesia. They estimate their teeth cleanings run around $180 to $210 for a thorough/complete cleaning. A traditional cleaning, with anesthesia, can run several hundred dollars more, plus involve an office visit fee, exam fee, etc. If the dental problem is too severe for them to treat, i.e. periodontal disease, they will not treat the dog or cat, but will recommend the client take their pet to a veterinarian.

By the way, in accordance with PA state regulations, a licensed veterinarian will be present to ensure compliance with current veterinary practices, provide advice and guidance, as well as respond to any medical issues should they arise.

So, this is how it will work:

1) If you are interested, please email me at bestinshowllc@hotmail.com. Let me know what animal you have (dog or cat), and what breed. Please provide contact information, too...a phone number AND email address.

2) Once the required minimum number of participants has been reached, I will contact everyone to confirm they are still interested, PLUS will need to ask for a deposit - probably $75, but will confirm the amount later. The purpose of the deposit is to ensure attendance. This company is from out-of-state, and they need to ensure it's worth their while coming here.

3) Each participant will be given an appointment - in 1/2 hour increments. Come in at your appointed time, though keep in mind, it's probable the clinic may be running a little behind.

4) The dental technician will take your pet back to the area we will set aside for the cleanings. Hopefully, within 20 to 30 minutes, or less, your pet will be back with shiny, clean, polished teeth.

If this clinic is a success (i.e. large turnout, most people happy and satisfied), I will consider offering more clinics throughout the year.

I look forward to hearing from you, and hope you will participate. Please pass this information on. Thank you.

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try And Try Again.

01/12/2012 09:40:00

At Best In Show Grooming Salon, our goal is to have every client leave our store happy and completely satisfied with the groom their dog or cat received. In fact, we want them to be more than satisfied, we want them to be so blown away, they become lifelong customers...coming back on a regular basis, and recommending Best In Show to others.

However, we know that doesn't always happen. Being in the service industry, we''ve quickly learned that while we strive to please everyone, it is virtually impossible to make everyone happy every time. Why? Here's a short list:

1) Sometimes groomers have bad days. Yes, we've all been told to put our personal life aside when we walk through the door of our job, but let's face it, lack of sleep, a family illness, fighting with one's significant other, can impact the quality of one's work. Groomers are no exception.

2) Sometimes dogs and cats have bad days. They may be the cutest ball of fur to you, but put them in a room with strangers, grooming equipment, other dogs barking, the smell of other dogs and cats permeating the air, and your cuddly pet becomes a Tasmanian Devil. Every groomed a Tasmanian Devil? It's NOT easy!

3) Miscommunication and misunderstanding. You said "a light trim", we heard "half off". During the initial consultation, we try to be as thorough and clear as possible, however, describing the specifics of a hair cut for a dog or cat can be more challenging than some people realize.

4) Every groomer has a specific skill set. There are very few, if any, groomers who are good at every breed cut and hair type. Some groomers have exceptional scissoring skills and a keen eye, and can scissor the hell out of a Poodle. However, ask this groomer to create a "cute, girly" look on a mixed breed, and the result is a boxy, boyish-looking dog.

The bottom line. If you are not happy with the service and hair cut - whether here at Best In Show Grooming Salon, or anywhere else - speak up. I like feedback - negative and positive. Positive feedback means I'm on the right track; negative feedback means I have more work to do. Nothing is more disheartening, from my perspective, than the customer who is unhappy, doesn't say anything, but never comes back. I cannot improve myself, my business, my services, etc., unless I hear from YOU!

Good Dental Care Is Critical To The Health Of Your Pet

01/03/2012 14:43:00

One of the benefits of getting your pet groomed on a regular basis, is the necessity for us to get into all the nooks and crannies of your pet. This allows us to find potential health issues that you may have missed or ignored...odd growths, lumps, overweight/underweight issues, scabs, fleas, irritated skin, etc.

One of the most overlooked health issues for dogs and cats is dental care. For some reason, most pet owners do not consider the health of their pet's teeth as something that needs to be thought about and maintained on a very regular basis. Maybe because they're animals, pet owners think nature takes care of this, but that's not the case.

Modern dogs and cats are human creations. We've bred them into hundreds of different breeds. We feed them everything from table scraps to low-cost, nutritionally-suspect food to high-end premium kibble to a diet of raw meat and/or home cooked meals. They spend stress-free hours on windowsills, lounging on couches and beds. This domestication results in most dogs and cats living very long lives...long enough for serious dental problems (gingivitis, plaque, calculus/tartar, and periodontal disease) to occur.

We see this frequently with our clients and their dogs. They come in complaining about "doggy breath". We'll expose their dog's teeth, and they'll be covered in tartar. Some dogs come in with such a bad case of tartar buildup, we can't even see the teeth...they're just greenish-brown growths embedded in inflamed gums. This condition poses a serious health risk to the dog AND is probably very uncomfortable, if not painful.

Most people avoid having their pet's teeth cleaned professionally (i.e. by a vet at least once per year) due to the high cost as well as concern over the use of anesthesia.

Because of these two concerns, I've been researching every possible dental option available that I could offer to my clients. Sadly, there aren't many low-cost and effective options that I've been able to find. I've come across a few kits that include squirting a gel into your pet's mouth, breath sprays and liquid drops in food or water. The reviews on all these products are mixed. Some people rave about them, others say they're worthless or even made their dog sick. Of course, as with all online reviews, I cannot confirm the veracity of any of the reviews - positive or negative.

I did come across one company that offers non-anesthetic dental cleaning. Their website even includes a video of an actual dental cleaning. The dogs in the video were extraordinarily well-behaved, though the video did include a disclaimer that this is not typical. It is not unusual for us to have some difficulty brushing the teeth of dogs, so I can't imagine most dogs will easily roll over, lie patiently in a dental technician's arm while their teeth are scraped, sprayed and polished. However, I have reached out to the company and hope to hear back from them soon. If they can convince me they're really as good as their website and testimonials claim, I'll gladly add them to the repertoire of services we offer our clients.

In the meantime, please brush your pet's teeth as often as you can - several times per week; and have your vet inspect them on an annual basis. I'll update this blog as soon as I find something truly effective and affordable.

Enter our Winter Blues Color Contest

12/29/2011 11:40:00

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Punk Rocker Bichon

www.bestinshowgrooming.com

I love winter. Believe it or not, it's one of my favorite seasons. That's probably because of my childhood growing up in Connecticut and the Hudson Valley of New York. I remember winter as a wonderful time of deep snow, sledding, skating on lake ice, tobogganing, snow sculptures, snowball fights, and more.

However, as a business owner, the winter season can be depressing and frustrating. It's cold, it gets dark early, people tend to hibernate, the hustle and bustle of street life is diminished. All of this can bring on the Winter Blues!

So, to shake things up and get us through the next few months, we've created the BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH SOME COLOR CONTEST. After all, color is well known to have an effect on our moods. Just check out the Punk Rocker Bichon in the video up above. That's Ringo, a very tolerant Bichon owned by Priscilla of A Walk In The Park Dog Walking/Sitting Service in Fairmount. Priscilla was gracious enough to let us "experiment" on Ringo. We know Lime Green and Fuschia aren't everyone's taste, but you have to admit, seeing him will cause you to stop and stare, maybe even smile a little bit. THAT'S beating the Winter Blues!

Now, back to the contest. Basically, we're asking anyone who's interested, to submit a photo of their dog to bestinshowllc@hotmail.com. Each week, we will select a winning dog. We'll apply a FREE hair color to the ears, tail or topknot of the winning dog, then post their image on our website.

Please note, only the hair coloring is free (a $12 to $24 value). The hair coloring must be applied at the time of a scheduled Full Service Groom or Bath and Brush Service appointment. The Full Service Groom or Bath and Brush Service must be paid for by the client. The hair dye is semi-permanent and is made specifically for dogs.

I hope you'll agree this is a fun, lighthearted way to celebrate Winter and get us through the cold, dark nights. If you don't want to participate or don't have a dog, please let your friends know. By the end of February, I hope to have a whole gallery of colorful dog mugshots posted on our website.

Happy New Year to All!

Fleas Are Finally Under Control

12/26/2011 18:25:00

As the title states, the annual flea infestation is on the wane. Lately, we've only had one or two dogs, per day, come in with fleas. That's a remarkable improvement over the 50% to 70% rate we sometimes hit during August to October.

Even though we make more money when dogs or cats have fleas, I have to admit I'm very glad that we're seeing fewer fleas. After all, they are parasites, and if left untreated, can spiral out of control and seriously impact, even kill, your pet.

One interesting aside: a customer came in recently. Her Lhasa had reddish, thinning hair on the lower back, above the tail. For me, that's a telltale sign that a dog has fleas. For some reason, that area is very popular with fleas (another popular area is the top of the head). The reddish color comes from the dog's saliva as he bites and licks at the flea bites. The thinning hair is due to the biting and scratching induced by the flea bites.

I immediately asked my customer if her dog had fleas. She said no; she had taken the dog to her vet (a chain veterinary service located in a chain pet supply store ;) ), they told her the dog had eczema, gave it a steroid shot and told her to buy benadryl. Well, I parted the dog's hair, and there was a flea. I showed the client, she was understandably upset that her dog's condition had been misdiagnosed, quickly dismissed and charged for an unnecessary steroid shot.

I am NOT a vet, and I think most vets are very dedicated, highly skilled, competent, professionals, however, for anyone who is around animals, professionally all day long, this is pretty basic. I'm surprised the vet didn't see the fleas, didn't perform any tests and just assumed the dog had eczema.

Bottom line - learn everything you can (from the internet, from your vet, from your groomer, from other pet owners) about pet health and responsible pet ownership, so that you can become a true partner, with your pet professionals, in the long term health and well-being of your pet.

Good luck, and don't forget to brush!