ZZG's Fall Newsletter

News and Special Mentions From Connie

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to a close.  Zoom Zoom Groom had the most amazing summer ever.  Our year to date growth reached a 43% increase, which means we have been a part of many more furry friends lives.  Growth like this doesn't happen by accident, and I truly believe it's due to the amazing staff at ZZG.  The employees on our team are not only incredible, talented individuals- they are family and we love them dearly.  This has become extremely evident with my recent news of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Life has a funny way of surprising us, and yes it has thrown  me a curve ball.  I pride myself for being a woman managing a new business, being proactive with my health, and loving what she does.  From being in control to handing control over to the doctors and the higher being, is no easy feat for me.  The staff has made this transition comforting.  Their dedicated work and passion are immense and they have shown me that not only will they manage without me, but will do so with exemplary customer relations and workmanship skills. Randy and I want them to know how me we appreciate and respect them! With this being said, I may not be seeing my clients for the next few months so I can focus on my recovery.  Please know that your puppy will be in the hands of groomers I trust, and who are highly skilled.  Records have been documented on the cut/style of your dog for the groomers to refer to.  I plan on coming back stronger than ever!  I have an amazing support system and I thank all for their kindness, love and encouragement!

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats. - Voltaire

More News......................................................

Zoom Zoom Groom has been nominated for a Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, Abex Award, honoring outstanding achievements in business excellence.  We have been nominated in the New Business Category.  We thank the individual who nominated us! Just to clarify, this is a different award than the Paragon Awards in which we were a finalist in.  The Paragon Award is at the Regina level and the Abex Award is at the Saskatchewan level.

Zoom Zoom Groom is applying to become a Vocational School in which to train groomers.  We recognize the need for a professional grooming school to create skilled individuals in the fast growing industry.  It is our hope to have this accomplished by spring, but it must be approved by the government first.  All info is ready to be submitted.  

We are sending many of our groomers to Vegas to attend the SuperZoo show.  They will be involved in wonderful grooming seminars, as well experience all the new trends in the pet industry.  They will be attending this show September 12th- 16th.  What an exciting experience this will be!!!!

We are renovating and expanding to fit more groomers and tables.  We are also adding some "All Inclusive Cat Condos" and a cat grooming area.  The condos will be modern, beautiful and comfortable to accomodate your feline friends when you go on holidays.  To do this though we need more space, thus we will be modifying our retail area.  We would like to downsize on our food, and simply carry raw,  Pronature, and Nature's Variety Instint.  We are clearing out the following at below our prices:

Acana

Orijen

TimberWolf Organics 

At these prices they won't last long so come on down soon!

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  PLEASE GIVE ZZG A 48 HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE OF YOUR CANCELLATIONS.  WE UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS HAPPEN.  OUR GROOMERS ARE PAID PER DOG AND IT IS REALLY UNFORTUNATE TO HAVE NO SHOWS WHEN THEY COULD BE GROOMING A DOG ON OUR WAITING LIST.  THEIR TIME AND SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT AND WE WANT TO USE THEM TOWARDS THE BEST BENEFIT FOR ALL!!!

Please do not allow your dog to grow it's coat through the entire winter to keep it warm!  Every spring we deal with matted dogs that have to be shaved to the skin.  The worst part of this is many dogs have been suffering for months with mats that block air from reaching the skin, creating breeding grounds for skin issues, and the discomfort of pulling and tugging on their skin occurs.  Please, please, please, continue your grooming program for the health of your pet.  A dog can have plenty of coat with 1 cm of growth.  There are jackets too that will help.  I had a hairless Chinese Crested that loved the winter and would play in the snow all the time.  Remember most dogs are only outside for brief periods of time.  The rest of their hours are spent in a room temperature home. 

Articles Worth Reading

 Cleaning My Dogs Ears

 Brushing and Mats 

Zoom Zoom Groom's Fall Pet Selection

We love Charlie Laird! Charlie has been a long time client of Zoom Zoom Groom's.  He has the most amazing personality and expression.  Especially when he holds his huge ears up.  He is the best and for that we want to give him a special gift basket at his next groom. 

Video of the Month

You have to watch these!!!!  Amazing!

2012 Zoom Zoom Groom Calendar

 Do you have some great photos of your dog?  Why not submit them to Zoom Zoom Groom for our yearly calendar competition?  Last year we raised over a Thousand Dollars for The Regina Humane Society through the sales of our calendar.  Simply email your pics to zzgroom@sasktel.net by Friday, October 21st, and who knows, your pooch could be the next Miss April, or Mr. February!

Zoom Zoom Groom Spring Newsletter

SPRING HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!!!!  The staff at Zoom Zoom Groom are working like crazy to provide your furry friends with their spring doo's.  With spring our wonderful groomers experience several common conditions in dogs;
1.  matted coats
2.  ticks and bugs
3. requests to shave down double coated dogs
All of which we will talk about in this newsletter. 
BEFORE we get into the items above,there are several items to announce!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Firstly Randy and I  want to thank the Regina Chamber of Commerce for recognizing Zoom Zoom Groom as a leader in the New Business Venture Category at the Paragon Awards.  Zoom Zoom Groom was one of three finalist, and although we didn't win this category, we were very excited to be there!  We thank the unknown person who nominated us too! But mostly,we want to acknowledge a staff that is second to none.  Without this wonderful team Zoom Zoom Groom wouldn't have been a contender.  We have beautiful, dedicated, and crazy talented individuals that not only make Zoom Zoom a leader in the industry, but also a fabulous place to work.  These individuals are our family and we truly love and appreciate them all!

Zoom Zoom Groom has two phenomenal groomers that will be having babies in the next few weeks!  Jenna is having a baby girl, and Krista is having a baby boy.  OUR FIRST ZOOMERS!  We are so excited and wish them the very best.  We are also sad as we will miss them at Zoom Zoom Groom.  Congratulations to both of them and their families.  This is a very special time!

VIP Pet Care Announcement.   Our satellite opening at VIP Pet Care has been delayed due to several circumstances.  In the past few months Zoom Zoom has experienced one groomer with a broken arm, another with a broken leg, and several other obstacles.  We are still working towards this goal and hope to achieve it in the next month.  To celebrate our opening at VIP please come...................

LIVE ON LOCATION WITH Z99! On Saturday June 11, 2011 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. VIP Pet Care and Zoom Zoom Groom will be hosting an open house at VIP Pet Care (639 Adams St)! Bring your pooch down for a tour, get a hot dog for a good cause and meet and greet VIP Pet Care and Zoom Zoom Groom's staff!

                 

Cancellation Policies: Please know that this is a very busy time and many clients are on waiting lists.  It is important that if you cannot make your appointment that you inform us at least 48 hours in advance.  Our groomers are paid per dog and it important that their skills and time are fully utilized.  

Towels...............Zoom Zoom Groom is looking for towels.  Have you changed the color of your bathroom?  downsized????  Let us know.....our furry clientele would love them!

FLOWER POWER ANNOUNCEMENT!

Flower (my boston) has many fans out there who visit her often at Zoom Zoom Groom.  For those who love her, Flower attended her first show in Saskatoon last weekend and she did amazingly well!  She finished the weekend one point short of being a champion.  She even won a best puppy in group!  Flower will be showing at the Regina show the May long weekend.  Good Luck Flower!!!!

                                                   Several clients have asked about future puppies.  Flower's mom "Bitsy" is having a litter mid July.  YES, we will be having some more "Itsy Bitsy's"! 

Angel's Eyes Announcement

There is a product that Zoom Zoom Groom was carrying that worked tremendously well on the staining and eye problems of their four legged clients.  We struggled however, because it had a small dose of antibiotics in it.  We see many cases of dogs with such bad eyes that when they come for grooms they are almost crusted over.  It's at that point where we had to wrestle with the thought of which is better/worse for the dog's health and well being....the small amounts of antibiotics in the supplement or the positive results of taking it for some furry individuals.  We are so happy to announce that our dilemma is over as Angel's Eyes has created an all natural line that does not contain the antibiotics.  We now are carrying this natural product in our store!

                                  FOR YOUR INFORMATION TIDBITS

Ticks and Bugs

Yuck!!!!!  Those terrible critters.  They are definitely out and about.    Please read the following article from  Dogs In Canada about these horrific, bloodsucking, insects.  Please note that if your dog comes in with more than 4 ticks there will be a removal fee.  The other day we spent an hour removing 30+ ticks off one dog!  

http://www.dogsincanada.com/ticks

Zoom Zoom Groom now carries natural tick products called Sentry Natural Defense. 

The Dangers of Shaving Your Double Coated Dog

Many of us are preparing our dogs for the hot days of summer by getting them groomed by a professional. We love our dogs and we want them to be comfortable in the rising temperatures.  Zoom Zoom Groom is often asked to shave the double coated dogs.  

A double coated dog is a dog that (obviously) has two coats: a soft undercoat, and a guard coat. These are dogs such as Pomeranians, Shelties, Golden Retrievers, American Eskimos, Shepherds, and Huskies. In these dogs, the undercoat grows much faster than the guard coat, and it is this that sheds in the summer and grows thick in the winter. The guard coat is your dogs armor. It protects the skin from sunburn and parasites while insulating against the cold AND the heat. 

We are always amazed how so many double coated dog owners are unaware of the consequences of shaving their dogs, as well hearing that past groomers didn't inform them of what can happen should they do so....

 

 When you shave a double coated dog, you essentially remove all the guard coat, exposing only the undercoat.  This leaves your dog susceptible to the sun and to insects.  A double coated dog may also never grow it's coat back the same.  Once it is shaved, it changes the hair growth and in some cases stops new growth completely.  Your dog's hair regrowth may only occur in patches. 


The best thing for your dog is to remove the dead coat.  We have an EZ shed program that works beautifully.  It removes all the dead coat but leaves the important guard and undercoat that protects your dog from both the sun and cold!

You must remember that dogs do not sweat like humans. Their cooling process is done via panting from the mouth (expelling hot air), sweating at the paws and cooling the blood in their ears. Shaving the dog does nothing to keep the dog cool.

We also have great tools that can help at home.  Please ask us about our coat kings. 

If you are worried about the heat of the summer Zoom Zoom Groom also has Cool Beds.
It's like a small water bed with a thick pad inside that helps cushion your dog. These Cool beds are very similar as they are filled with water then excess air is burped out. These Cool beds are to be paced in a cool or shady area and give you dog a great place to go cool off in the hot summer weather and even work for dogs that have illnesses and make them more comfortable. These thermoregulating Cooling Dog Beds have numerous benefits for your dogs health.  The cool Beds remove heat from your dogs body by taking advantage of the rules of thermodynamics. By providing a spot that is cooler than your dogs body temperature, the cool beds actually draws heat away from your dog, to ensure your dog stays cool year round. The softness of these beds also ensure that your dog is not putting strain on its joints by lying on hard surfaces that dogs gravitate towards because of the coolness. 


Zoom Zoom Groom is also carrying the Ezydog Life Jackets for the avid lake dogs.  A perfect way to cool your dog down!!!!!

Zoom Zoom Groom has Awesome Packable Raincoats!

Perfect for when you get caught out in the rain. The Packable Rain Poncho's lightweight packable design snaps easily onto your leash. The colorful waterproof shell helps keep your dog dry.

• Lightweight Water Resistant Taffeta Shell
• Leash Access Hole
• Adjustable Velcro Waist
• Comes in Convenient Carrying Pouch
• Hand Washable
• Comes in sizes XXS-XXL
• $14.99 

Zoom Zoom Groom is the home of Saskatchewan Roughrider Dog Jerseys, T-shirts, Collars, Bowls, Leashes, Toys and More.  Go Riders!


ZOOM ZOOM GROOM'S DOG OF THE MONTH.......

Bogey Barber is our dog of the month.  Bogey is a wonderful schnauzer who is dedicated and loyal.  Bogey is an awesome client at Zoom Zoom Groom and he has a gift basket he can pick up at his next groom!


ZOOM ZOOM GROOM'S VIDEO OF THE MONTH..... OH POOR DENVER!!!! :)

Wide variety in nutritional content found in 'senior' dog foods

ScienceDaily (2011-03-19) -- The nutritional content of dog foods marketed for old dogs varies as widely as owner's perceptions about them, according to a new study.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316104113.htm#

Zoom Zoom Groom March Newsletter

      

Zoom Zoom Groom's March Newsletter

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Spring has to be close, but boy it sure is being stubborn.  The Groundhog must have been confused when he said we would have an early, mild spring!  We shall not complain, however, because we are Proud Saskatchewan's and we are strong! The luck of the Irish will come our way soon with mild temperatures and tons of sun!!!  We know many of you are waiting for the weather to improve to take off the long, tangled, coat of your dog.  The rush is beginning so we advise to book soon.  We continue to encourage all clients to become recurring members with groomings at regular intervals.  Even through the winter your dog needs to be groomed.  The matting that may have occurred over these snowy winter months can be tough on a dog.  The mats pull and become moist, causing all kinds of problems.  Talk to us about booking your dog on a schedule of 6-8 or 12 weeks.  There are few breeds that do not require a grooming at least every 12 weeks.  A well groomed dog is a healthy dog.  

Zoom Zoom Groom wishes to welcome Danielle Gauthier Kratz to our grooming team.  Danielle brings kindness, patience, skill and dog wisdom to ZZG and we are so excited to have her!

Zoom Zoom Groom is a Finalist in the Regina Chamber of Commerce Paragon Awards in the category of New Business Venture!  The award ceremony is on April 7th where the winner will be announced.  We are not sure who nominated us, but we do want to say thank you and to express our sincere appreciation to all our clients for making this recognition even possible!

Randy and I would personally like to thank our amazing staff.... without them our expansion would not have been possible.  They are truly the most talented, inspiring individuals and we are so blessed they are a part of the ZZG team.  We love them like family and they are nothing short of wonderful!

Please note the "IN" Salon and store front will not be opened Thursday, April 7th after 5:00pm due to the staff attending this function. 

www.vippetcare.ca

Zoom Zoom Groom is presently working on their Satelite Grooming Space at VIP Pet Care.  The combination of play times with grooming is working great.  If you are a client of Zoom Zoom Groom's and you are interested in socializing your dog, or if you are a client of VIP's and would like your pooch to be pampered, simply give us a call.  We can groom your dog at either locations and shuttle them back and forth.  For more info on VIP PET CARE, simply click on their banner (above) for a trip to their website.

What Foods Can I Share With My Dog..... What Foods Should I Avoid?

 

www.moderndogmagazine.com

Have you heard the saying that giving your dog "people food" is a bad thing?  Research has shown that not only is this incorrect, many people are presently making their own dog food with great success.  Here is a condensed list of foods to avoid with your dog as listed in the Modern Dog Magazine's Spring 2011 edition.

Foods to Avoid

1. Caffeine -a lethal dose can be 150mg/kg of weight.  
2. Grapes- the verdict is still out so it's best ot avoid grapes
3. xylitol- a common non-sugar sweetener can cause a drop in blood sugar, and thus liver failure
4. Raw yeast dough- the fact that it can rise in your dog's stomach can create bloating
5. Raw salmon- raw salmon can contain a micro-organism that causes "salmon poisoning".
6. High fat foods such as bacon, sausage, gravy, poultry skins.....

10 Human Foods To Share

1. Herring- great source of essential fatty acids
2. Pasta- if your dog doesn't have a wheat allergy this can be a great treat.
3. Peppermint- Peppermint can be included in dog cookies. This can help in treating stomach issues.
4. Chicken broth- dogs love broth!  
5. Cinnamon- studies show cinnamon can have anti-cancer, anti bacterial properties
6. Spaghetti Squash- great for eyesight with beta carotene!
7. Pomegranate- awesome vitamin C, and antioxidants!
8. Cheese- great source of calcium and protein
9. Tuna- yummy!
10. Barley grass- awesome antioxidants

The bottom line is that moderation is always the key.  Sharing some healthy human food with your dog can be a great way to add variety and supplement his/her diet.  For more info on this article please go to

http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/do-s-and-dont-s-sharing-food-your-dog/17293

 Zoom Zoom Groom's Pooch of the Month

Boomer Reitmeier is our March Pooch of the Month!

Boomer has been a long time client of Zoom Zoom Groom who has enjoyed both the mobile and "IN" Salon services.  Boomer would wait for me by the window when I was grooming him mobile.  I loved pulling up to see him looking out the window!  Boomer has the sweetest temperament and we love him!  Boomer come get your gift basket at your next spa date!

St. Patrick's Day Video of the Month

"America's Funniest Home Videos" Animal Clips