Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Winter Newsletter

Hello from all the staff at Zoom Zoom Groom!  What an amazing year we have had, and we truly want to thank all our wonderful clients both two-legged and four-legged! There is plenty of exciting news to share in this newsletter....

I need to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement during my challenge with Breast Cancer.  I am so blessed to have such phenomenal friends, family, and staff- it has definitely made this journey easier!  My future is great and we caught it early.  I have two chemo treatments left and can't wait to return in February!  Life is awesome!!!!  Thank you to all!!!!!!!
  

Zoom Zoom Groom was a finalist for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Awards in the New Business Venture Category, with the ceremony held on November 19th . It was an honor to be nominated and amongst such amazing businesses and people.  We would like to congratulate all the ABEX winners!  Since my absence at Zoom Zoom Groom, we have not missed a beat, and this is totally due to the phenomenal, dedicated staff who have been working harder than ever to keep things running smoothly. Luv ya all!!!!! 


 We would like to introduce all our Zoomer Groomers as I feel I have missed a few introductions- groomers on staff include: Kaila Gelowitz, Irene Gamble, Krista Walaniuk (on maternity), Jenna Frank (on maternity), Rayna Hunt, Danielle Gauthier Kratz, Tina Diana, Krista Gibbs, Hailey Stasuik,  Abi Small, Jo Small, Lindsay Slack (in training networking with VIP)

Front Desk:  Val McFarlane and Rhonda Deck
Wow- two years ago we were a staff of 4!

Oh, and we can't forget about Gracie the Wonder Dog!


  Vegas Super Zoo- In September Zoom Zoom Groom sent Kaila, Irene, Danielle and Val to Super Zoo- a huge pet trade show and grooming seminars.  It was an amazing opportunity to learn about new techniques, new products and tools available for groomers. Grooming pets is not what it used to be. It has become a highly respected skill and trade with so many options to make your pets experience easier, and to create grooms that are stylish and unique. 

    

Zoomie Bucks:  Don't forget to ask us for a Zoomie Buck/ Bucks when you pick up your pet from his/her groom.  Zoomie bucks enable you to get $10 off your groom for each new client referral, plus your referred client's dog receives a free Blueberry Facial, and Paw Scrub! We have had some clients achieve free groom status for their referral numbers!
        
We are renovating the store to include several cat condos for boarding when you go on holidays.  We hope to have these ready in the New Year.  Construction will be taking place in the retail area, so we apologize in advance.  This area will include 10 upscale condos (refer to picture), and a cat specialist will be on hand  to offer your kitty a wonderful holiday experience.  We will also be creating a special cat grooming station with state of the art cat equipment, including Kitty Vacs, which will enable us to dry your cat after a bath in the most safe and relaxing method for him or her.  It is my hope to attend the National Cat Grooming Association Course in the New Year as well, to become better knowledgeable about our Fabulous Felines. Danielle has also taken extra courses at Super Zoo in Cat Grooming.
Zoom Zoom Groom is applying for a Vocational School.  This will enable us to teach and certify groomers.  The new reno's will include areas for our students as well.  Being a teacher for 18 years prior to opening Zoom Zoom Groom excites me......to get back to my roots, and combine it with my passion for pets- what an opportunity! We will have the best facilitators, and mentors with the staff at ZZG.  Zoom Zoom Groom will be networking with two of the best schools in the United States:  Paragon School of Grooming, and The Pennsylvania Academy of Pet Grooming.  We hope to be up and running by Spring of 2012!
                                                                                                    
   

 Zoom Zoom Groom Is Proud to Announce the 2012 Calendar Winners!

Each year we invite our clients to send pictures in of their dogs.  We then select 13 to represent our Zoom Zoom Groom Calendar.  The Calendars are prepared to raise money for the Regina Humane Society.  Usually we raise near $1000!  The Calendars cost $21.99 and include an $8.00 grooming coupon.  Please phone to reserve or stop by the store.  These Calendars move fast so get yours ASAP! Here are our prestigious winners!!!!

Cover Winner- Mr. Buddy Fulton ; Mr. January- Murphy Hood; Mr. February- Tonto Hubbs; Miss March- Sadie Kozak; Miss April- Kahlua Metcalf; Mr. May- Red Ellis; Mr. June; Webster Horvath; Mr .July; Shadow Genert; Mr. August; Diezel Carter; Miss September- Meeka Sigmeth; Miss November- Bella Piel, Mr. December- Duffy Hopkie



Keeping Your Dog Warm In The Winter

For many dog owners, how to keep their dog warm during the cold winter is a big concern. Luckily for them, there are many ways to do this.

If your dog is small, has short hair, or is older, you may want to consider purchasing a jacket to help keep him warm. In some climates, it is appropriate to choose a sweater for the fall months and a heavier jacket for the colder winter months. When choosing outerwear for your dog choose something simple that is easy for you to put on. You may need to acclimate your dog to wearing a coat as some dogs do not like to be dressed up. To do this, simply put the coat on for short periods each day making sure to give lots of good treats. Your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with yummy treats making it much easier for you to dress him.

Choose a coat made from durable materials that are easy to care for. Just because it's cute doesn't necessarily mean that it is appropriate. Also, if snow is a concern, look for water resistant materials. Make sure to know your dog's measurements and follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit.

Dogs that walk a lot,
work  outside, or are older, may also need to wear boots. Dog boots are available from many manufacturers and help keep feet protected from ice, snow, and salt. As with coats, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit. If you choose not to purchase boots for your dog, make sure to remove ice and snow from between his pads when he comes inside. This will help keep him warm as well as help prevent dry, cracked, irritated pads.

If your dog lives
primarily outside, you will want to make sure you get him a good quality shelter of some sort. Many pet supply stores and online manufacturers make great quality dog houses in a variety of styles for every budget. You will want one that will help keep wind, rain, and snow away from your dog. You will want to make sure that the opening to the dog house does not face the wind. You will also want to make sure that you lay down straw or provide a bed or several blankets to help protect your dog from the frozen ground. Make sure to change the straw and/or bedding periodically.
Blankets and beds can get wet and straw, when wet, can get moldy. Moldy straw can lead to upper respiratory and skin infections. Some people like to provide heat to their outside dog houses. It is not a good idea to do this with heating pads or space heaters with electrical cords. Your dog can chew through these cords causing a hazardous accident. If you choose to provide heat to your outdoor dog, it is best to have this done professionally. Some pet stores offer heated beds that contain a disc that can be heated in the microwave or with hot water periodically.

During the winter, it is just as important to keep your dog properly groomed as it is during the summer. Your coat provides natural insulation against the elements. It is important to keep your dog's coat brushed and free of mats and burrs. The hair between the foot pads needs to be trimmed up to help prevent ice balls from forming. Regular grooming will help ensure proper body temperature during the winter months.

Some dogs, especially those kept outside, will require extra food during the winter months. It is important to discuss these nutritional needs with your veterinarian or pet professional. If your dog is kept outside, it is also very important to make sure that he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Snow and ice are not appropriate for hydration. Be careful to make sure that his water has not frozen over.

There are many things you can do to ensure that your dog stays warm and safe during the winter months. 
Article by: DogTrainingHut.com
 We Have New Products for Winter In Our Store!!!
From Jackets, to dresses- only the most stylish of doggie attire.  Here are some of the items that just arrived!!! 


Pooch of the Month
Beans Lopez

 Beans is a beautiful dachshund both inside and out. He's amazing and we love him!  Beans come pick up your Pooch of the Month basket at your next groom!
Video of the Month- Silent Night

From all the Staff at Zoom Zoom Groom We Wish you A Very Merry Christmas and the Best in the New Year!

Monday, September 5, 2011

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


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!