In this season of giving, we can get caught up in the busyness of the holidays and forget to show some love to certain furrier family members. Consider gifting the dog owners on your list a session for their canine pals at the doggie beauty parlor. Scraps, a full-service pet store that has been in Truckee for 23 years, started offering dog grooming last December. In addition to full grooming treatments, which usually last between one to two hours, Scraps also offers nail trimming and self-serve baths.
Kayla Wahlborg has been Scraps’ resident groomer for the past year, and she deeply enjoys working with her clientele. She snaps photos during the grooming process, and sometimes takes selfies of herself with the dogs. Wahlborg also works hard to ensure every dog she bathes is relaxed and comfortable. If a dog is frightened by the loud blow-dryer, she puts earmuffs or a towel over their ears. Even older dogs with health concerns receive the special care they need.
“Our sweet Aussie will soon be 14. He’s deaf, has serious spinal stenosis and as well as lymphoma,” said Scraps client Carol Pauli, who’s pup is pictured above (second from the last). “He is treated so well and with such compassion, he is cared for as if he belongs to them.”
Moonshine talked with Wahlborg to learn more about the art of dog grooming.
What is the process you go through with the dogs?
I always start with a pre-shave and then a bath, and then starting with the face I use a tearless blueberry facial. I look at a dog’s skin and coat to determine a shampoo: hypoallergenic oatmeal for dry or sensitive skin, or a bright white for extra dirty dogs, and a moisturizing conditioner. I can hand blow-dry, which is used most, or use the ambien air dryer for dogs who are more nervous. After drying I trim nails, clean ears, comb, brush, and de-mat if needed, and do any final hair cutting.
How do most dogs like getting groomed? Can you tell if they feel better after?
Most dogs do well, and some even love it. I’ll see some dogs after their haircut and they strut their stuff, they feel good and they show it. If I ever get a dog with excessive matting, getting groomed is a huge relief for them. Mats are tight and painful and after they get removed you can tell how much happier the dogs are. Starting young for grooming is key; it’s easier for them as a puppy to adjust to the bath and drying and haircut.
Why is grooming important for dogs?
Grooming is important to maintain during all seasons … It’s great for dogs to keep moisture in their coat and to help with itchiness when weather changes.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Being able to connect with the pets that come in to be groomed. I get to know them and build trust with them. Each time they come in, they are excited to be there and happy to see me.
Why should people gift a dog grooming session this holiday season?
A grooming session would be an awesome gift! A lot of folks don’t think of grooming their pets, and who doesn’t want a nice-smelling pup for the holidays?
Scraps’ full grooming service ranges from $55 to $125 depending on the dog’s breed, size, etc.; bath and blowout from $25 to $55. Visit truckeescraps.com for details and to book online.
