My review is for the grooming services only. They offer day care, and the times we've gone in to have the Captain's nails done the day care dogs seem to have a great time with each other. They're allowed to roam and play in a large, open space right next to the grooming area, and they have plenty of toys, blankets, and windows to look out of (which they all seem to LOVE..)
I should disclose that for almost 2 years I was bringing Jack to PetCo to get his nails done for a few reasons... one was their hours of operation. They are open later than most 'mom and pop' groomers, and with my crazy schedule, it worked. Secondly, the Captain only needs his nails trimmed as far as grooming goes. He's a low-maintenece pup otherwise, so I was happy with the staff at PetCo in Milford for a long time. Until October 2011... Normally when I'd bring Jack in, I'd drop him off at the front of the store, and while the staff would work on him, I'd go in, shop a little, pay for the service ($10, plus gratuity) then pick him up on the way out. Over time it was harder and harder to bring Jack in on his own accord, he would try to run back to the car, he'd shake uncontrollably when we checked in, cry, and continuously lick his chops (he does this when he's scared, like during a thunderstorm, etc...) I just thought he had the usual fear of the groomer or something.
In October, I didn't have any shopping to do, treats to buy, etc, so I stayed in the grooming area with him. The girl who normally did his nail trim was training someone new, and let her practice on my little man. As soon as she clipped the first nail it was a sh!t show. He let out a noise that in the 3 years I've had him I had never heard. She clipped the second, same thing... I asked her to stop for a second, and before I could ask for the trainee to step aside, she continued to do the 4 paws, (sloppy!) all of which required to have an anti-septic solution applied after to stop his bleeding/pain. He's got black nails. Not the best situation for a new trainee, AND with an already nervous and scared dog. Needless to say, this was our last trip to PetCo.
I was referred to Flying Fur by a friend who had brought his own Dachshund in for grooming for years before he passed away. (the dog, not my friend...) What a great find. Erica has been grooming my lil' guy every 3 weeks or so since October, and she does an amazing job. Not only does she clip his nails without incident, she grinds away all the sharp edges left behind, and has never had to use anything on his paws to stop bleeding, etc, because she DOES NOT HURT MY DOG!! He sits still, doesn't make a peep, and walks into FF on his own, without me dragging him by the collar or carrying him in. We wish we found Flying Fur earlier, but I make it a point to tell anyone I know with a dog that needs grooming or boarding about this place. Erica and the staff are wonderful. Thanks, guys!! read more