My husband Chris and myself have taken our seven-month-old Australian Shepherd, Nori, to Pet…read moreSupplies Plus twice for grooming.
Her first visit was also her first professional grooming. We paid for a full groom with the Spoiled Puppy upgrade. The groomer was unable to finish her nails because Nori had reached her limit and said two groomers might be needed next time. We appreciated that she recognized Nori's stress and did not force her to continue.
Unfortunately, our second visit was upsetting. Nori was checked in at 1:30 p.m. for a bath, brush, luxury shampoo, and conditioner. We returned to the store around 2:00 and did some shopping while we waited. We could hear Nori barking and howling, but we decided it would be better to leave rather than let her see us and become more upset.
I do want to mention that the store associate who checked us out, also named Chris, was very friendly and professional. He checked on me twice while I was shopping to see if I needed help and was very pleasant during checkout.
After leaving the store, we continued waiting to hear that Nori was ready. At 2:46, we received a message stating that her bath had not yet been started and referring to Nori several times as "he" and "him." This felt very impersonal, especially since it was supposedly the same groomer who had worked with her before.
At 3:11, we were told the groomer could not safely complete the bath because Nori was extremely anxious, snapping at the water and biting the hose, bottles, and grooming tethers. The oatmeal shampoo was rinsed out, but the conditioner and remainder of the service were not completed. The groomer and team leader agreed that stopping was safest.
I believe Nori was behaving as they described. She is a high-energy, seven-month-old puppy, and after waiting so long in an unfamiliar and stressful environment, she was likely frightened and having a temper tantrum. I also understand that this behavior can be intimidating to someone who does not know her.
They did not charge us, and I appreciate that they stopped rather than risking Nori's safety or the groomer's. However, the long wait before beginning her appointment, the incorrect references to her as a male, and the inability to manage a young, anxious puppy left us concerned about the grooming experience available for dogs who need extra patience and handling. Nori came home very stressed, and the experience was upsetting for all of us.
We were told on her report card, we would need to have a discussion before bringing her back.? WHAT!.. Nori had a scheduled appointment and you over booked causing stress and chaos for a puppy.
We will not be back for grooming, supplies, or anything else. EVER!