I Thought I Was Going To Get Slammed

I thought I was going to get slammed by my last post when I wrote how silly I think licensing is. The first email I received confirmed my thoughts. Here is the comment:

I've been grooming for 29 years. I welcome the licensing. There are so many ill informed groomers out there, that every pet is at risk. Yes, it will be more "red tape", and probably not welcomed by most, but in the interest of the pets, I feel it's for the best. Hairdressers require proper training, as do any other "professional" occupation. Without the knowledge, the skill is useless. It horrifies me to think of these backyard groomers and trainers. There should also be stricter rules in the entire pet industry, from dog food manufacturing, to training. It's appalling what these pets have to suffer because of some ego maniac groomer or trainer. The whole system needs to be taken down a notch. This is my bark on the subject.

Regards,
Cheri W

It wasn't going too good for your hero and his opinions, the next email stated:

"I think groomers should have a state license and have to go to regular training like hair stylists."

What's it with hair stylists?

Anyway, the tide started to turn as the majority overwhelmingly agreed with me. Here are some comments:

"I totally agree with you. Sorta. I wouldn't want "Officials" telling me how to groom and make decisions on how to operate my business when they don't understand it. To me, licensing will turn into a way to drum up cash for cities and states. No benefit for us. On the other hand, the ability to open a business with no nowledge and or skill is just as bad. I have seen it happen. I have seen groom shops that were so dirty and dangerous that is was amazing they had any business.

Now a days customers seem much more aware and are asking more questions. Good for them! I think in the end that will help us out. Personal Accountability. Grooming is not as mysterious as it once was. In the old days they dropped the dog off and then picked it up and didn't have a clue what happened in between or why it happened. They also didn't seem to care. With all the information on the news and Internet about grooming mishaps they are becoming more concerned. But then again because they don't know any different, they can believe the hype that the media puts out. The media is doing their job. That is to sell their product and they are doing a darn good job of it. If only we had more positive in your face news telling our side...."

Cathy R

"I have read over your comments on the licensing issue and I thoroughly agree with your outlook on the whole situation. I have run a successful pet / grooming store for over 15 years now and I do not hold any college or university degrees. As for business, I have met many people in many different professions with degrees up their buts but degrees do not always create knowledge."

Judy M

"I agree with you 100%. Groomer licensing is NOT the answer to any problem."

Carol

Right on Carol! But wait there's more:

"You took the words right out of my mouth!"

Susie

"I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your views on this subject. You actually changed my mind back to what I originally felt on the subject."

Sarah

Don't worry my dog loving friends. Coming soon, a lively and desenting response from
one of our old freinds in favor of licesnsing. He is going to attempt to convince us why we need regulations and some government offical looking over us.

Before I wrap this up I have a quick question: Why do we always think governemt is the solution to any problem? Has government really fixed any problems? War on poverty? Six TRILLION, not B...not M..but T for Trillion dollars to fight poverty.

A long time ago I learned that money does not fix problems, government does not fix problems - you know what fixes problems?

PEOPLE fix problems!

As an industry, groomers can fix any problems that they think they are facing, don't bring in some pointy headed little do gooder that does no good. One email that I got stated how the state of Connecticut wants groomers to have eight by four pens for all of the dogs. Who has that kind of space? Who decided that?

Stay tuned!

All the best,

Eric

P.S. What is it with hair dressers? I don't get it? But I have never, ever considered myself the sharpest knife in the drawer. Peace.