Monday, June 15, 2009

Retirement, here I come

( Bandit Crabtree)
Yes, you read that title right. After nearly 30 years in the pet business, I'm retiring. It's time, in some ways, it's beyond time. My health and my back have gotten to the point that I feel I have to quit before it gets any worse, but I'm ready, I really am. I've thought about it long and hard and yes, I am indeed ready to retire.
(Rio Jackson)

I can't complain, I have been very successful in this business. It has provided for me and for my son, I've met some wonderful people and some wonderful little dogs, I've made life-long friends that, if it weren't for grooming, I would never have known. That's the upside. The downside.......

(Pepper Malcolm)
I am in constant pain, I have discs in my back that are nearly gone. I have scars from bites and scratches, I have carpal tunnel, and a couple of nerves in my hands that just plain don't work anymore from being bitten. Most days, I can hardly move by the time I finish working, much less think about doing anything beyond working when I finish my day. I go to bed in pain and I wake up in pain and it's taking it's toll on everything I do. Grooming is not "playing with little puppies all day" It's extremely hard work and trust me, after this many years in the business, I can tell what it's done to me, physically. I would wager, if you ask any groomer that has been in the business for 15 or more years, they will tell you the same thing. I KNOW they would, 75% of my friends are life long groomers and they DO tell me that.!

(Misty & Josie Jones)

My friend, Paul and I (who has been grooming for almost 35 years now) have always joked that someone will probably have to push our wheelchairs to the table and put the scissors in our hands before it's all said and done. We've been saying that for years, but I honestly don't want it to be true. :) From the looks of things, if I keep pushing myself like this, it WILL be true and how scary is that??

( Honey Harry)
So, after talking all this over with my DH, we have decided, the time has come. If I am going to have any quality of life at all, I HAVE to. I will be doing this slowly at first. I'm not going to just stop all at once, I will be phasing out so to speak. Letters will begin going out next week.

(Ginger Patrick)

I won't just leave everyone hanging without a groomer. I will be sending out a recommendation, along with an index card with the information their next groomer will need in order to give the dogs the same clip I have been giving them. All you have to do is take the card with you to your first appointment and they should know how I have been grooming your pet and what clip you are used to getting.

I am recommending my sister, Linda. I taught her to groom over 15 years ago and she is wonderful with the dogs. She won't mistreat them and since I taught her to groom, her technique is the closest to mine that you will be able to find in this area. She is good to the dogs and she knows what she is doing. She's located in Bristol, VA and her shop is called Family Pet Grooming. You can find her in the phone book. Or you can contact me for her information. (I'm reluctant to put her number and address in here for all the world to see) At any rate, she is the only one I would recommend AND she grooms cats too.

(Baby Evans)
I want to thank all of you who have trusted me with your babies. Thank you for letting me enjoy them and for sharing them with me. Thank you for your friendship over the years and for making my career a successful one. I will never forget the joy some of those little kids have brought me. Don't worry about me "missing it" remember, I have enough of my own kids that need grooming to keep my hands in it. :)
I am looking forward to the next phase in my life, spending quality time with DH, working with my show dogs, working on our new house, working on stained glass projects and just plain enjoying life surrounded my the loves of my life. I will continue to post in this blog, after all, I will still be alive and doing things, just not grooming. So be sure to keep my blog in your favorites and see what all we have been up to.

(All of the kids in this post have gone to the Rainbow Bridge. They are just a few of the ones I miss and will miss.)



19 comments:

Checkers & Chess said...

i bet the doggies will miss you Angie

Woodrow, Luna, MJ Campanella said...

Good luck and best wishes in the next phase of your like- congrats

woodrow & MJ(We dont need to be groomed)

sweetie (and i was hoping to get an updo from you during my next visit)

Mari said...

I know you were good at this and loved it, but I'm happy for you that you can retire! You'll still be able to do a little, but you can enjoy the free time too!

bbes tribe said...

We are sure you will be missed but we are glad you will be taking care of yourself. That was very thoughtful of you to pick out the best person to recommend. Best wishes on the new phase in your life.
Later
Ernie & Sasha

Paint Girl said...

Congrats on your retirement!
I have no doubts grooming is a lot of wear and tear on the body! I can feel your pain. I worked on my feet for over 18 years, and it could be very hard to do with my bad knees and disc bulge in my neck. That is why I am looking for something that doesn't require a lot of standing and walking!
I am sure you will enjoy being retired. You have a lot of projects to keep you busy!
Best of luck to you. And I will stay around for what journeys are headed your way!

Chloe and Libby said...

Angie, way to go! you have been quite a success as a groomer it sounds, with its ups and downs, your health is the most important right now. My hubby had 2 back surgerys this past year, no walk in the park either. I'm glad to hear that you have decided to put the scissors away so to speak and move on with the next phase in your life. Retirement, aahhhh, that has such a lovely ring to it.

Allison Walton said...

Wow--congratulations! This is a major life change, but hooray for you for doing what is best for you! Thanks for helping your clients to move on into good hands, as well. We love responsible businesspeople!

Enjoy retirement--hopefully we'll still hear from you in blogland!

wuv,
Gus and Waldo (and DogMom)

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Angie,

We know all of the doggies will miss you. Our Mom is exhausted when she grooms all of us in one day - and we're only 3 little Scotties who don't weigh over 25 pounds each. Lifting heavy dogs and all of the bending, combing, trimming, etc has got to take a toll. We've heard our Mom say many times that she doesn't know how professional groomers do it - it just kills her back. Of course she isn't a spring chicken either - hehehe.

Enjoy your retirement. We hope to meet you at a show one day since we do live fairly close to each other.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

Unknown said...

HI and nice to meet you. I found you through Mari is blog.. my sister is a groomer also and has recently had some problems with her hands.. she loves caring for the critters tho'

Gizzy's Mom said...

Congratulations on your retirement. I bet the pups will miss you.

Gizzy and his Mom

Martine said...

I'm excited for you!!

xo sugar & martine

Anonymous said...

You've earned it! Happy retirement!

Does this mean you'll be moving sooner? I wish we could move out of the city.

M.

BPOTW said...

Hope you enjoy your retirement! The photos of the 'babies' are wonderful.

Life With Dogs said...

Congrats on reaching a major milestone. You have earned the fun that awaits you. And you may need the time just to make sure there are no crazies stalking your new house! ;)

sprinkles said...

I read this awhile ago and meant to post a comment but didnt' seem to get around to it.

Congrats on your retirement. Glad you're doing it while you can still enjoy it.

Love the pix of all the kids

Anonymous said...

Hey, I left you a little gift over on my blog!

Rudy said...

Hope you have a happy retirement! Does this mean you'll have more time to blog?

Love,
Rudy
(p.s. My breeder/groomer works herself to death all the time so we know what you're talking about!)

sprinkles said...

Hmm...I remember reading this post and I swear I thought I'd left a comment congratulating you on your retirement but it appears that I did not. So, better late than never ~ CONGRATS!!!

You've been tagged! Please stop by my blog for details and to pick up your award.

Anonymous said...

I've been following your bully blog and decided to jump over here. Congrats on retirement. I can't imagine how much pain you are in. I have a herniated disk in my lower back not to mention bad knees, and I know how stiff I get after grooming my 2 girls.

I hope you are able to move into your new place. It looks just wonderful!!!