Message From
The Artful Groomer

Greetings, all! I hope you and your dogs had a fun-filled summer! I’d like to welcome all my new furry clients and their parents, and look forward to “Artfully Grooming” each and every one of them! Note that I now offer medicated shampoos for those dogs requiring special care, or those with skin irritations.

I’ve been very busy grooming pups and designing new dog collars these last two months. I’ve also begun participating in Craft Shows and Dog-friendly Festivals & Events in the area, and will post these upcoming events on my News & Events Page moving forward.

I’d like to give a special “shout out” to Lacy, Ike and Missy for allowing me to photograph them for my website. You’ll find Ike on our Home page & New Arrivals page, Lacy on our Big Dogs page, and Missy on Our Clients page. Thanks for being such photogenic pups!

We will be increasing grooming prices effective November 1, 2009.  These increases are to cover operational costs (heating & air conditioning costs, grooming supplies, etc.)  The majority of increases will be $2 per groom.  However there are some breed/coat types that will increase based on the time it takes – e.g., dogs that require longer coat cuts and additional hand-scissoring – by up to $10.  I still offer my Canine Care Program, which provides a free groom on your 8th visit, so grooming prices will stay affordable for all. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how these increases will affect you at 941-240-1686.

Become A Fan!

Feature Story:
Managing Your Dog’s Medical Costs When Illness Strikes

Like our own health, most of us do not think much about our dog’s health until illness strikes.  I’ve always been a lucky dog owner.  I’ve had healthy dogs that have lived to ripe old ages with little to no medical intervention. I figured that if I exercised and fed my dogs properly and took care of their immunizations and other preventive care like heartworm, all would be well.  However my lucky streak finally ran out when one of my dogs developed urinary tract stones that required surgery for removal.

The experience was pretty darn stressful.  It all started when Tilde began having accidents all over the house.  At first, I thought that she was displaying dominant behavior (marking) with our foster dog. 

But then she starting straining to pee, and when she did pee it was tinged with blood.  I panicked, and after a $300 trip to the emergency clinic (that revealed nothing) and a $650 surgical procedure, I realized that if I had done just a few things differently, I could have saved 1) myself some money, and, 2) my poor Tilde from going through a battery of unnecessary tests.

Here’s what I suggest all dog owners be mindful of when dealing with an illness:

Be Attuned to Changes in Your Dog’s Physical Behavior

Make note of differences in coat, demeanor, gait, eating and elimination.  You know your dog better than anyone.  The way you approach your dog’s health should be no different than the way you do your own health.  When you don’t feel well, you make note of your symptoms, address them as best as you can on your own, and if that fails to resolve the situation you see your doctor, right?  After a series of questions about your symptoms, your doctor will make a recommendation – either to do a series of tests if the symptoms indicate more than one potential issue, or specific tests if the symptoms more clearly describe a particular malady.  The more descriptive and specific you are about your symptoms, the quicker and easier it is for your doctor to diagnose your illness.  Well, the same goes for your dog.

For example, it was very clear what Tilde’s symptoms were.  Because of my worry, I took Tilde to an emergency clinic. I provided a detailed description of when and how she was urinating (or trying to urinate). The attending Vet cited a plethora of other potential problems, and recommended some blood tests to aid in the initial diagnosis. Had I done some homework up front I would have questioned her recommendation and asked about an alternative course of action. But because I didn’t and was overwhelmed with worry, I just followed the Vet’s lead instead of actively participating in the decision-making process about her care.

Research, Research, Research!

Continued >>

NEW! Exclusive Design!

NEW! Blue Floral Charm Collar

NEW! Big Dog Collars!

One-Year Anniversary Celebration!

It’s our one-year anniversary this month, and we’d like to thank each and every one of you for helping us reach this milestone! Tocommemorate this event, we are offering each of our clients a $5.00 discount on their next groom for every new referral that books (and keeps) a grooming appointment. Be sure to tell your referrals to mention your name in order to receive the discount on your next groom.

We are also offering a 20% discount on all Artful Canine collars and leashes to our preferred customers this month! Simply enter the Code AGP20 at checkout, and select the “Will Pick Up” option if you are local and would like to pick your order up.

New Arrivals from The Artful Canine

We are thrilled to introduce our new Puppy Collars to The Artful Canine Collection! We have also added a few new styles in our Everyday Dog Collars, Charming Collection and Big Dog Collection. We introduced the first of our exclusive designs, The Irish Celtic Dog Collar last month, and in November will be adding more new exclusive designs just in time for the holidays! We are also working on a new leash design – The City Walker - for those that need medium-weight “tie out” capabilities when out and about with their favorite canine. And we are in the initial phases of developing an indoor Frisbee for indoor play for smaller dogs.

News, Tips, and Upcoming Events

I now post all event and news links on my new News & Events page on my website. It’s updated regularly with dog events and news both locally and nationally.  You can add this page to your favorites so that you’re getting the latest info on what’s happening locally and nationally in the world of dogs!

The Artful Canine Email Sweeps!

If you like The Artful Canine's products, then share this email with your friends and encourage them to sign up! As an added incentive to gain new subscribers, we will be giving away a FREE collar & leash set each month. So spread the word!