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Originally published November 21, 2022 

Groomers around the world inspire us. Their passion for pets and business consistently set the bar for the industry, which is why we'll be featuring stories from groomers like you in our monthly Barkmails. This month, we caught up with groomer Brenda Bryant, owner of Poodles and Friends in Kennebunk, Maine.

GC: Tell us your grooming story.

BB: My late father was a groomer, and I always helped him around the shop. I was 14 when I started trimming, and this year marks 50 years that I’ve been grooming! (I want to groom until I am 80!) I love my job although it is hard on my body.

GC: Tell us about Poodles and Friends.

BB: I started my shop when my dad retired. I groom one dog at a time and don’t cage. The shop is on the end of my house.

GC: Do you have a favorite breed to groom?

BB: I love styling Poodles the most. Growing up, we always had Poodles. I was allergic to any animal that would shed, so I got allergy shots for 10 years.

GC: What is the best piece of grooming advice you've received?

BB: My training was a long time ago so it's hard to remember the advice! I think that patience is important.

GC: Anything else you want to add?

BB: Every dog is different, and I love all of them, including the grumpy dogs.

A good groomer will accommodate old dogs. Some need to be groomed in a corner so they can lean on a wall, and some need to have a short break between bathing and trimming.

Grooming is hard work, but dogs give love enough to make it worth it.

Keep up with Brenda and Poodles and Friends on Facebook.

Are you a dog groomer or pet professional? Want to be featured in a future Groomer's Choice blog post or catalog? Submit your grooming story!