Foreword

49 Essays On Pet Grooming

If enthusiasm is contagious, you will catch it reading this book!

I first met Ellen at a grooming trade show, and we continued to get to know each other through Internet grooming groups.  We soon found that we share a true passion for our work; an excitement for all things pet styling.  We both strive to continue to learn and challenge ourselves, to expand our skill set, and knowledge base.  This learning spills over into sharing what we have learned with others.

In this case Ellen has shared 49 individual essays about her experiences as a groomer.  From how she first embarked on a career as a mobile pet stylist to thoughts on life in general and the joy she experiences in her daily work, this book is as uplifting as it is informative.  Ellen embraces adventure, and pet grooming, especially mobile pet grooming offers plenty of adventures.  In this book you will read about Ellen’s television debut as well as her fledgling experiences learning to groom cats and lots more in between.

Ellen writes the way she speaks, and when I read the stories in this book I felt as if she were sitting across the table from me while we sipped a cup of tea, (or, more likely, a glass a wine!)  Her style is friendly and fun while being informative.  Both new and seasoned groomers will find they learn a thing or two as they turn the pages.

I challenge you to embrace the contagion, share in Ellen’s enthusiasm for all things pet styling.  She has some important lessons to contribute to our industry, and we are privileged that she lets her voice be heard.

By Daryl Conner

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Daryl Conner is a certified Petcare Dermatech Specialist, Master Pet Stylist, Meritus, CMCG.  A contributing editor for Pet Age magazine and author of the book Practical Grooming Tips, Daryl’s musings have also been found in Dog World, Groomer to Groomer, and on many Internet sites. She is the recipient of the coveted 2005 Cardinal Crystal award for Journalism and the ’06 and ’07 award for Congeniality. She is the east coast chairperson for the Professional Cat Groomers of America. Daryl is proud to be the U.S. ambassador for the German Red Clipper. Known for her fun and informative educational classes at grooming shows across the country, Daryl’s grounded, friendly style makes her an approachable and popular teacher. With more than 25 years of grooming experience, Daryl’s abiding love of animals and passion for our trade radiates out to everyone she touches through her work.