Groomer to Groomer February 2021

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 40 ED.2 • FEBRUARY 2021

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

WITH GROOMING AGAIN

“JUST”

A CAT BITE

CLIMBING

TO THE TOP: THE STORY OF

NINJA GROOMER KAT HENSCHEN

PHOTO BY NICOLE SPEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Oh,My Aching…

by Michelle Robinson

SAFE HANDLING FOR HAPPY & HEALTHY PETS

14 by Jonathan David

Berry: Review & Rebuild: Bringing Your Business Back After a Pandemic 32 Hosler: Money Matters: Addressing Your Pricing Structure Connor: Grooming the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Knowles: Falling In Love with Grooming Again

4 Faver: Finding the Right Mentor

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Heads Up: Quick, Cute and 8 Maintenance Free

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“JUST” A

Classifieds 52 12 New Products

Climbing to the Top: The Story of Kat 20 Barkleigh Shows & Industry Events Henschen, Ninja Groomer

52 54

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by Deborah Hansen

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 40 ED.2 • FEBRUARY 2021

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

WITH GROOMING AGAIN

“JUST”

A CAT BITE

CLIMBING

TO THE TOP: THE STORY OF

NINJA GROOMER KAT HENSCHEN

ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY NICOLE SPEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

ON THE COVER:

Copyright February 2021. Groomer to Groomer is published monthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Groomer to Groomer c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Annual U.S. subscription rate $25. Outside U.S. $79. year, surface rates. Groomer to Groomer is free to current Barkleigh Productions, Inc. customers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX: (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

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Kat Henschen "Ninja Groomer" Photo by Nicole Spear Photography

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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GROOMING GAB

by Kathy Hosler

“Money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it’ scale.� – Zig Ziglar

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ost of us did not become groomers because we thought we would get rich, but having a career that can provide financial security is important. Our income determines how we care for ourselves and provide for our families.

That being said, is your income all you want it to be? Are you able to pay your bills, make a comfortable living and put money away for your retirement?

If the answer is “no,� then you’ve got a problem.

If you are working as much as you can and still don’t earn enough money, it’s time to examine your pricing structure. What method did you use to set your prices? I hope it wasn’t by calling around to all your competition to ask them what they charge. Your prices must be determined by your operating expenses. It doesn’t matter

what anyone else charges.

Begin by writing down your gross monthly business income.

Next, add up your monthly expenses such as rent or mobile van payment, insurances, taxes, your salary, utilities, advertising, supplies and all the rest. Then, compare your total income against your total expenses.

Did you make or lose money, or just break even?

If your monthly expenses are $8,400 and you work five days a week, you need to bring in $420 per day to cover your expenses. If you usually do six grooms per day, you need to charge an average of $70 per groom just to break even. But don’t plan to stay in business very long if all you do is break even. You need to bring in at least 20% more to safeguard and protect yourself.

For instance, do you have an emergency fund? Everyone needs to

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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have three to six months of income set aside in their emergency fund.

Suppose your salon is damaged by a hurricane or tornado, your mobile unit is in an accident‌or you are closed by a pandemic and you have no income for four weeks. You still have bills and living expenses that must be paid until you are able to resume grooming.

Are you putting any money away for a vacation or to buy a home? How about saving for your retirement?

You won’t be able to groom forever, you know.

One way to bring in that extra 20% is to groom one or two additional pets per day, every day. Do you really want to overload yourself like that? You are not a machine that can work indefinitely. Grooming is a mentally and physically challenging job, and groomer burnout is very real.

Most groomers post a sign in their lobby before they implement a price

Dear valued client, Due to rising costs beyond our control, and because we use only the highest quality products on your pets, grooming prices will increase on April, 15, 2021. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you and your pet for many years to come.

increase.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

Sincerely, Your Groomer

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So, what is the solution?

Instead of adding to your workload, raise your grooming prices.

Now that you know what your expenses are and have calculated how much you need to bring in each day, you can evaluate each pet and estimate how much time it takes to groom. You can then determine how much you need to charge for it. For example, an Akita takes far more time and work than a Beagle, so adjust their prices accordingly.

I know that other professionals, like mechanics and plumbers, don’t usually post a notice when they have an increase in their prices, but most groomers I have talked to prefer to give their clients some advance notice. They feel it is seldom a good idea to just spring a price hike on

their customers, especially if there has been a substantial increase.

If money is a client’s only concern, you may lose some people when you raise their price. However, most clients will not leave a groomer that they are comfortable with. They value the relationship they have built with you and the care you give their precious pets.

A lot of groomers raise their prices in January; it’s the “new year, new price” concept. In reality though, that may not be the best time. January is typically a cold, dark and dreary month. A lot of people overspend during the holidays and have big credit card bills in January. They are already grumpy and a price increase does nothing to help that. Raising your prices later in

the spring is often met with little or no resistance. School is ending, and many families are preparing for and enjoying vacations and outdoor fun. The weather has improved and people are happier in general.

I know one enterprising stylist who regularly implements a price increase on her birthday. Happy Birthday to her! The date you choose is yours, but the bottom line is, when you need to raise your prices, raise them.

You are a highly-skilled professional in a career that often involves hard, physical work. It’s high time that you value yourself, be compensated fairly for your effort and talents, and fund your financial future.

Of course you love what you do—and money is not the most

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important thing in life—but you deserve the security and happiness that financial freedom can provide. That’s why, money matters. & “If you don’t value your time, neither will others. Stop giving away your time and talents. Value what you know & start charging for it.”

- Kim Garst

Do you want YOUR salon featured in Groomer to Groomer magazine?

Tell us why you should be the next Salon Spotlight!

Email Rebecca@barkleigh.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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by Daryl Conner

GROOMING THE

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon medium–sized, scruffy– looking hunting breed, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not a frequent visitor to most grooming shops. We have had the good fortune to groom a few over the years, and we hear the same comment from our customers; “No one knows how to groom this breed…” which is a shame because they are a fun dog to work on!

If one does happen to grace

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

your table, here are some tips on how to make this breed look the way it should.

Of course, it all starts with a good bath. Some Griffons will have a slightly oily coat, so we start out with a degreasing shampoo, followed by a good, basic cleansing shampoo. A light conditioner to replace the sebum removed by washing is the next step. However, we often skip the conditioner in faGroomertoGroomer.com

vor of using a finishing rinse, which leaves wiry coats with a lovely, crisp feel. Dry with the lay of the coat to achieve best results.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have a double coat, designed to protect them as they hunt in thick brush, and to keep them warm if they are retrieving in water. The undercoat is dense and soft, and the outer coat is straight with a wiry texture. In warm weather, the

undercoat will shed out, then regrow when days grow shorter and weather cools.

After a light conditioning spray, go over the entire dog with a slicker brush, brushing the direction you wish the coat to lay. Once any tangles have been removed, comb the dog from nose to toes to make sure there are not any thick spots remaining.

Next use a deshedding tool on the jacket and tail. On the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, you will find this tool will make short work of removing the undercoat when it is shedding, which makes the harsh topcoat lay more smoothly.

Alternately, you can card the coat, but that is far more time consuming. Removing the dead coat in this way will help support the proper regrowth of coat that is of correct texture and color.

The hair on the legs and furnishings can benefit from a little work with the deshedding tool as well. You may find it works well to use chunkers or thinners to lightly trim any excessively long hair so the legs appear to be uniform. Sometimes tufts of hair at the elbows will grow longer than the rest of the coat and these can benefit from a little tidying up.

Use chunkers or thinners to neaten up the underline on the chest and make the hair on the tail match the body coat. The tail should never have any sort of flag or plume. As you work, keep in mind that you are trying to achieve a scruffy look; this breed should never look tailored or overgroomed. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should not be clipped unless it is specifically requested by the owner.

The nails should be as short as possible. Lightly round the feet and clip the hair between the paw pads.

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Trim up the sanitary areas as needed.

The head of this breed is what gives them their characteristic look.

Full, slightly triangular brows and an abundant beard are important to achieve proper expression. Use the deshedding tool, followed by a stripping knife, stripping stone or your fingers, to lightly pluck long hair from the top of the head and the ears. The ears should have a light covering of short hair all over. If the cheeks grow long hair, they can be lightly plucked as well to accentuate the beard and keep the ears lying flat. You can lightly remove thick coat from under the beard into the neck, but this area is not trimmed or plucked closely.

Remember, you want a natural–

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looking, slightly untidy end result.

Avoid over–grooming at all costs.

Some grooming books say the brows should be triangular. Take this as a suggestion of shape. You do not want the harsh triangles seen on breeds such as Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers. The brows of the Griffons are there to protect their eyes when crashing through underbrush and should remain looking natural, not overly trimmed.

I use a mixture of light plucking and thinning shears to tidy the brows enough so that the dog can see and so its eyes can be seen, but do not leave an obviously trimmed line. Trim or pluck the outer edges shorter, leaving the hair of the inner brow longer. Pluck lightly

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between the eyes to allow the dog good visual clearance.

Brush and comb the beard well, plucking lightly to encourage good regrowth. If there are any long hairs under the nose and over the upper lip that get dragged into the dog’s mouth, they can be trimmed, maintaining as natural a look as possible.

This unusual breed presents a fun challenge to groomers; it is not often that we are encouraged to leave a pet looking scruffy. I find it is a nice change of pace. Every member of this breed that I have met has been blessed with a terrific temperament, making the grooming even more enjoyable.

Best of all is the look of delight on the pet owner’s face when they see their freshly–tidied pet for the first time. &

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by Michelle Knowles

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WITH GROOMING AGAIN Grooming is hard. The clients are picky, you stay covered in hair and your shoes are never dry. And how many modified lambs can one person take? There were plenty of times when I wanted to throw the clippers across the room and go home.

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B

ut I know a secret that keeps me coming back. Dogs have the power to heal you. The very worst days of my life were made bearable by the four– legged soul by my side.

Working with animals gives us a unique opportunity to learn something about ourselves. Grooming for me is a meditation and a sharing of life minutes with a unique individual. It is a sacred agreement of trust and touch and communication that is mostly silent. My tools are lovingly chosen and cared for so that I find pleasure in using them. I find the delight in the perfect shape and color of a toe pad.

These creatures, so different from me

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yet so much the same, are a spark of sensitivity and curiosity. Their lives are so fleeting that we only truly realize the blessings they bring when they leave us. Yet there are the clients that complain and the ones who do not care in a never–ending parade of demands that can threaten your very sanity. I am thankful for them, because without them, I would not have the opportunity to commune with their dog.

Dogs teach us patience and how to say more with less words. We get to share their unique and comical perceptions of our environment.

Participating in a dog’s exploration of the world makes the experience deeper. There will always be challenging clients, peer relationships and problems at home, but at work, with a dog, is the perfect time to let it all fall away and live in a swirl of energy, sound, smell and movement. To experience GBVal-2021-Feb-GroomersBest.pdf the miracle of how they are 1 1/13/2021

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put together and their willingness to trust us holding their delicate paw is a gift beyond measure.

So I choose to be thankful for the opportunity to serve the picky client, the penny pincher, the conversationalist, and especially the ones that bring the handmade, labeled drawings of how their pet should be groomed. I am thankful for the phone calls and the nail trim interruptions. I am thankful for the clients who are late in picking up that give me the opportunity to destress while giving and receiving love from their dog. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet so many precious, individual beings that are so full of life and emotion and come in so many variations.

My secret is…the dogs. They will always keep me coming back and they are always the reason that I fall in love with grooming over and over 4:23:58 PM again. &

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To experience the miracle of how dogs are put together and their willingness to trust us holding their delicate paw is a gift beyond measure.

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Oh,My Aching…

E by Michelle Robinson e

I love grooming, it is like breathing to me! I need to be around it. I first started my career in a corporate store. Upon my arrival, one of the first requirements was to review their policy and procedure or, “P&P.”

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here were a lot of great things in there that spoke about breaks, rest and safety. Unfortunately, not many people (including the managers) followed it at all… unless there was an issue, and the “Big Wigs” came in to enforce the law.

I guess you can say that was the foundation that helped me understand a lot of things about safety—not only for the animals in our care—but for myself and the entire grooming staff.

Many groomers that start out now may not have been that fortunate, and

it could catch up with them in the long run. For instance, one of the safety features was about proper footwear.

Proper footwear was considered to be gym shoes. Flip flops, sandals, Crocs or open–backed shoes were not allowed.

Primarily because it was unsafe for the work environment.

Now that I am mobile, I am my own boss! I can wear whatever the heck I want; nobody is the boss of me…except my aching feet. I don’t wear flip flops while grooming simply because I don’t like them. Anyone who

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knows me, knows that I have a thing about standing in hair. And, if you are clumsy like me, somewhere in the course of the day, you would end up shish–kabobing your big toe with a pair of ten–inch shears.

I also suffer with low arches.

I need support! When I learned to groom, I learned standing up. I cannot groom sitting down. When it was time to change my shoes, I would know it. Not only would my feet ache, but I would begin to feel it in my ankles, knees and back. I got into

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Even though I was standing on an anti–fatigue mat, my feet were taking a pounding balancing the weight of 100+ pounds all day, five to six days a week.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

the habit of changing my shoes every three to six months.

Working in a busy salon, I was always on the go. Although everything seemed fine, I failed to notice the wear and tear I was placing on my body.

Even though I was standing on an anti–fatigue mat, my feet were taking a pounding balancing the weight of 100+ pounds all day, five to six days a week. I was younger then and I didn’t pay attention to the warning signs.

After a good cold Pepsi and a long soak in a hot bath, I was ready to get back into the ring again.

As the clock started ticking through the years, I was putting more and more mileage on my chassis—and it was starting to catch up to me.

One morning I woke up, swung my feet out of bed and had some back

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stiffness. No biggie! I thought that I had just slept the wrong way. But the real problem happened when I tried to get out of bed. As I stood up, I felt a searing, hot pain in my right heel that radiated like a lightning strike to my hip. Before I could react, I crumbled to the floor. I think I may have blacked out, because my memory was a little foggy for a moment.

Feeling a bit woozy, I attempted to get to my feet again and I felt this hot, radiating pain near the small of my back. Getting to my feet was not going to happen, so I crawled to the bathroom and pulled myself up using the sink.

Holding on for dear life, I attempted to place my foot on the floor—not happening! The heel of my foot was so sore that I couldn’t even flex it.

I eased myself down on the

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porcelain goddess and tried to figure out what just happened. Had I been sleepwalking barefoot through a gravel pit? Was it that cat dream again where I jumped from the second floor? Did I really do it this time? Did someone spike my Pepsi? The answer to all of those questions was “no.”

Any reasonable person would think that I headed right to the doctor to figure out what was going on, right?

No! I hate doctors. They always want to cut something or give you pills, and all I could picture was my grandparents’ medicine cabinet that looked like a pharmacy. I wanted nothing to do with it. But, the pain didn’t get better; it got worse. The back pain got to the point that I couldn’t sleep comfortably and getting out of bed in the morning became navigating a slide down the bedspread to the floor so that I could

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important piece of equipment that you have…your body! When you are younger you have a tendency to take it for granted, but as you start racking up the miles, it will catch

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crawl to the bathroom. This went on for months.

Being the salon manager, I had to be at work, and most times I had a heavy workload plus students to train.

So, I made myself go until my body just said “no!” I struggled through a busy Saturday and made an appointment to see my doctor on Monday.

I had plantar fasciitis. And to compensate for the pain in my heel, I was placing my weight on the ball of my foot. The imbalance had thrown my hips and lower spine out of line. The first thing my doctor mentioned was surgery.

After I gave him a good long dose of the “stink eye,” he recommended that I see a chiropractor—which I agreed to.

When I saw the chiropractor, the first thing he said was, “I don’t understand how you are walking!” He showed me my x–rays which revealed my lower spine was twisted and my left hip was lower than the right side. It took him almost a year to put me back together again. He also recommended a podiatrist that prescribed custom orthotics to support my heel and arch as well as a good walking shoe. In addition, he told me to roll a golf ball under my feet, concentrating on the arch and heel. It helps to relieve the pressure. The first time I tried it, it hurt like you could never believe. But after some conditioning, it became far more comfortable. Now I look forward to my golf ball reflexology!

The moral of this story is, take care of the most important piece of equipment that you have…your body!

When you are younger you have a tendency to take it for granted, but as you start racking up the miles, it will catch up to you.

In our line of work, the daily wear and tear can not only end your career early, it can ruin your health. Take the necessary time to stretch, rest, hydrate, eat healthy, exercise and realign your body. It will thank you in the end! &

GROOMER STORY

by Melissa J. Viera

CLIMBING TO THE TOP:

Photo credits: Nicole Spear Photography (Grooming Photos) & UNAA (Ninja Photos)

The Story of Kat Henschen,

Will you remember exactly where you were and what was going through your mind the moment you decided to move forward with the one step, one action—even as small as clicking a button or picking up the phone—that could change everything?

Y

ou’ll know that you won’t be able to look back, but you will also know that this one action could open the doors to your dreams, bringing new challenges and pushing you beyond what you thought possible. In the moments before you decide to move forward, you think about how far you are willing to push yourself to reach your dreams. As hard as you think it will be, it is going to be even harder than that.

When it comes to climbing over obstacles, resilience is important.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

But as important to this story as resilience is, it is not the only thing that made the journey of pet groomer Kat Henschen possible. Hard work, determination, a certain amount of time management and organization, and love and support from caring people are all a part of the recipe in Henschen’s case.

Kat Henschen, also known as “The Ninja Groomer” (@theninjagroomer), is a groomer with a passion for Ninja obstacle sports. And it takes a whole lot of strength and training to jump, run, climb, balance and fly through

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these courses.

For Henschen, climbing over obstacles and having the strength to get up and keep doing it, even after painful falls and crashes, takes on literal meaning. Henschen is an animal lover and an athlete with a competitive drive. She spends her days caring for animals on her micro farm as well as all of the pets she grooms (and adores) in her salon, “Platinum Paws,” which she owns with her husband in Carmel, Indiana. But she doesn’t stop there.

Henschen is also passionate

about grooming rescue dogs and giving them the love and patience they so deeply need. She has even been involved in Barkleigh’s prestigious “Rescue Round Up,” a nationwide grooming competition where groomers style local rescue dogs to help improve their appearance and expose them to potential adopters.

As a business owner and groomer, it takes determination and planning to balance it all with intense workouts and training. Even while recovering from knee injuries and surgeries, Henschen knew what she wanted to do, and with a whole lot of determination and support from her husband, she applied for NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.”

Imagine still recovering from past injuries while completing an application for such a challenging

WashUnit_GroomTable_half_12_17_F4P.pdf

Henschen is also passionate about grooming rescue dogs and giving them the love and patience they so deeply need.

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12/19/17

9:35 AM

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“In gymnastics, my coach used to say, ‘You have one percent talent and ninety–nine percent determination.’ I have always had that resilience.”

– Kat Henschen

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competition. Henschen didn’t let that stop her.

“I’m still recovering, and I’m hitting that send button on the application on the computer,” Henschen explains.

Henschen’s competitive drive and determination come naturally for her.

“I think that it was something I was born with,” she says. “It was something that was given to me in my heart from the beginning. In gymnastics, my coach used to say, ‘You have one percent talent and ninety–nine percent determination.’

I have always had that resilience.”

Although she may be naturally competitive, Henschen has not had it easy. From injuries to extreme difficulties that she has encountered throughout her life, it took a lot to move forward. As Henschen explains, she had to dig deeper than what might have seemed possible in order to find strength to build on.

“You have to find a ‘why’,” explains Henschen.

Having a goal to focus on and one that would require her to push hard was one of Henschen’s “whys” when it comes to Ninja.

“When you’ve hit bottom and you need something to believe in, it was nice to have this to follow through with,” Henschen expresses.

As for grooming dogs, Henschen also has a reason she shares: “And for the dogs, they put so much love in my heart that I feel, I give that back to them.”

Henschen’s competitive interest isn’t just for Ninja. She also began competing in grooming contests with her standard Poodle around 2012.

“I would learn something new at every competition. I would always learn something from the judge,” says Henschen.

In the competitive grooming world, Henschen brings the same amount of determination and hard work which has helped her bring home wins and placements.

“I had to keep coming back, and I had to be vulnerable to feedback and not knowing what I was doing,” she explains. “Being willing to be taught, willing to learn and being humble. I had to do that.”

By now, every groomer is wondering one thing—how does she do it all? A busy salon, competing and Ninja, how does Henschen balance it all?

A part of achieving your dreams is finding a way, no matter what. Kat Henschen found her “whys” and then she figured out a way to make it all work.

“I get up at 4:00 a.m. and I do a thirty–minute workout, then I do all the chores; take care of the horses and the chickens,” she says.

She will oftentimes combine her workouts with her chores; balancing on posts, jumping between hay bales and doing pull–ups on the stalls.

When it comes to balancing Ninja with business, Henschen has loyal and supportive clients and a knack for future planning which makes it all work.

“I book my schedule so all of my clients are booked up for an entire year,” she explains. “I think it helps knowing exactly what my week is going to look like a month from now. It helps me plan better.

It’s still fluid, but it’s a good starting point.”

Kat Henschen’s story is one of hard work, but without that one action of sitting in front of her computer and hitting “submit,” she would have never found herself living one of her biggest dreams.

Even after injuries and being

“Being willing to be taught, willing to learn and being humble. I had to do that.”

– Kat Henschen

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Whatever seems difficult might not be out of reach with the right amount of determination. om w fr e N

SOCIA L MEDIA RELEASE FORM Pet Name

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Your Pet is IMPOR TANT to Us!

I hereby authorize the use of photo s and/or information related to my pet’s experi ence at this establishment. I understand my pet may be used in publications includ ing electronic, audio visual, promotional literature, advert ising, community presen tations, letters to area legislators, media and/or in similar ways.

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No longer struggle with the dilemma of posting your latest & greatest groom that just so happened to be on your client’s dog!

I release this estab lishment and their r espective employee and agents from s, officers any and all liabilit y which may arise news media stories from the use of such , promotional materi als, written article photographic image s, videos and/or s.

I grant permission

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in places so low it took everything to come back from them; after writing it off, thinking, they must not be making calls anymore due to the pandemic, Ninja Groomer Kat Henschen received the life–changing call.

That was the day Henschen found out she would be competing on season 12 of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.”

“It was a lot to take in in that moment, and I’ll never forget that moment. Ever,” she shares.

There is so much we can learn from Kat Henschen’s story—no matter what your dreams are and even if you have not yet discovered them.

Could it be opening a salon, walking into the show ring for the first time, teaching a seminar or grooming a breed you are not confident with? Whatever seems difficult might not be out of reach with the right amount of determination. When it seems difficult, there are really only two options; give up or persevere.

“It is hard. It’s really hard.

There are days that I have to dig so deep. My hands are ripped from being in the gym, so washing dogs and getting shampoo on my hands first thing in the morning, it’s hard; it’s painful. My muscles are sore a lot of the times, but you have to push through,” Henschen shares.

For groomers who know all too well what it is like to have challenging days, remember one more thing that Kat Henschen shares: “I feel like any groomer is a Ninja, really. It takes so much.

People have no idea how much stamina it takes to be a groomer day in and day out.”

What’s the next obstacle you will climb? &

BUT WHY?

by Jonathan David

W

SAFE HANDLING FOR HAPPY & HEALTHY PETS One thing I remember hearing over and over when I was growing up as a child was my mother telling me to “be careful!” I remember thinking to myself, “Why is she worrying so much about me being careful?”

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ell, now that I’m an adult and have experienced all the things that can go awry in life, I really understand her constant worrying about me being careful. To put it simply; accidents happen, even to the best of us.

But why should I be more cautious if it’s just an accident?

Even with the best efforts of exercising caution, accidents can happen.

However, in my experience, in many of those cases the accidents were avoidable in retrospect. On a daily basis we have our clients put their trust in us to take care of their precious four–legged family members. They expect that, as professionals in the field of pet care, we will not only exercise caution and safe handling practices, but that we are fully aware and knowledgeable about the proper ways to hold, restrain, handle and groom their pets.

They expect that we know how to avoid injuries to our best abilities, and should an injury arise, how to properly deal with the situation.

Let’s go over some of the most common and avoidable handling issues that I have seen, experienced or heard of in my grooming career and how we can try to avoid those issues in our daily grooming routine.

Grooming table and bathtub safety are two of the most important parts of the grooming process. The pets that we groom spend the majority of their time in our care in either or both of those places. One of the most common and avoidable accidents that can occur are falls when dogs either try to jump out of the tub or off the grooming table, which can result in very serious injuries. The first and golden rule is to never leave a pet unattended in the tub or on the grooming table. We must always maintain control of the pets during the grooming process.

BATHTUB SAFETY Wet feet and wet floors around bathing areas are a recipe for disaster, but fortunately there are some simple steps you can implement to avoid those dangers.

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When bathing dogs, always make sure to have the dog restrained with a grooming loop or safety lead that can be clipped or anchored to the inside of the tub. There are some really great rubber or vinyl restraints that are specifically designed for use in bathing areas, as the nylon grooming loops that are designed for table use can become worn and torn easily when they’re used in the bathtub, and the metal parts can begin to rust, creating unsanitary and unsightly conditions.

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Many of the pets we groom can have a fear of water and bathing in general, but a little patience and gentle handling can desensitize the pets we groom from this fear and you can create a more positive experience.

If you are working on a pet that has a fear of the bath, try starting with very low water pressure and hold

the stream away from the dog. Slowly introduce the feeling of the water, starting near the back feet and rear and work your way toward the front of the dog and the head, letting the water gently roll down the neck and face. Take caution to avoid getting water in the ears or nose. As the pet becomes more comfortable you can slowly increase the water pressure.

Safe Exit When removing pets from the tub, many will instinctively try to jump, so always try to keep the pet under control and lift them out if possible. If you have a tub with a door and ramp, make sure the dog doesn’t try to bolt out of the tub. Be sure the floors are dry to avoid slips and falls (for the pet and you!)

It can take some time to reverse bad experiences from the past or irrational fears of this unfamiliar experience, but I have changed dogs from extremely skittish and panicked pets to dogs that will calmly accept their bath.

TABLE SAFETY Grooming table safety can be just as disastrous with careless handling, but with proper handling these accidents can be avoided. A dog that is fearful and out of control while using clippers or shears can result in cuts or nicks. Always assess the pet’s behavior and level of stress while using sharp tools during the grooming. I like to keep my free hand on the dog while I’m using my clippers or scissors so I can feel the dog move or shift its weight, that way I have a moment to move the clipper or scissor away from the pet. This can be the difference between a close call and a call to the vet.

Grooming Loops Always make sure the dog is restrained with a grooming loop that is secured to the table arm

while they’re on the table. The most common placement is around the neck, but for dogs that tend to jump around or try to lay flat out of fear, a neck loop can cause trauma to the trachea, restrict breathing or inflict other neck–related injuries.

So, in this instance, I like to use the seatbelt placement, which is done by putting one of the front legs and the neck through the loop so the loop lays like a sash across the chest and under one front leg. This is also very useful for dogs that suffer from collapsed tracheas to avoid pressure against the throat.

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Other Restraints There are also other restraints, including some that clamp onto the grooming arm and can be clipped to the lower part of the grooming loop to help keep the dog’s head facing forward and keep control of the dog.

This can be especially important during the trimming portion of the grooming. Remember, the more control you have, the calmer the pet will be!

When you have to clip nails or shave the pads on those really jumpy pets, there are also hammock–style products that help to keep them under control. These are typically made from a nylon fabric with four leg holes or a solid panel that you suspend from the grooming arm over the table. You place the pet in the hammock and slightly lift them off the table to where they’re comfortably suspended above the table. This usually helps them to settle down, giving you the opportunity to clip the nails or pads with ease, and you can avoid accidental injuries to a pet that franticly tries to jerk their leg or roll over to avoid the essential parts of grooming.

BODY LANGUAGE Body language also plays a big role in safe handling of pets. If GroomertoGroomer.com

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When dogs are scared they will only become more fearful from quick movements and aggressive handling.

Speaking to them in a calm, soft voice will ease them more than a loud, sharp tone.

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you’re frustrated and visibly shaken, the pet will in turn become agitated.

Staying calm and collected when handling a fearful pet will get much better results than trying to dominate them. When dogs are scared they will only become more fearful from quick movements and aggressive handling. Speaking to them in a calm, soft voice will ease them more than a loud, sharp tone. Elderly dogs that are having issues with sight, hearing or joint pain can be especially sensitive to this.

Even dogs that have been well–behaved clients through most of their life can become nervous from the sound or pressure of water, high velocity dryers, loud noises or quick movements, sending them into a panicked state.

Never push a pet beyond what they are showing you they can handle and know when it’s time to stop and give a break—or in some cases—end the grooming and discuss your concerns with the owner of the pet.

Implementing safe handling and common sense protocols into your grooming process can help you to avoid accidents and serious injuries. Stay calm and in control and don’t be afraid to make the decision to pause, stop or reschedule a grooming on a pet that isn’t willing to accept it. Gentle hands and a kind spirit will go a long way to make the grooming experience for both you and your clients a happy and healthy one. &

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GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

by Khris Berry

REVIEW & REBUILD: BRINGING YOUR

Nothing has been more prevalent in the minds of business owners and professionals than the economic shift caused by COVID-19.

F

rom state–mandated shutdowns to federal aid, 2020 brought many hurdles to the grooming business world which most of us had neither imagined nor prepared for.

Here is a review of the struggles you faced as a professional and an update on the future forecast of the grooming industry.

Beginning in March 2020, many groomers worldwide found themselves in various stages of addressing the onset of the coronavirus siege. Some businesses and groomers were prepared with emergency

savings funds, but even then, as the pandemic marched on and grooming businesses remained shuttered, those savings were bound to dwindle. For businesses who did not have emergency funds, the financial impact was felt more severely, more quickly. But let’s face it—all businesses struggled—no matter how well you prepared.

The COVID–19 pandemic required business professionals to review all facets of their financial structure, from working with landlords for rent relief and scrutinizing your lending institutions to examining your insurance policies closely.

Desperate times called for desper-

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BUSINESS SHUTDOWNS

32

ate measures, and some grooming businesses opted to redefine their state mandates or operate outside of the boundaries, thus creating great chasms between groomers and their peers.

No one was prepared for a shutdown. But we all learned the value of planning for it in the future. Moving forward, savvy groomers should be paying closer attention to creating and maintaining an emergency fund.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS & AID While “pandemic” became a household word, groomers were learning about stimulus checks as well as the benefit of being legally

The value the grooming industry learned regarding understanding your own business’s financial structure, maintaining good records and value of good credit standing will mark successful grooming business owners for many years to come. employed and collecting unemployment benefits. These monies were a lifesaver for many groomers—and their households who depend on their income.

For grooming businesses, grants and the emergency inception of the PPP funding by the SBA (Small Business Administration) were the hot topic. Many grooming businesses found safety and security in accepting grants as well as onboarding PPP funds to assist with keeping their businesses afloat. From navigating the application and/or forgiveness process for each to understanding the ongoing tax consequences, having a good accountant, CPA or small business tax professional became a much needed lifeline for most of us.

These forms of business relief arrived (for those who qualified or applied) and allowed many small business professionals to have the working capital they needed to reopen or resume business under new limited protocols. The value the grooming industry learned regarding understanding your own business’s financial structure, maintaining good records and value of good credit standing will mark successful grooming business owners for many years to come. In short, if you learned to navigate 2020 financially, you will most likely be prepared to navigate financial hurdles for a lifetime.

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From social distancing to enhanced cleaning and safety protocols, the grooming industry raced to prove to the rest of the world that we could operate safely and provide much needed services to our clients.

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NEW PROTOCOLS When the grooming world began to emerge post–shutdown, many salons and grooming businesses had a new look and feel. From social distancing to enhanced cleaning and safety protocols, the grooming industry raced to prove to the rest of the world that we could operate safely and provide much needed services to our clients. For some groomers, this meant learning how to do a contactless drop–off. For others, this meant learning how to remain socially distant from co–workers as well as clients while you conducted your day–to–day processes.

Most clients acquiesced to new standards and protocols. Many began to understand that they no longer had the luxury of arriving late for an appointment. From the way groomers dialogued with clients to the way we handled check–in and check–out services, grooming services took on an entirely new look and feel. Many

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learned that some of the amenities we previously offered clients were not a priority (it was almost a relief to learn that we could groom dogs and stay socially distant from clients.) And, the grooming industry innovated; from online check–ins to restructuring our appointment offerings and schedules, groomers were in a new position.

ONE CONSTANT One thing remained constant before, during and as we are looking toward the end of a global pandemic.

That singular truth is that groomers are necessary to the care and keeping of the pets of the world. While many pet owners learned they could actually bathe their dog at home, just as many also learned that the task is difficult, tedious and not always fun.

Beyond the discussions of essential versus non–essential, there is a far larger dialog about the necessity of professional pet grooming for the

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While many pet owners learned they could actually bathe their dog at home, just as many also learned that the task is difficult, tedious and not always fun. ongoing wellbeing of the pets we provide services for. Many pet owners began to understand for the first time what a world without regular grooming looked like for their beloved furry family member.

With the realization that professional pet groomers provide such a valuable service, pet owners are poised to see their pet groomers in a new way.

As pet professionals begin to determine which of their 2020–imposed protocols will become regular, ongoing practices moving forward, now is a

perfect time to educate your clients about your services, what you are doing and how you are doing it, and step into the role of necessary professional.

If your pricing structure has been out of balance, now would be a great time to align your prices. If your clients have been taking advantage of your kindness, now would be a perfect opportunity to ensure that you are charging for your time and expertise.

Any of the issues you face on a regular basis can be solved with better policies, structure or planning. Now is the time to tackle those issues, rebuild and refocus.

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NEW OUTLOOK

36

Most people agree that the world will not be returning to its former self for quite a while. In the meantime, groomers have been dealt the best of both worlds—new and old. Clients are valuing professional grooming services greatly since they endured being separated from our services for a period, and groomers are being forced to manage their services in new ways to ensure public safety. This reset may just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to reposition your grooming business on the path toward success. &

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DERM CONNECTION

by Dr. Cliff Faver

FINDING THE

I

38

Your best sources are those that have taken

n any trade or profession, it is a great idea to seek out people that have progressed ahead of you. Their mistakes and successes will be a fantastic guide for you to follow. Why should you learn from the school of hard knocks when you can gain information from another professional’s experience?

So, how do you seek out that person and how do you decide if he/she will be a great mentor?

The first question to ask yourself is, “Am I searching for a skill or for knowledge?” When you are looking for a skill—like a great Poodle or Bichon clip—you scout for someone who is outstanding in what they do. GroomTeam members, legacy groomers, show groomers and winning competitive groomers are all great resources. Many of these individuals will create videos and hold seminars. Talking about a skill in a seminar versus someone directly critiquing your abilities are two hugely different things. Of course, one–on–one instruction will cost more than just sitting in a seminar, but the

increased level of competency will pay dividend for the life of your career.

If you are seeking out a mentor strictly for knowledge, then the game changes. Just as you would not pick a groomer with little experience solely based on attending one seminar, you should not choose someone to teach you skin therapies who does not have substantial knowledge in the area.

And Google research does not qualify as substantial knowledge. Your best sources are those that have taken the courses and have a practical grasp on their specialty. The more credentials and experience the better. Many self– proclaimed “experts” in their field have done tons of research on the computer; however, they have never actually

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the courses and have a practical grasp on their specialty. The more credentials and experience the better. applied what they have learned. This would be similar to an architect that can draw a beautiful set of plans but has never used a hammer to build a house. This is not who I would recommend to build your house.

So, how do you locate these people? First, seek out the leaders teaching the courses or those that have specialized training in the desired area. Next, research their credentials. Keep in mind that memberships in groups, internet research or being very vocal on social media are not credentials. Look for people who have credentials specifically in the area you are seeking out. Just because someone is a master groomer does not mean they are experts

in different aspects of the health of the pet. It means they are masters at grooming. If they are teaching CPR, are they certified? If they are teaching first aid, do they have any certifications and actual experience?

If they are teaching chemistry or microbiology, do they have a degree?

Learning incorrect information does not enhance you, it hinders your future ability to be successful.

There is another significant question to ask yourself when seeking knowledge mentorship, and that is, “What type of results has the person providing the instruction produced?” If they are teaching skin treatments and only a small percentage get better, do you consider them an authority in that area? If they do not know why the skin is bad to start with, will they be adequately equipped to deal with the issue?

It is hard to fix a skin problem in a dog with Cushing’s disease if you do not first address the Cushing’s disease. If a person is teaching first aid, have they ever applied a bandage in a real situation?

There are three parts to being a good guide of knowledge; first is personally learning it, second is being able to apply it with success, and third is being able to explain or teach it to others.

The area of knowledge is quite different than skill because there is really no endpoint. Once you have mastered the continental on a Poodle, you can hone your skills, but there is not a lot of “new” learning that follows.

When it comes to knowledge, there is no limit. There are so many things to be continuously learned, such as new research, new methods, newly–developed products, etc. With that being said, it is most beneficial to learn from people that are in places to help you advance your knowledge. We must search for mentors that have the most current

THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO BEING A GOOD GUIDE OF KNOWLEDGE: 1. PERSONALLY LEARNING IT 2. BEING ABLE TO APPLY IT WITH SUCCESS 3. BEING ABLE TO EXPLAIN OR TEACH IT TO OTHERS

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and relevant knowledge. Is your chosen candidate keeping up with the times, or are they still teaching information that they learned 20 years ago?

One trap that many people fall into while searching for knowledge is, if it is on the internet then it must be true! In veterinary medicine, we call it the “Dr. Google Syndrome.” Even though there is some great knowledge to be found, there is also a lot of false information.

The difficult part is trying to differentiate the two. The same thing applies here that was said before—look at the qualifications of the person relaying the info. What are their credentials and what are their results? Talk is cheap, but what you are looking for is results!

I will tell you from a personal level as a veterinarian that your very first job is the determining factor of a veterinarian’s career. We were all taught the same in school, but I have observed many of my colleagues learn bad habits, methods and practices that followed them through the rest of their careers. The old adage “garbage in, garbage out” definitely applies to the learning process.

So, if you want to be great at what you do, choose your mentors wisely before you learn bad habits and methods.

The faster you do it, the sooner you will be able to advance yourself. A well–chosen mentor is a great investment in the success of your career. & Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

KITTY'S KORNER

by Deborah Hansen

“JUST” A

W

hen I began grooming cats I understood how serious a bite could be because of the amount of bacteria in a feline’s mouth. I washed every bite out and saw the doctor if a bite exhibited any of the warning signs my doctor advised me on. I never imagined any problems, as long as I took care of my bites immediately. I couldn’t tell you how many bites I've had over the years, but I can tell you, before June 2014, I would groom almost any cat an owner could physically hand to me.

In June 2014, I was finishing a groom on an older cat. On the final touch, I came at her from the front and CHOMP, she bit my finger. It was a friendly “I am done now” warning bite, but my life changed at that moment.

I knew it was my fault for putting my finger in front of a cat’s mouth.

Immediately I knew this bite was different. Within 20 minutes I had

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It was a friendly “I am done now” warning bite, but my life changed at that moment. I knew it was my fault for putting my finger in front of a cat’s mouth. an emergency call in for my doctor.

When the nurse returned my call, she informed me that the course of antibiotics I just finished for another concern would take care of the cat bite. I explained this was much different than any bite I've had before. She replied with what we have all heard so many times; “If there is any streaking go right to the emergency room, otherwise let the antibiotic do its work.”

I went home and did everything I knew to do to ease the pain and draw the bacteria out. Thirty–six hours later, at 2 GroomertoGroomer.com

a.m., I could not tolerate the pain. There was no streaking, but my hand was swollen and the pain was unbearable. I drove to the emergency room in hopes they might give me something for the pain.

The pain was so intense I could not wait until 8 a.m. to see my doctor.

When I arrived at the emergency room, I told the person at the desk I had a cat bite and it was very painful.

I don’t know much about hospital emergency rooms, so when they rushed me right to the back, I didn’t understand the severity of the situation. The

nurse started drawing lines around my arm, marking the time to indicate how rapidly the infection was spreading. I could hear other patients screaming in the background, yet all attention seemed to be on me. I told the nurse if I could just have a little something for the pain I could see my doctor in the morning. He said, “We are prepping you for emergency surgery. The doctor will talk to you soon.”

Wait! What? Surgery? It is just a cat bite. By 9 a.m. I was in surgery to have the infection cleaned out of my finger. In less than 48 hours the sheath around the tendon in my middle finger went from healthy to infected by this one simple bite.

I was in disbelief because I never had the streaking that everyone warns about. In my limited understanding of cat bites, I believed if there was no streaking, the bite was not serious. I spent four days in the hospital, then the following three weeks with my hand wrapped in a splint. When I left the hospital, my finger was literally filleted straight down the length in two places. I did not have stitches so the doctors could be sure the infection was out.

Months later, the surgeon told me it was a miracle the finger was saved.

I thought I did everything right.

I called my doctor, rinsed and soaked the bite. What went wrong?

When I reopened my business after the bite, there were several steps I took to prevent future bites.

The first thing I did was discontinue service to my most aggressive clients. I was surprised to learn that the vet would only see Cubbs in a trap cage. Fluffy’s owner had to have their last cat extricated (word owner used) by animal control. Kermit was no longer allowed at any of the local vets. I heard a similar story from eight different owners. It quickly became obvious I was grooming

I spent four days in the hospital, then the following three weeks with my hand wrapped in a splint. When I left the hospital, my finger was literally filleted straight down the length in two places.

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feral cats that had no business being groomed by me.

Next I made it my personal policy to only handle cats the way I was taught. I paid a lot of money for a high–quality, feline–exclusive grooming education and needed to follow my training to the letter. If you have not invested in high–quality feline grooming training, that is my second recommendation. I was taught and knew not to approach a cat from the front, yet I did. My carelessness was the reason I was bitten in this situation.

If you already know how much cat you can handle and groom within that parameter, and have had or are working towards obtaining high–quality feline grooming training, there are two safety devices I

highly recommend.

Kevlar sleeves are amazing.

When you are not fast enough to move out of the way, Kevlar sleeves give you the protection you need while allowing for full mobility of your fingers. I usually start a groom with my left sleeve on. Then, depending on the cat, I add my right sleeve or remove my left sleeve. I try to always be aware of what the cat needs at that moment in time and meet them at that place.

I also like the hard–sided, helmet–type muzzles. They allow the cat to see, breathe and bite naturally while giving you protection from their mouth making contact with your skin. These devices also shield the cat’s face from the air of the dryer. When you look in the center of

the device, you can make sure the cat is breathing properly and their eyes are not dilated. While these devices look a little extreme and have a learning curve, I can monitor the cat for signs of distress and they provide more bite protection than a traditional muzzle.

Cat bites are very dangerous.

If you are bitten, it is important you seek medical attention. Putting measures in place to avoid bites is the best preventive step you can take. Know how much cat you can handle and don’t be afraid to turn aggressive felines away. Seek high– quality feline grooming education and use barriers like Kevlar sleeves and hard–sided muzzles. When in doubt, remember—no cat is worth losing a finger over. &

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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STYLED UP

by Amanda Aaron and Brittney Valle BEFORE

AFTER

We all have those days when we are so busy that we don’t have time to be as creative as we would

HEADS UP:

like to be, but still

Quick, Cute & Maintenance-Free

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

the cute personality of the dog that we’re working with. nd what about those owners who want the dog as short as possible to make the grooming last longer in between appointments? Well, here is the tutorial for you!

This quick and easy head tutorial will have you on your way to your next client in just a few minutes— and have the short clients still looking sweet and sassy!

Fig 1) First, start by using your clippers to carefully trim out the

FIG. 1

46

want to bring out

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long hair in front of the eyes. This can be done with any blade, but we used a #15 on a 5–in–1 clipper.

On this dog, we wanted to create a bridge from the corner of one eye to the corner of the other to expose her expression. This helps the haircut last longer on those dogs that go a few months in between grooming.

Fig 2) Continuing with your clipper work, clip out the hair that is right in front of the ear canal.

Doing this on your pet clients that are prone to ear infections can also allow for easier air flow into the canal.

Fig 3) Making sure to keep the mouth closed, use your cordless trimmer to clip the hair below the nose in front of the mouth.

This helps keep those pesky hairs at bay that like to make their way inside of the mouth.

Fig 4) To speed up the process of creating the head shape, use a guard comb on the top of the head to remove the extra length.

We clipped in reverse, starting just beyond the occipital bone and moved forward toward the front of the skull. This can be done with any length that you desire, but for this dog we used a green guard comb.

Fig 5) Using the same guard comb, remove the length from the bottom jaw. By removing the same length from the top of the head and the bottom of the jaw, you can control where the focal point of the head will be, creating balance in your head shape.

Fig 6) Next, comb all of the hair forward above the eyes and scissor the hair from the outside corner of one eye all the way across to the other eye. This will create a round–shaped visor or

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

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48

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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“bang.” We used a curved shear for this but any shear can be used during this step, entirely dependent upon the desired outcome, as well as the coat texture of the dog you are working on.

Fig 7) Begin cleaning up any flyaway hairs that your clippers missed on the top of the head.

Fig 8) Make sure to pull the ears forward and trim any hair that falls back behind the ear.

Fig 9) Using a thinning shear, trim the hair above the nose and in front of the eye. On this particular pet client, we were more focused on giving the dog a clean and maintenance–free trim, so we removed most of the hair.

Fig 10) This is the triple check step! Use a blender or thinning shear to ensure the top of the ear

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FIG. 10

flows into the top of the head.

Fig 11) Then, lift the ear out of the way and use a curved shear to trim the cheek into a round shape.

To achieve this shape, begin scissoring from the muzzle toward the opening of the ear canal. Once that

FIG. 11

line is set, you can also scissor a rounded shape from the bottom of the cheek toward the top of the head. On a rounded head shape, you want the head to appear round from every angle, therefore you should trim it rounded from every

FIG. 12

angle. We also trimmed any of the hair that fell forward in front of the ear to give a separation between the cheek and the ear.

Fig 12) Now for the finishing touches! Using thinning shears, scissor over the areas you’ve just

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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trimmed with the clippers and shears. We opted to use thinning shears here because we wanted the face to have a soft, natural appearance when finished. Focus on combing the hair in every direction to help expose any stray hairs that need to be trimmed.

Fig 13) When trimming the bottom of the ear, it helps to push the ears forward from behind. This allows you to see how the dog holds its ears when they’re perked and trim them how they naturally lay. This client prefers long ears so we just cleaned up the scraggly ends.

Fig 14) For the final step, use thinning shears to clean up the short baby hairs around the mouth. Make sure to only do this when the mouth is closed and you have a steady hold on the muzzle to protect the dog from moving while you are trimming so closely to the nose and lips.

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

And there you have it! A cute head? Check! Low maintenance for your client? Check! A quick style for you? Check! &

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 2 • Febuary 2021

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