THE CREATIVE CORNER POLICIES ON COMPASSION
Giselle Bahena
THANKS THANKS
JOSLYN WILLIAMS GROOMER OF THE MONTH
Arizona Professional Grooomer's Guild
POLITE PUPS & FAMILY FEASTS
Kennedi Travis BS, CPDT-KA, FFCP
THANK
Association
TheFurryPhoenician
EDITOR
MERCEDES SCHENK
ISSUE SPONSOR
ALL THINGS PAW
NOVEMBER 16
COLOR SEMINAR WITH SEANDRIA DUCKWORTH + GISELLE BAHENA
DECEMBER 14
APGG JINGLE + MINGLE
JANUARY 11
POMERANIAN WORKSHOP WITH JOSLYN STEEN
JANUARY 25
ANXIOUS CAT CLASS WITH MERCEDES SCHENK CFMG
FEBRUARY 1
OLGA ZABELINSKAYA CLASS
FEBRUARY
SERENITY SESSIONS WITH MALISSA CONTI DIENER MHG
THE MOBILE GROOMER’S DRIVERS ED WITH CARINA ORZCO MARCH
APRIL
BATHER BOOTCAMP WITH ADRIANA WELCKLE
MAY
FELINE FRESH WITH MERCEDES SCHENK CFMG
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
“We have a responsibility to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves”
RIP JANE GOODALL RIP JANE GOODALL
POLITE PUPS + FAMILY FEASTS
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here are some tips and tricks to keep Fido entertained and polite without disrupting the family feast!
The day is exciting full of wonderful food, family, and friends
There’s so much to be thankful for, especially our dogs However, the holiday can also be confusing for our four-legged companions
They may feel uneasy about visitors coming into the home or uncomfortable when visiting someone else’s Add in all the tempting smells and the expectation to be on their best behavior, and it’s easy to see why the day can be a challenge
START WITH MANAGEMENT
Management always comes first when helping our dogs have a great day I like to start the morning with a Sniffari a slow, exploratory walk through the neighborhood This helps my dogs burn off energy, stretch their legs, and engage their brains A dog who’s had a chance to move and sniff is usually calmer around guests
Another useful management tool is keeping dogs out of the kitchen and dining areas This prevents begging, counter surfing, and food theft, while also keeping them safe Many of the foods we prepare for Thanksgiving are unsafe for dogs to eat, and nothing ruins a holiday faster than an emergency vet visit Baby gates, pens, or closed doors can make a big difference
KEEP THEM BUSY
Provide your dog with something to do while guests arrive, eat, and clean up KONGs with frozen goodies, stuffed bell peppers, long-lasting chews, or enrichment toys can help keep them happily occupied My own dogs enjoy a good chew on a bully stick or beef cheek roll in their kennels while the family eats together
A post-meal walk is always a good idea too great for both you and your furry companions! If you’re heading to someone else’s home for dinner, consider leaving your dog at home Most dogs prefer the comfort and routine of their own space, and it’s often less stressful for everyone involved.
HELPFUL SKILLS FOR HOLIDAY SUCCESS
Now that we’ve covered management, let’s talk about training It’s never too late to start if not for this holiday, then for the next!
Leave It
A solid “leave it” cue can save your dog’s life. Dropping food in the kitchen is inevitable, and being able to tell your dog to leave it can prevent them from eating something harmful
Place
The “place” cue teaches your dog to go to a designated spot like a bed then sit, lie down, and stay until released. It’s an invaluable skill for holiday chaos but does take time and consistency to master Patience is key! Teaching a dog to relax and do nothing is just as important as teaching them to sit
No Jumping
When guests arrive, excitement can turn into jumping Since jumping often earns attention, the best approach is to ignore it completely and reward calm behavior If your dog is a chronic jumper, use a leash to help them practice polite greetings Reward sits or four paws on the floor
SUPPORTING THE NERVOUS DOG
For dogs who get anxious around visitors, try giving them exercise and mental enrichment before guests arrive, then set them up in a comfortable, quiet space This might be a separate room or their crate with a favorite blanket or toy Ask guests to leave your dog alone if they seek out their safe spot Gentle music, white noise, or dog-safe calming aids can also help them relax while everyone enjoys the meal
With a little planning and patience, Thanksgiving can be enjoyable for both you and your dog By focusing on management, manners, and compassion, you’ll help your canine companion stay polite, relaxed, and part of the celebration I hope you and your family have a wonderful and happy holiday!
If needed, let them take a short crate break to calm down remember, the crate isn’t a punishment, just a quiet spot to relax If you find yourself struggling to teach these skills, reach out to a certified professional dog trainer for guidance.
POLICIES ON COMPASSION POLICIES ON COMPASSION
Creative grooming is fun but it’s just as important as normal grooming when it comes to how we handle each pet on the table Not every pet is a good candidate for creative grooming While it may be exciting to give your clients colorful ears or tails, we need to put the animal first and ask ourselves if they are the right pup/cat to do so on. Creative grooming takes a patient and calm pet that is used to the grooming process and doesn’t get too anxious
When I do my creative grooms I love to give a bath and haircut to them first and get to understand the pet before offering color right off the bat It takes trust and communication between the pet and groomer. When coloring, the pet needs to be comfortable standing/sitting on the table for the color to process. When you’re familiar with the pet you’ll be able to make the process fun! I like to ask my clients to bring their favorite treat for their pup while they get color and I’m always right by them talking to them, reassuring them and hanging out while I wait for the color to process Once they are done processing and get a bath I’ll let them roll around in a soft towel and get their jitters out or relax before we blow dry and complete the rest of the haircut Breaks are super important when it comes to creative grooming Some looks can take anywhere from an hour to five hours! I like to give my pup on the table time to decompress and take a potty break if they need to!
Again not every pup is a candidate for creative grooming. While we want to please our clients and fulfill their wants with their dog or cat’s new look we also need to advocate for their pets Sometimes they are a little too nervous, anxious or even too elderly for the coloring process and that is OKAY Color should be a fun, easy and stress free process While it’s not a necessary addition to the grooming process, it is an amazing service that I am so happy to be able to provide for clients and their wonderful pups alike.
THANK YOU FOR FOREVER
I remember the first time you curled into my arms and fell asleep The world around us was quiet, but my heart was loud thundering with the kind of love that needs no words Your tiny paw fit perfectly into my palm, like a stamp that would rest on my heart forever I didn’t know then how many times I’d trace that memory in my mind, holding onto it long after your paws no longer pattered down the hallway
You came into my life as if you’d always belonged there You didn’t just fill a space you changed it The corners of my home grew softer, the quiet moments fuller You were the heartbeat behind the noise, the warmth that waited for me after long days, the reminder that love doesn’t have to be grand to be extraordinary It lives in the small things in the way you blinked slowly at me from across the room, in the soft weight of your head against my chest, in the trust you offered so freely
We never really think about how intertwined our lives become until we’re standing in the silence of their absence Until the chair stays empty, the toy untouched, the soft sound of breathing no longer there Grief is the echo of love it reminds us of the depth of what we were lucky enough to have And even when the tears come, they carry gratitude Gratitude for every morning I woke to find you beside me, for every purr, every nuzzle, every shared breath of peace
You taught me so much without ever speaking You taught me patience, forgiveness, and how to be present You showed me that love doesn’t need explanations it only needs to be felt. And though you had to leave, you didn’t take that love with you You left it here, woven into everything you touched In the fur still caught on my favorite sweater In the sunlight that spills across your favorite spot In the moments I still catch myself talking to you out loud, and somehow, feel like you’re listening
I used to think “forever” meant something unbreakable, something that never changes But now I understand forever means the love
that stays, even when they can’t It’s the invisible thread that ties our souls together across time and space It’s the way our hearts continue to beat with theirs, even in their absence
So this is my thank you to the ones who came into our lives with open hearts and left pawprints that can never be erased Thank you for every lesson, every laugh, every quiet companionable moment Thank you for loving us without judgment, for being our steady when the world felt uncertain, and for teaching us what it means to care so deeply that goodbye can never undo it
You are gone from my arms, but never from my story And I’ll carry your pawprint always pressed softly against my heart
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. -Anatole France
ITS GIVING THANKS
When people feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated, everything about the workplace changes — not just productivity, but the spirit that fills the space. Appreciation isn’t about grand gestures or fancy titles; it’s about connection, belonging, and trust.
Handwritten Thank-You Notes
A personal, heartfelt note still means the most Mention specific moments a time they went above and beyond, comforted a nervous cat, or helped a teammate. It shows you see their efforts.
Spotlight Their Strengths Publicly
Feature team members in newsletters, social media, or internal posts Share their story, what makes them special, or a recent success Recognition in front of peers builds pride and belonging
Host a “Gratitude Gathering”
Even a small lunch, coffee bar, or cookie-and-cocoa break can feel like a celebration Take time to express appreciation verbally not just through food but through words of affirmation
Give Personalized Gifts
Skip generic items and choose something meaningful a favorite snack, a candle, a pet-themed mug, or a tool that makes their workday easier Small, thoughtful gifts show genuine care
Offer Flexibility or Time Off
A surprise “Thank-You Day” or an early-dismissal Friday can mean more than any gift It tells employees you value their time and wellbeing, not just their productivity
Employees who feel appreciated are more than just satisfied they’re engaged They show up with purpose, take pride in their work, and bring their best selves to every task because they know their efforts matter Feeling valued builds emotional investment; it turns a job into a shared mission
Gratitude also creates ripple effects that reach far beyond the moment When leaders express sincere appreciation, it nurtures loyalty and reduces burnout People are far more likely to stay in environments where they feel respected and recognized It boosts morale, strengthens teamwork, and fosters a culture of empathy the kind that invites creativity and care, rather than competition or resentment
In industries built on compassion like grooming, pet care, and holistic services appreciation carries an even deeper meaning We ask our teams to care for others every day, but it’s just as important that they feel cared for too When employees feel supported, they reflect that energy back into their work, their clients, and the animals they handle It’s a cycle of kindness that starts from within In short, appreciation isn’t an add-on to good leadership it is good leadership It transforms workplaces from places of obligation to communities of purpose When we take time to say “thank you,” to notice effort, and to honor heart, we remind people that what they do and who they are truly makes a difference
Create an Employee Recognition Board
Dedicate a space (physical or digital) for peer-to-peer shoutouts and kind notes It fosters community and reminds everyone that appreciation can come from every level of the team. 6
Provide Professional Growth Opportunities
Investing in their future says, “I believe in you and your potential ” 7
8
Pay for a workshop, certification, or continuing education course
Surprise Treats or Lunches
Bring in pastries, coffee, or lunch “just because ” It’s a simple gesture that breaks routine and brightens the workday, especially during busy seasons
Celebrate Milestones
Recognize birthdays, work anniversaries, or personal achievements (like adopting a pet or completing a course) It makes employees feel seen as whole people, not just staff 9
Say It Often, Not Just on Holidays
Gratitude shouldn’t be seasonal Make it a habit to express thanks in small ways a quick message after a busy day, a smile, or a “great job today” as they leave Consistent appreciation builds lasting loyalty
JOSLYN STEEN
GROOMER OF THE MONTH
You’re a multi-generational groomer from an impressive legacy. What was it like growing up in the grooming industry?
It was exciting to say the least! I was introduced at a very young age what it meant to be a hard worker I watched my mom and grandma drive an hour every day to their salon in Apache Junction and put out beautiful grooms Just to come home and groom all our personal dogs It was amazing to see and be apart of
What do you feel like is the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the most rewarding part is getting to practice my art I am a creative person and it’s nice to do something I enjoy every day
If you could groom any celebrity’s dogs, who would it be and why?
Nicole Kidman’s doodle mix, Julian
What is your favorite breed and coat type to groom?
Any and all terriers! I love a wired coat!
Who has inspired you the most in your grooming journey?
My mom has been the most inspiring person in my grooming career. She is one the most well rounded groomers I’ve ever met and 30+ years into her grooming career she is still seeking education and learning new styles
What keeps you passionate in a challenging and intensive career?
The love of dogs! At the end of the day we are JUST grooming dogs, not fighting a war!
What is your grooming “superpower”?
My super power would have to be that I’m able to stay pretty relaxed on overstimulating days Even during difficult days I take pride in being “chill” lol
What is one thing you’d like to see more prevalent in our industry?
I wish to see more groomers becoming educated in specific breed needs I’m not expecting everyone to know show standard haircuts but all groomers should know breed personalities or anatomy’s I think a lot of accidents or grooming mishaps could be prevented
JOIN THE GUILD
The Arizona Professional Groomers Guild a non-profit organization comprised of professional pet groomers in the state of Arizona Originally founded in 2022; it began as a social club, establishing a strong community first before collaborating into an association to better support each and every groomer To be a member of the Arizona Groomers Guild is to prioritize competency and compassion through continuing education and community
There is no license or certification required to groom in the United States The APGG recognizes the importance of continuing education and the impact professional development has on individuals and the animals and people we serve
Working with live animals can be an emotionally taxing career, and compassion for oneself as well as the animals we service is vital The APGG prioritizes whole health for both humans and animals and actively seeks to find methods in bettering everyone’s overall well-being
Our organization is founded on community and mutual collaboration We pride ourselves in open discussion to learn new skills and ways of thinking Together we develop, support, network, advocate, and connect to enhance not just our industry but to grow professionally
Memberships are $150 annually.
FROM THE EDITOR
I step into November filled with a lot of emotions
It’s easy to get pulled down and under, but as I sit here at my desk compiling all of the things that are to come next, I am choosing to move through with Gratitude
I am grateful for Joslyn Williams, whose friendship and professionalism have not just uplifted me in our organization but brought joy to my world.
I’m grateful for Carina Orozco, my best friend and strongest reality check and advocate Whose strength is what will hold our organization through Legislative waters, and social political difficulties
I am grateful for Melissa Hall, my dear friend and forever mentor Not just in grooming but in Womanhood, Motherhood, and being a pillar of strength and beauty.
I am grateful for Richelle Javorsky, for being a bright and shining light on education and community To Malissa Conti-Diener, for her protective and powerful heart To Adriana Welckle, who shows up no questions asked and gives her entire heart without question To Yolanda Farland, who has been here from the very beginning and held the mission and purpose of our organization from start to finish I am grateful to SeAndria Duckworth, a bad ass sister CFMG and an even better friend. I am grateful for Tricia Liptrap, who despite always being busy always finds time for education, community, and a kind word of encouragement. I am grateful for Giselle Bahena, whose calming and loving energy can only be surpassed by her incredible skill and talent
I am forever thankful for the incredible community of women who I have the privilege to call friends, and the honor to work and journey alongside
I love you all,
MercedesSchenk
APGG PRESIDENT
