Rocky Mountain Groom Arizona
HORROR GROOMER
Community Column STORIES
TheFurryPhoenician
EDITOR
MERCEDES SCHENK
ISSUE SPONSOR
ALL THINGS PAW
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 24-27
CAT GROOMER DISNEYLAND RETREAT
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 2
ROCKY MOUNTAIN GROOM EXPO ARIZONA, MESA
NOVEMBER 16
COLOR SEMINAR WITH SEANDRIA DUCKWORTH + GISELLE BAHENA
JANUARY 25
ANXIOUS CAT CLASS
PIXIE STICKS DOG BOUTIQUE MERCEDES SCHENK CFMG
WORKING
WITH ANIMALS IS NOT JUST A JOB.
IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY.
Education ensures that we meet them with skill, respect, and compassion.
phoenician the furry
CREATIVE COSTUMES
With Rocky Mountain Groom Expo right around the corner, comes the first ever costume contest for Arizona Groomers! The Arizona Professional Groomer’s Guild is so excited to see everyone’s costumes and our judges will be picking out our favorites for some super fun prizes! To get you inspired, we put together a collage of the most creative and fabulous looks!
THE CONTEST IS FREE TO JOIN! SIGN UP TODAY!
FELINEFRIDAY WITH
MELISSA HALL CFMG
Melissa Hall, Certified Feline Master Groomer and NCGI Certifier, teaches a proven, hands-on approach to feline grooming. Her method replaces trial-and-error with clear, repeatable techniques with skills to improve finishes, reduce stress, and build client trust If you want results clients rave about, start with instruction that’s practical, personalized, and feline-first
LION CUT FOR
Friday 8:00 - 10:00
CATS
Watch Melissa perform a live lion cut demo while explaining every decision, prep, clipper work, body mapping, lines and symmetry, skin safety, and efficient finishing. You’ll learn how to adapt techniques for different coat conditions and temperaments so you can deliver consistent, low stress results.
PROPER CAT HANDLING FOR GROOMERS
Friday 10:30 to 12:30
This class translates feline behavior into three practical handling techniques that you can use immediately on any cat in your care. Melissa covers reading subtle body language, threshold management, safe restraint alternatives so that you can prevent escalation, shorten groom times, and improve finishes without force
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
BY JOSLYN WILLIAMS
Nissa Magana is a Certified Feline Master Groomer with more than 10 years of experience in the pet grooming industry Based in Yuma, Arizona, where shes a cat only groomer, she strives to make every grooming session a positive experience for them. When she's not working with her four-legged clients, she enjoys listening to music, going to live shows, and spending time with her family and pets
Who’s sassier in your salon table the fluffy Persians or the sleek Siamese?
Oh, definitely the Persian, especially when it comes to combing out their feet, that sass comes on lol
What’s one “life lesson” cats have taught you through grooming?
Gentle persistence, like in life, go slow, let trust grow, and respect boundaries
What do you think makes cat grooming different (and special!) compared to grooming dogs?
I absolutely love the cat clientele They are way nicer and just seem to appreciate the services you provide more They bring in a totally different vibe which in turn makes me love and appreciate what I do even more
What’s one tool, product, or technique you absolutely can’t live without in your grooming kit?
The airmuzzle is a must It has more uses than just being a “muzzle” It’s great for shy cats that prefer it because it gives them something to hide in It also helps protect their ears from the dryer Definitely can’t be without it
Which famous celebrity (human or cat internet star) would you most want to groom and why?
I would love to groom iamrigbycat I love her cute faces that she makes, plus a good bath couldn’t hurt, lol
Do you think cats appreciate their glow-ups, or are they plotting revenge the whole time?
Cats love being clean! I’m sure they appreciate it! Some clients even say their cats strut around the house when they get home
What’s your secret superpower when it comes to calming a nervous kitty?
Taking things slow while still keeping a fast pace, if that makes sense. If the cat is having harder time with a bath,I’d bathe them a bit faster so that we don’t spend too much time in water, while still trying to keep our friend relaxed They just want it done and over with and I want to send them home both as fresh and as happy as they’ll let me
Grooming cats can be tricky what’s the “cat whisperer” trick you’ve mastered that you’re most proud of?
Handling is key How you hold and get them out from their carriers will set the vibe of the groom.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about grooming cats?
I have seen a lot about shaving with a 10 in reverse, but it is the safest and only way to shave a cat The hair will grow back
The Xoloitzcuintli, also referred to as “Xolo” (pronounced Show-Low) or Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds that exists in modern history Recognized immediately by their strong elegant build and leathery warm skin, this breed comes in a hairless or coated variety in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard
For over 3,000 years, the Xolo has been an integral and sacred part of Mexican history and spirituality, touching not just the Aztec culture but Toltec and Mayan alike Archaeologists have uncovered clay figures and effigies throughout homes and tombs which solidifies their role not just as pets but as sacred beings as well In fact, this
breed has such a richly rooted history in Mexican culture that in 1956, Mexico formally recognized the Xoloitzuintli as the official national dog, the same year that Normal Pelham Wright created the first official breed standard thereby having it’s breed formally recognized This breed distinction is particularly powerful, as the Xolo faced near extinction in the mid 1950's, and the Federacion Canofila Mexicana, took steps to save it. An expedition led in 1954 was able to find ten structurally sound Xolos, which became the foundation for reviving the ancient breed Proof that ethical, educated, and responsible breeding does in fact help canines
THE SCIENCE AND MYTHOLOGY
To truly appreciate Xolo Mythology, one must first understand one key element of Xolo physiology: their temperature While the Xolo’s body temperature falls within the normal range for a dog (102-104 degrees) the fact that their body is hairless means their skin facilitates the transfer of internal heat to the outside, make it feel warm or hot when touched Their skin is directly exposed to the environment, allowing more heat to radiate outwards
The Aztecs and other indigenous peoples believed this to mean they had mystical healing properties; easing in ailments such as arthritis, stomach pains, insomnia, muscle fatigue, pregnancy soreness, chronic pain, sciatica, menstrual cramps, stiffness and injuries etc Coupled with the dog’s affectionate and loyal personality, it was not difficult to make the assumption that these dogs could sense when something was “wrong” and comfort their humans.
What was perceived as magical healing powers in ancient history, we now know to be the magic of a hot compress But in Ancient History, the Aztecs believed that the Xolo was created by the god Xolotl, who was the deity of fire (heat), lightening, and death
It was said that Xolotl created the Xoloitzcuintli from a piece of the “Bone of Life”, which despite its name does not refer to a singlurar bone
The Aztecs believed that bones were not just remains of our loved ones but seeds and potential for new life According to Aztec Mythology, after a destructive flood, the deity Quetzalcoatl flew down to the underworld known as Mictlan, and gathered bones from previoys cycles of humanity to create the current world-which Xolotl took a piece of and made the Xolo breed These dogs were a gift to humanity--to help guide souls safely through the nine levels of the Aztec underworld of Mictlan
Unfortunately, due to this spiritual belief, Xolos were considered spirit guides and would be sacrificed upon the death of a loved one These dogs would be buried alongside them so that they could lead the soul through the challenges of the underworld Families
believed that without a Xolo dog buried beside their loved one, their soul would be lost in darkness for all eternity
A beautiful concept with the most horrific execution, this could be one of the contributing factors the breed had began to go extinct
Much like their Aztec ancestors, many Mexicans to this day believe that Xolos have the ability to ward off evil spirts as well as human intruders
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Xoloitzcuintli breed and describes them as a “vigilant watchdog” with a high energy level and need for mental stimulation Owners report the breed as having a playful and affectionate personality and a tendency to bond strongly to one person quite strongly A trait that most certainly reinforces the spirit guide mythology
CULTURAL IMPACT
The Xolo is a huge part of Mexican culture, a strong symbol of heritage and resilience Their presence is greatly celebrated during Dia De Los Muertos, where families celebrate and honor their ancestors and loved ones who have passed on
Modern dipictions include in paniting by artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, who both were proud Xolo owners and often depicted them in their art.
In November of 2017, Disney Animation Studios came out with Coco, which featured a Xolo character named Dante
CATURDAY SPEAKERS
FELINE BEHAVIOR
Saturday 8:00-9:00
Ever wonder what that feline behavior really means and how you can help with your kitty clients? In this one hour course, Dana Chavez-Rey will walk you throughhow cats communicate andlet usknowwhat and how they are feeling
FELINEANATOMY+PHYSIOLOGY
Saturday 9:30-10:30
Get to know the ins and outs of feline anatomy and physiology by Dana ChavezRey In this course, you will have a better understanding of the feline body and safe handling techniques
ALTERNATIVE FELINE CLIPS
Saturday 11:00-12:00
Wanting to try something else other than Lion Clips? This course by Dana Chavez-Rey shows you how to achieve a dino clip, chevron clip, and squirrel clip Asabonus, you will clip your own pattern during class
LION CUT FOR KITTY
Saturday 1:00-2:00
Join Certified Feline Master Groomer Courtney Garton for a lion cut demo Learn the ins and outs of shaving with skill and safety in this hour long demonstration.
Calendar of Events for Rocky Mountain Groom Arizona
Thursday Oct. 30
TradeShowSetUpforVendors
Education 1:00-5:00
Friday Oct. 31
Judge’s Meeting7:30AM Contestant Meeting
8AM Terriers & Spaniels Contest Check Ins
8:30AM
(See Contest Tab for More Contest Schedules)
Education Begins: 8AM Trade Show Opens 10AM
Trick Or Treats with Vendors 4-5PM
Costume Parade 5PM
Parade Awards 5:30PM Trade Show Closes 6PM
Sunday Nov. 2
Poodle Contest Check Ins 8:AM
Saturday Nov. 1
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Dynamic Duo Contest Check Ins Begin at 8:AM
Education Begins 8:AM Trade Show Opens 9AM Trade Show Closes 5PM
(See Contest Tab for More Contest Schedules)
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration 7-9pm
- Folklorico Dancers
- Taco Bar
- Cash Bar
- Dance + Music
- Kid Corner
(See Contest Tab for More Contest Schedules)
Education Begins: 8AM Trade Show Opens 9AM Trade Show Closes 4PM
This year, why choose just one when you can have both?
TRICK
PLAY DEAD
Level: Difficult
This trick is sure to be the life of the party!
Foundational Skill:
For this trick, your dog will need to be able to lay down on cue
Training Tip:
Keep training sessions short, fun, and sweet! Your dog will learn quicker and retain the information they are learning better
Introduce The Motion
Ask your dog to lie down Hold a treat to their nose, then slowly move it around their neck toward their hip If your dog stays in the down position and turns their head, mark with an enthusiastic “Yes!” and reward
Share The Flop
Repeat this motion several times until your dog is confidently turning their head. Gradually move the treat further so your dog begins to roll onto their side. As soon as they flop over, reward generously!
Build Duration
Once your dog is reliably landing on their side, begin to delay the reward by a second or two Slowly increase the time they hold the position before marking and treating
Add The Cue
When your dog is flopping onto their side smoothly, introduce a fun cue right before luring them into position Popular choices include: “bang”, “play dead”, ‘take a nap”
Assign A Hand Signal
Write a concise description that supports the heading and connects it to your listicle topic Over time, fade out the lure so your dog responds just to the hand signal (with or without the word)
PUMPKIN BANANA COOKIES
DIRECTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened not pumpkin pie mix
1 ripe banana, mashed (the riper the better!)
1 ½ cups of oat flour (or rolled oats blended into a flour)
Grain free option: Replace oat flour with coconut flour. Just use less it’s more absorbent
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Trust me, you’ll want it ready before your pup starts sniffing around.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
Mash the ripe banana in a mixing bowl until smooth, adding the pumpkin puree to the mashed banana and mix until well combined. 3
Gradually stir in the oat flour until a dough forms It should be soft but not sticky If it is too wet, add a little more oat flour. 4
Scoop small amounts of dough and roll them into balls or flatten them into cookie shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutesor until firm and slightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely before handing them over to your pup (Yes, they’ll be excited, but safety first!
TRICK
THE WITCHES WHIRLWIND
Level: Easy
Your dog will love impersonating the Great Pumpkin with this fun and simple trick!
Foundational Skill:
Your dog should know how to stand on all four paws without jumping or pawing at your hand.
Training Tip:
Dog’s tend to pick up on this one very quickly To keep it interesting for them, gradually increase the speed of the spin!
Start Position
Have your dog stand on all four paws
Introduce The Spin
Hold a treat right at your dog’s nose Slowly move the treat in a circle around your dog’s body, always going in the same direction As your dog follows the treat and begins to turn, mark with an enthusiastic “Yes!” and reward
Complete The Circle
Gradually increase how far you move the treat before rewarding Your dog has completed the spin when their nose returns to the starting position Reward generously!
Add The Cue + Hand Signal
When your dog is flopping onto their side smoothly, introduce a fun cue right before luring them into position Popular choices include: “bang”, “play dead”, ‘take a nap”
Teach The Opposite Direction
After your dog masters one direction, teach the other by luring them the opposite way Use a different cue (for example, “Spin” for left and “Round” for right) to help your dog tell the difference
SWEET POTATO APPLESAUCE BITES
DIRECTIONS:
Spoon mixture into molds of your choice
Place in freezer (flat) for 3-4 hours
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup sweet potato puree
¼ cup natural peanut butter
CHEF NOTES:
Silicone mold needed
TRICK
THE CREEPY CRAWLER
Level: Easy
Your dog will love impersonating the Great Pumpkin with this fun and simple trick!
Foundational Skill:
Your dog should know how to stand on all four paws without jumping or pawing at your hand.
Training Tip:
Dog’s tend to pick up on this one very quickly To keep it interesting for them, gradually increase the speed of the spin!
Start Position
Have your dog stand on all four paws
Introduce The Spin
Hold a treat right at your dog’s nose Slowly move the treat in a circle around your dog’s body, always going in the same direction As your dog follows the treat and begins to turn, mark with an enthusiastic “Yes!” and reward
Complete The Circle
Gradually increase how far you move the treat before rewarding Your dog has completed the spin when their nose returns to the starting position Reward generously!
Add The Cue + Hand Signal
When your dog is flopping onto their side smoothly, introduce a fun cue right before luring them into position Popular choices include: “bang”, “play dead”, ‘take a nap”
Teach The Opposite Direction
After your dog masters one direction, teach the other by luring them the opposite way Use a different cue (for example, “Spin” for left and “Round” for right) to help your dog tell the difference
PUMPKIN FREEZE POPS
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of pureed pumpkin - the superhero of this recipe, packed with nutrients and just a splash of fun vibes
2 cups of low sodium bone broth, a savory liquid sushine that keeps tails wagging and hearts happy!
½ cup of plain yogurt-- for that creamy goodness I mean, who doesn’t love a little smoothness in their life?
Dog safe peanut butter (optional) because let's be honest, a pupsicle isn’t quite as cool without this sidekick
Place those molds in the freezer, preferably in a dog-proof area. They can smell the goodness from a mile away and might become culinary “assistants” at any moment.
Freeze for at least 4 hours Now’s the time for patience! Meanwhile, why not catch up on some doggy snuggles?
TRICK
THE FRANKENSTIEN
Level: Easy
Your dog will love impersonating the Great Pumpkin with this fun and simple trick!
Foundational Skill:
Your dog should know how to stand on all four paws without jumping or pawing at your hand.
Training Tip:
Dog’s tend to pick up on this one very quickly To keep it interesting for them, gradually increase the speed of the spin!
Start Position
Have your dog stand on all four paws
Introduce The Spin
Hold a treat right at your dog’s nose Slowly move the treat in a circle around your dog’s body, always going in the same direction As your dog follows the treat and begins to turn, mark with an enthusiastic “Yes!” and reward
Complete The Circle
Gradually increase how far you move the treat before rewarding Your dog has completed the spin when their nose returns to the starting position Reward generously!
Add The Cue + Hand Signal
When your dog is flopping onto their side smoothly, introduce a fun cue right before luring them into position Popular choices include: “bang”, “play dead”, ‘take a nap”
Teach The Opposite Direction
After your dog masters one direction, teach the other by luring them the opposite way Use a different cue (for example, “Spin” for left and “Round” for right) to help your dog tell the difference
SUPER EASY CHEW STICKS
DIRECTIONS:
Peel and finely grate carrots. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. 1
Mix with pumpkin and olive oil until it forms a sticky but firm dough 2
INGREDIENTS:
3-5 carrots small
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, not pie filling)
Scoop out tablespoon-ish sized balls, and roll them into log shapes. You can also use mold if you aren’t crafty 3
4 Bake for 2 to 2 5 hours, flipping halfway through You’re not trying to brown them but trying to dehydrate
5 Let cool completely.
1 tsp olive oil (greaet for coat and skin) They can keep in the refrigerator for two weeks, but can be frozen up to 3 months!
GROOMER GROOMER HORROR HORROR
This poor Persian had been abandoned outside and left to die she was found by animal control matted into a curled-up ball of her own hair so tight she couldn't walk. I spent hours trying to clear enough space just so the rescue could give her an IV for fluids but she was too far gone and her organs had already started shutting down It was the saddest thing I had ever witnessed and it broke my heart
The pile of fur on the floor weighed more than her body she was literally a skeleton The lady from the rescue said in her 20+ years working rescue, she had never seen anything this bad and she couldn't believe she was actually alert and alive
I got chewed up by a cat 75 punctures
Tinkerbell got out two years ago, and we weren't prepared for her reaction to being caught She completely bit thru the top fat of my finger
I quickly ran my finger under cold tap water to rinse it and went off to the hospital I've had infections before from cats No thank you After waiting 5 hours in emergency and the ER nurses refusing to even help clean up the pulsing blood and try to sterilize the finger, I went home to take care of it myself It had already been brewing bacteria for 6 hours at that point and getting more swollen and gooy I thought my finger was going to explode Luckily a friend who works in admissions walked by and I was able to get an ice pack from her I held my hand on the ice pack to help with the pain till we got home All while squeezing blood that was pooling in the cavities Two days later my finger puffed up to the point I couldn't even bend it, so I had to do telecare They quickly prescribed me three different antibiotics and an ointment to always have on the cuts
When cleaning the big hole, the saline would pour out of the smaller holes and often pool inside the cavity in my finger making me have to squeeze it out It was an open cavity for about two months before it started to close off I often had to remove the plug from the hole to allow puss or gunk run out Then I'd flush it with saline It had to heal from the inside out, not the outside in
Three months later it finally started to heal and still to this day it hurts like H E double hockey stick Often gets extremely itchy or flares up I can still feel the scars leading to each bite mark
KENDRA MARTINEZ CFMG
On July 18, while I was trying to cleanup in and around my house after the floods here in Kerrville I reached down to pet one of the cats I have been fostering for a while I had on some thin work type gloves with a textured rubber coating he did not like it and freaked out and bit/scratched my hand This picture was taken about 5 min after it happened, once I got the bleeding stopped, but the swelling like this was IMMEDIATE I ripped the glove off as soon as I got away from kitty and it was already like this I did go to ER after taking initial picture. Dr's and nurses were all shocked and thought this had happened days or at the very least hours before due to swelling nope about 30 min ago it was decided he bit into a vein, and that caused the immediate swelling It took a month for the swelling to go away completely and all is good now it does occasionally feel tight if I use it too much
MISTY WILSON
Last year I had a lady schedule and have to reschedule twice She finally made it on the third time The cat was pelted She gave all the normal reasons My favorite was the new apartment had carpet The groom went great and the cat was so sweet When I finished I called the owner to let her know he was ready. The phone call is normal but when the owner came for pick up it got creepy
The client asks to speak to the shop owner When reception told her I’m not the shop owner she said nevermind I just want to talk to Brandy I talk to all of them on pick up anyway so it’s wasn’t a problem I got up there and she said “ I can’t pay , my daughter used my card and it’s been suspended for fraud ” The first time she rescheduled it was because her card was canceled She asked if she could pay me that next week I had to explain to her that’s not my decision. The receptionist called the shop owner to ask what she wanted us to do for the situation While she was to wait for the response she asked if I would help her get a picture of her cat in our Photo Booth While I was helping her she was complaining about the situation as if we were inconveniencing her for not letting her pay next week In the midst of her complaining, I was putting her cat back in the carrier and she is standing over the top of me and says “ It’s not like I’m some creeper I’m not a rapist I’m good for it ” Baffled just replied back to her “Dude, that got dark for no reason ” I left the front and left the situation
I was bitten by a White Shaded Silver Persian that had been abused Somehow I had successfully groomed this cat for years This cat landed me in the hospital for 3 days after emergency surgery to save my finger
I hope these pictures to show your customers what can happen Lesson learned, maintain air muzzle velcro straps
ELIZABETH SCOTT FARMER CFMG
In December 2009 I was a veterinary technician at an emergency animal hospital One night, things were kinda slow so we started placing IVs in the patients scheduled for surgery the next day so they didn't have to do it in the morning. A coworker and I were placing an IV in a cat with a tumor on one of his hind legs who was going to have the leg amputated the following day My coworker placed the IV while I held/restrained the cat The cat was fine the entire time we had him out, and we didn't have any issues placing the IV My coworker was almost done securing the IV with tape when the cat lost his patience I held onto him as long as I could, but he slipped out of my hold Before I could pull my hand away, he bit my left hand right at the base of the thumb As per protocol I went to the ER (this was in the evening) and had the bite cleaned/flushed as well as possible and I was started on oral antibiotics & pain meds.
About 36 hours later, the pain was no longer responding to pain medication, ice, etc Also, the redness began to spread up my arm quickly I returned to the ER and was admitted into the hospital and started on IV antibiotics The next day, the hand surgeon came in and told me I needed surgery to open my hand and debride the infected tissue I had one surgery, a day off, and another surgery There were 34 sutures and 3 drains in my hand I also received a PICC line for antibiotics that lasted about a month They did a culture, but it didn't grow anything. They told me it was likely because I was started on antibiotics immediately I went to physical therapy for about 3 months following surgery The surgeon wasn't originally sure if he would be able to save all, or any, of my hand Thankfully I still have the whole thing I do have some chronic pain and somewhat limited range of motion in my thumb, but that's it I'm right-handed anyway I later found out that a tech who worked in the surgery department had her hand just grazed by his teeth the day after I was bitten, and it swelled an unusual amount for such a superficial wound and even had blistering around it I wish the culture could have identified what that cat had growing in his mouth, cuz it was nasty!
TRACI PEARMAN
Got attacked by a dog this past New Year’s Eve 8 stitches in my face and 19 staples in my scalp (Double layered stitches under the staples but unsure how many were put in)
MEGAN BURWELL
My last cat, Piggle, was always a bit ‘bitey’ and rather than use his paws to tell you off, he would bite
Nothing usually came of it until after he got sick at the end of 2018 (he got ‘blocked’, almost died and was in vet hospital for three days)this resulted in having to change his diet to protect his kidneys and that must have changed his oral bacteria because ever since then, if he bit me, it became infected
He had my right foot once and also bit my right hand on three separate occasions, the last of which was the worst He must have been going a bit senile (he was twenty when he died) as he would circle round and randomly bite your foot for no reason
Anyway this particular time I woke up to use the bathroom and he padded in, so I gently lifted him out of the way
He returned a few moments later and this time when I went to move him again he grabbed my hand in his jaws and bit me - and kept chewing!!
I lifted my arm and he came up with it, still attached by his teeth It took forever to get the bleeding to stop, and I had to take the day off work as my hand was rendered useless plus I knew I had to see a doctor
Luckily no complications, I was given broad spectrum antibiotics but what a little sh*t!
HALEY PRENTICE
My leg after a dog bite
TARA MORINELLI
Cane Corso vs Me
HEATHER CUTHBURT
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.
VERY SUPERSTITIOUS
Cats have a long history of being both feared and revered Throughout human history they have been linked to mystery, tied to superstitions, and intwined throughout folklore from all over the world They’ve appeared as omens of evil, companions of witches, Gods, as much as signs of wealth, prosperity, and protection They’ve been worshipped, prosecuted, and remained a conundrum over a millennia
CAT SUPERSTITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
In Turkey and the Middle East, cats were considered spiritually sensitive and able to see jinn (spirits)
In Ancient Egypt, killing a cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death.
The Chinese believed that black cats could signal poverty or misfortune, while golden cats symbolized wealth
In Bavaria, if a cat jumped over a corpse, the deceased would rise as a vampire
In Scottish folklore, a strange black cat on your porch meant prosperity was coming
In many cultures, calico cats are considered especially lucky
English sailors believed a black cat on a ship was good luck, but if it walked off the ship and stayed ashore, the ship would sink
In Ireland, cats were linked to fairy lore harming them could bring curses.
In France, “Matagot cats” were magical cats that, if cared for well, brought their owners wealth
In Poland, a black cat at a funeral meant another family member would soon die
In Mexico, they believed that cats left alone at night could transform into nahuales (sorcerers in animal form)
In Hoodoo Traditions, black cats were powerful charms their bones or hair were used in love and protection spells
In Japan, stroking a cat was believed to cure illness or bring longevity
Farmers in Italy thought that a cat sleeping on a child’s bed would keep away fever
In parts of Europe, a cat given as a wedding gift symbolized prosperity and fertility
The Japanese beckoning cat figurine, Maneki-neko often placed at shop entrances, is believed to draw customers, wealth, and happiness A raised right paw beckons money, while a raised left paw attracts customers
People in Hungary believed that cats born in May were considered unlucky and would bring snakes into the house
European sailors believed that a cat sneezing meant a storm, and erratic, restless behavior was taken as a sign of high winds.
In Scotland, saucers of milk were left out on Samhain (Halloween) to appease fairy cats and prevent curses
In Russia and parts of Europe, a cat must be the first to walk into a new house to bring prosperity and drive away evil
In Turkey and Middle Eastern cultures, a cat meowing or crying when someone leaves home was thought to be a warning of misfortune or danger awaiting the traveler
In Italy, if a cat sneezed near a child, it was considered a blessing of long life
Some cultures believed cats could see ghosts and protect the
WORKS CITED
Briggs, Katharine The Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures Pantheon Books, 1976
Briggs, Katharine A Dictionary of British Folk-Tales in the English Language Routledge, 1991
Dundes, Alan. The Cat and the Human Imagination: Feline Images from Bast to Garfield. University of Michigan Press, 1997. Franklin, Anna Animal Magick: The Art of Recognizing and Working with Familiars Llewellyn Publications, 2002
Green, Miranda Animals in Celtic Life and Myth Routledge, 1992
Hall, James Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art Icon Editions, 1979
Harris, Stephen Medieval Folklore: A Guide to Myths, Legends, Tales, Beliefs, and Customs Oxford University Press, 2001
Hearn, Lafcadio Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Houghton Mifflin, 1904 Kvideland, Reimund, and Henning K Sehmsdorf, eds Scandinavian Folk Belief and Legend University of Minnesota Press, 1991 Maxwell-Stuart, P G Witch Beliefs and Witch Trials in the Middle Ages Routledge, 2001
Opie, Iona, and Moira Tatem A Dictionary of Superstitions Oxford University Press, 1989
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FROM THE EDITOR
This fall marks a milestone for our community: the very first Rocky Mountain Groom Expo hosted right here in Arizona For years, groomers have traveled across the country to connect, learn, and grow together Now, we get to welcome the industry into our own backyard a place rich with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Arizona is more than just desert skies and dramatic sunsets It’s a land that thrives on blending traditions, where heritage is celebrated and shared As we step into this season, the timing of our expo feels even more meaningful as it coincides with Dia de los Muertos, a holiday deeply woven into the fabric of Southwestern culture This vibrant celebration of life and memory reminds us of the importance of honoring the past while building a future full of purpose and connection
Hosting the Rocky Mountain Groom Expo here for the first time is more than a professional milestone it’s a cultural one It’s a chance for us to show visitors the warmth of Arizona’s spirit, to celebrate the artistry of grooming alongside the artistry of tradition, and to create memories that will inspire our work long after the booths are packed up We’re standing at the start of something special, and I can’t wait to see how this first Arizona expo will shape the stories we share for years to come.
As always,
MercedesSchenk
APGG PRESIDENT
