Spring, TX 77389
ph: 281 639-9956

The Last Groom

The following poem was written by a groomer and I think all  groomers feel this way towards our client's pets. We truly get attached to these guys even if it is an hour or two every so many weeks.  They are kind of like grand kids we get to spoil them like crazy and send them home with mom and dad!

 

Be sure to grab a tissue, as I also have a very hard time reading this without crying every time I do read it!

 

The Last Groom
By Annette Witt
 
 
I love my job most days, then
there are those days when they
bring in their pet and tell you,
"This may be her last groom,
she was diagnosed with cancer yesterday
and we do not know how much longer she has."
 
This week it is Lady,
she is a shih tzu with a soft soul.
She never causes trouble
and is always so willing to please everyone.
 
As I sat there and thought about
all the times we had done this exact thing
I told her not to worry
because I knew she hated to having 
her ear hair plucked and today
was special, and we wouldn't do it anymore.
 
I noticed the loss of weight,
then my tears started flowing non stop.
I would never see her again would I?
 
Then I remembered The Bridge, 
The Rainbow Bridge.  Where pets go
to be made whole again to romp and play
until their loved ones join them once again.
 
I told her about the bridge, 
as I stroked her head, I told her 
not to be afraid when it was time
for her to go.  I reassured her
that her mom and dad would heal in time
and would join her again one day.
 
I told her about the butterflies
she could chase,  the green rolling pastures,
the other dogs that would play with her.
She seemed to understand.
 
I asked her one last thing,
as I placed the hand made bows 
on each ear,
I especially made for her trip above.
"Would you mind when you get there
one day, to ask all of the others
that were my special groom dogs too.
To come around again for another visit?
 
We can sit and talk about
how you hated your nails clipped
or laugh about the times we had together
at the groom shop."
 She seemed to answer by licking
my hand and by laying her head
on my wrist.
 
I know I do I have a calling in life,
not just a job.  I have thought about
other jobs with more attractive titles,
but when this life is over,
I bet when I hit that bridge
the other side I have a lot
of furry friends waiting for me.
 
Sure, I cried some more
and told her how I would miss her
here on earth, but I assured her
that I would never ask her to stay
if it cause her one hour of pain.
 
Lady, please have a good journey
as you go on your way,
and don't forget to tell the others
that I will be there one day.
I won't bring my scissors
or nail trimmers that you abhor,
Instead I will bring love 
and baskets of goodies galore.
 
 
 
 

 
 

Duncan was a bearded collie that was just a joy to groom.  He is a great example to the poem on "The Last
Groom".  Every time I showed up at the doorstep, the instant his owner
opened the door he'd almost knock me over.  Bouncing everywhere and tail
wagging like crazy, he'd practically drag me out to the van!  He sat there patiently the entire time grooming him.

 
One time I groomed him and I noticed the lumps, I knew it wasn't good. I told the owners and the next time his owners told me had lymphoma and from experience working at a vet clinic, I knew he didn't
have long and I knew this time was quite possibly the last time I would see him. 

Ironically I had found this poem a few nights before I went to groom him for the last time.  He wasn't feeling his normal self but he was still trying to show he was excited
to see me, and of course I sat there and cried half the time as I groomed him.  I did give him a long special hug before taking him back to the door and of course give my eyes time to dry back up.
I still often think about Duncan, as he was just one of those dogs that just really sticks in your mind.  My kids
were saddened as well when they heard the news as he was one of their favorites also.

See ya over the bridge big guy, and this time I'll leave the brushes at home.


 

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Spring, TX 77389
ph: 281 639-9956