How Did I Even Get Here?! Part 4

   The weeks turned into months and the hours of "grooming experience" were adding up. I printed off another application and as I read through the questions for the second time, I suddenly saw myself the way Scary Dane Lady saw me. Why in the world would she think I would make a good groomer? There was nothing about me, past or present, that could prove that I was serious about this. The first question on the application was "Why do you want to become a groomer?". How was I supposed to answer that in a way that exuded confidence? "I don't really know why, it just feels right  :) " Scary Dane Lady was not going to approve me for her school, no matter how many volunteer hours I had, she just didn't want me. Truthfully, I didn't really want to be her student. Something told me that her and I were not very compatible. She probably would have crushed me under her hulking personality.

   There was nothing for it but to search for a different school. Google search did not disappoint and we found another grooming school located 10 minutes away from my other brothers place. I got in touch with the instructor via e-mail and she sent me all the school info. When I read that she also required a personal interview, I decided it would be easier to explain to her by phone rather then e-mail why flying down again for another interview probably wouldn't work. I picked up the phone and dialled the number, silently praying that I wouldn't make a fool out of myself. After about 30 seconds of talking I was pleasantly surprised to find that she was a normal person! She wasn't self important or condescending. When I explained to her that I had just flown down for an interview a few months earlier and didn't think I was going to be able to make the trip again so soon, she surprised me by saying "Oh that's fine, I can just give you the interview over the phone!"As she asked me questions, I found that I could answer them with ease and confidence, and when we came to the end of the interview she said "Well great! I'm looking forward to meeting in the fall and if you have any more questions feel free to call or e-mail." WHAT?! That's it?! After all that fretting and after all that work, a few emails and a phone call and I'm in?

   Mom was a little scepticle too. She went off and called up past students too get the low down. Every single person she called raved about the school and about the instructors. So, I sent the cheque off in the mail, bought the text books, put in my notice at work and made arrangements to stay with my big brother and his family. I was off to Western Dog Grooming School!

This is not the end of the story, but it's a long story. Check back for How Did I Even Get Here?! Part 5
If you missed it here is Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

How Did I Even Get Here?! Part 3

   I must admit, being rejected from a grooming school because I "didn't have enough grooming experience" was disheartening. I was frustrated. How was I supposed to get grooming experience without being taught how to groom?

   Back at home, I took my resume into the only grooming salon I knew of and applied for the bather/brusher position. Whoever it was at the front desk (possibly the owner) read my resume, looked me in the eye…. and scoffed. I can't remember exactly what was said but it was condescending and just plain rude. I could feel my face grow hot and my pulse race as I watched her raise her eyebrows and smirk at my hopes and dreams. I left outraged. What is wrong with these people? Is everyone in the grooming world arrogant, rude, and completely self involved?! Luckily, my ever wise mother suggested the completely obvious solution of volunteering at our local SPCA. Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Probably because I was too busy being pissed off at all the injustice keeping me from my goals that it didn't even cross my mind to volunteer my time to help others. Oh dear, maybe I fit into the dog grooming world better then I thought.

   The SPCA welcomed me with open arms and I started volunteering a few hours a week to brush and bathe some of the dogs. From the first day I could tell that this was going to be quite the experience. There were no tubs, no tables, and nowhere to tether a dog. I was directed to a kennel and given towels, soap, a hose, and a Husky. After a failed attempt to make friends with the Husky, I decided to just get it over with. Mr. Husky took to the water like oil, and the next hour was spent chasing him around the kennel, hose in hand while I pleaded desperately for him to just hold still so we could be done. By the end of it we were both exhausted, soaked, and relieved to be out of each others company.

   +10 experience points.

   Despite the fact that volunteering to do the bathing and brushing at the shelter was, at the very least, inefficient and tremendously uncomfortable, I did learn a lot. I learned that Huskies will scream bloody murder if you try to get them wet. I learned that a Yorkie can, and will, climb all the way up your chest and down your back to escape a bath. I learned that a lonely dog doesn't care if you have a brush in hand if you would only allow them to curl up in your lap. I learned that understanding, patience, and preparedness are essential when working with dogs. Mostly though, I gained a greater respect for the people who work at our rescue organizations. There is no doubt about it, they are super heroes. It is not by any means a glamorous job, but all the hours of training, caring, cleaning and dealing with crazy people who want to give up their dog because it didn't come potty trained, after all of it, at the end of the day they've helped a heart find it's home.

  Several of the staff and volunteers are now my clients. I still volunteer my services to our SPCA and give monthly donations. I find myself surprisingly, but not regretfully, thankful to Scary Dane Lady for sending me away to meet those wonderful people and precious animals.
 
This is not the end, but it's a long story. This is just intermission. Check back for "How Did I Even Get Here?! Part 4". Here is Part 1, and Part 2.