I suspected that my posts about pets, their owners and all facets of their world and needs would be great fun to write. I have not been disappointed! I learned so much from Betsy Knight, owner of “Betsy Grooms” (go here), located at “The Pet Exchange” on St. Simons Island. Voted best groomer on the island by “Elegant Island Living” for four years in a row, it is no surprise to me that she holds this title having spent time talking with her both in and out of her grooming facility.
Betsy has always loved animals and found a special interest in their care and grooming after graduating from high school in New York state. She attended a technical school, Orange-Ulster BOCES (Board Of Cooperative Educational Services) where she got her certificate in the fundamentals of dog grooming. Betsy moved to Coastal Georgia in 2002 and worked at Island Veterinary until the birth of her son in 2008. She is currently studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies at Armstrong Atlantic State University out of Savannah and also minoring in psychology.
In her work with dogs, Betsy says she sees a strong correlation between the psychology of people and that of pets. In many ways our beloved pets’ behavior can be very similar to children. If you’re worried about leaving your pet with a groomer because they cry and shake as you leave, know that it’s just like your children when you first took them to school. Betsy says they calm down as soon as their owners leave and really do enjoy the pampering she provides. Many of the pets Betsy grooms, dogs and cats alike, have been coming to her for so long that she feels like a part of their family. She is especially dedicated to providing sensitive care for special needs pets.
While visiting with Betsy in her shop she introduced me to a breed I did not recognize. This precious dog, Bandit Kilgore, owned by the Kilgore family on St. Simons is a “Cavachon” which is a Cavalier King Charles/Bichon Hybrid. I think Murphy may be very jealous because he immediately knew I had been around another pet when I returned to our home after my meeting with Betsy. How could you not want to pet this little sweetheart? She is so well mannered and gentle…..puppy love!
Here are a couple of tips Betsy shared with me that may be of interest or value to you and your pets. When taking your dog to a groomer, no matter where you live, be sure to inform the technician if the animal is a rescue pet. If your pet has a problem with loud noises you’ll want to arrive early to avoid the busy time of day. Give the groomer any necessary information on your pet so that they can be in better touch with your dog or cats special traits, likes, dislikes and overall personality. Are they used to being around other animals? This can be important in a grooming shop. Also, start your pets grooming experience as early in their lives as possible. The more comfortable they feel in the grooming environment, even if they are only getting a bath and being rewarded with treats, they’ll be comfortable with actual grooming when the time comes since they will already have a positive bond with the groomer.
Speaking of treats. I found out something I did not know. The Ameris Bank on Saint Simons offers their clients special pets “Chicken Nibbles”, these yummy treats have no fillers or additives. They are made up of 100% chicken breast. The Pet Exchange provides these special treats to the bank. I wondered why Murphy gets so excited whenever we visit their drive through window!
On a more serious note. A well informed groomer will know what to look for in your pet as they work with them. Betsy shared an amazing story with me regarding one of the pets she was grooming as we talked in her shop. This beautiful Sheltland Sheepdog, owned by Nancy Harmeyer, came for grooming a while back when Betsy immediately noticed a strange lump in the dogs armpit. She notified the owner and actually saved the dogs life with this discovery. Mrs. Harmeyer immediately took her pet, Molly, to her veterinarian, and found out the dog had a very aggressive form of cancer that was caught in time to save her precious pet’s life. Molly would not have been long for this world had the disease not been found in its early stage.
We all love our pets and their care is so very important. Finding the right groomer in your area is something to put at the top of your list! Betsy Knight certainly fills the bill!
You can contact Betsy at 912-506-0645. She schedules appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and some Saturday’s. Call or text Betsy for more information.
One Response
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local events Says:
Thanks for finally talking about > The Permanent Tourist
