Helen - Grooming Therapist Practitioner
Our Story
We started holistic k9 grooming therapies with a simple goal in mind: to create a safe and comfortable place for dogs.
My name is Helen, and I am a grooming therapist practitioner. I believe it is essential for pet owners to understand the background of the individuals who work with their animals, as this can foster trust and connection. Therefore, I would like to share my story.
I was born in the countryside, surrounded by a variety of animals. At just eight weeks old, I underwent surgery, and during my recovery, I was nurtured on milk from our goats, eggs from our chickens, and fresh produce from our garden. My aunt and uncle owned a farm, where I spent time milking cows and collecting hay bales.
After completing my schooling, I pursued A-levels in Biology, Psychology, and Sociology. However, I soon realised that these subjects did not align with my aspirations; I sought a more creative and active career. Subsequently, I qualified as a hairdresser and established my own salon. Unfortunately, this journey was not without challenges; my health began to decline, culminating in a cancer diagnosis during my pregnancy. I underwent chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant, and ultimately entered remission while delivering a healthy baby boy amid the first lot of treatment.
As I rebuilt my life, I found myself surrounded by friends with working dogs and became captivated by their training and skills. Observing the dogs' joy in performing their duties sparked my interest, leading me to acquire a working cocker spaniel, to which I devoted significant time for training.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, my compromised immune system necessitated isolation, prompting me to delve into literature. Having always groomed my own anxious dog, I developed a keen interest in the grooming field.
After receiving a COVID vaccine, I experienced a severe reaction that exacerbated my myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), leaving me bedridden for weeks. The prescribed medications offered little relief, merely masking symptoms and adding to the strain on my already compromised nervous system. My consultant suggested I consider a career change, leading me to explore alternative paths. This exploration introduced me to holistic practices and therapies.
Alongside this journey, I pursued City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in dog grooming, which proved to be one of the best decisions I ever made. My interest in diseases and disorders related to animals grew, prompting me to complete pet first aid and microchipping courses. I discovered that many of the health concepts I was studying for myself were applicable to dogs, who, unlike us, cannot articulate their discomfort. I recognised that many dogs exhibit anxiety during grooming and simply require reassurance and calming techniques. Having personal experience with the fight-or-flight response, I understood their struggles in stressful situations.
Curious to see if Reiki, which had been beneficial for my own well-being, could also assist dogs in grooming, I conducted extensive research. This led me to Tellington T-touch, a technique designed to calm and soothe the nervous system. Attending the T-touch course was enlightening, and I subsequently took a course on crystals to learn about their natural energies, which had also positively impacted my autistic son. I then explored cooperative care techniques to teach dogs that the grooming table can be a safe and comfortable space, enabling a collaborative and enjoyable experience for both the dogs and myself.