LaShaunda Jordan | The Valdosta Daily TimesCage dryers provide safe hands-free method of drying dogs while they relax.

VALDOSTA — When Valerie Singer was in high school, she took vocational courses that allowed her to pick the career that most interested her. She chose veterinary assistance. In four years, she received hands-on experience with grooming and basic veterinary assistant duties.

“Right out of high school I worked at a grooming salon and loved it,” Singer said.

Singer also had the opportunity to work at veterinary hospitals and kennels but it was the grooming that stuck and seemed to be what she enjoyed the most.

“I like the creative aspect of it. It’s about being able to see what you are doing and to create an image of what it will look like at the end,” Singer said.

If a client comes in with a vague description of wanting their dog cut short, Singer said she has to be able to picture about seven different haircuts in her mind and then be able to describe it to the dog owner so everyone is expecting the same outcome.

Singer also hones in on the dog’s personality when determining the best style. Singer used one of her personal dogs, a schnauzer, as an example.

“Most people come in and want the breed specific cut, which is a nice long skirt and beard. For my dog that does not work. He wants to roll around in the mud and the dirt. So he stays nice and short,” Singer said.

Listening to the dog owners is really what Singer strives for so she can learn about the dog and be able to deliver on what the owner wants.

“It’s a matter of listening to the parent and telling them about the dog’s lifestyle, to be able to understand what may be best for the dogs personality,” Singer said.

A lot of people who come to Val’s Grooming Nook have no idea what they want for their dog. She said most people just want her to make their dog look nice.

“There are a lot of different cuts that are specific to different breeds. It is really a matter of what the owner wants but I still give them some guidance,” Singer said.

One of the challenges Singer mentioned is just knowing and understanding every single dog is different.

“Some dogs don’t like their feet getting done, some don’t like their face being done,” she said. “So it’s just a matter of giving the dog comfort and finding an easier way to do something to make it a little more easier on the dog.”

A day at Val’s Grooming Nook

Introduction: Valerie will meet with the dog owners and dog and get them both accustomed to the new area.

Paperwork: All pet owners fill out forms to let her know what they are expecting of the grooming as well as if there are any medical issues (i.e. sensitive shampoo), etc.

Dismissal: The pet owner says a temporary farewell and the dog finishes the beautification process.

Finish: A selfie of the dog is taken at the end and posted on the shop’s social media accounts. Then a call is made for pickup.

Pickup: Once the dog owner arrives, Singer reviews how the appointment went. They pay and can reschedule right then or call and do it another time.

Val’s Grooming Nook is located inside of Gogi’s Great Escape Animal Boarding, and Singer said she feels having a direct connection to Gogi Hinman’s clientele has helped her spread the word.

“I’ve received a lot of referrals from Gogi but I’ve seen a lot of my customers come from seeing my business on Facebook and Craigslist.” Singer said.

Hinman said her customers absolutely love the grooming addition because it is a one-stop shop.

“If they are on vacation and their dog is here. When they pick them up, everything is done,” Hinman said.

Hinman knows from experience that it is hard to start a small business, then have to start building clientele from scratch.

“Well, I already had the clientele, the facility and the overhead are mine,” Hinman said. “It would be a quick way for her to get started.”

Both owners said it is a win-win for everyone involved.

“I’ve been thrilled and the comments I get from my customers after she grooms their dogs lets me know they too are thrilled,” Hinman said.

Oden is one of the first dogs Singer fostered while working for a local rescue. Oden is about 5 years old. He is also the inspiration behind her company logo.

Singer wanted a logo that obviously promoted dog grooming but she didn’t want to stick to just a pair of scissors. So she sent her sister-in-law, who is a graphic designer, a photo of Oden and the rest is history.

Val’s Grooming Nook is located at 6717 Franklinville Road. For more information or to book call (609) 722-2017.

LaShaunda Jordan is a reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1257.