Last day of school…again 🎓
Fran with Freddie at KD Grooming
A happy day - but I will miss the team at KD Grooming
There was an air of anticipation as I was getting my lunch-bag ready and getting into the car to start my last week of dog grooming. I knew there was one assessment left to do and although I could feel the nerves bubbling up, I knew what I had to do and my aim was to stay calm and not let the thought of it potentially being an assessment day overwhelm me.
I got to KD grooming studio nice and early, as usual, and sat in the car to finish my tea in the flask, then went inside to set up my table. While I was being greeted by all the amazing staff at KD’s, I had a pang of sadness knowing it would be my last week. I check the board and recognised the dog’s name next to my name, Freddie, a Springer Spaniel. Is this the day? Considering the only remaining assessment I was left to complete was a spaniel groom will this be it? My last assessment? I start to mentally prepare myself, writing notes on my plan of work and thought back to when I groomed Freddie before. “I can do this” I thought to myself. “I’m going to enjoy my last assessment” I keep telling myself. Trying to keep up with positive self talk, something that I have typically struggled with in the past.
The pooch arrived at the salon and I start doing the health check. I notice a few matts in and around his legs and under carriage. This was not going to phase me, because I already knew exactly what needed to be done and how to tackle them. I bathed and dried the dog, paying close attention to the matts to help with de-matting later, and then the prep work was done before the assessment could start. This involved clipping around the pads of the feet, clipping the hygiene areas and tackling the de-matting. This would make the under carriage shorter but I knew I could still show the spaniel style in the assessment.
It was now time… I had done all the prep work required. The dog was fully checked over and I was given the all clear. An hour and a half to fully groom the dog. Sounds like plenty of time but in that exam situation, the time really flies by!
I start with the clipping of the jacket, making sure to blend into the furnishings (the undercarriage and the legs). Next to the feet, keeping them neat and tidy using my small foot scissors and thinners. I have a check of the time (plenty left) and onto the legs. Now to focus on the ‘theatre curtains’ on the back legs and create the D-shape on the front legs. Scissoring the chest into the undercarriage and skirt. Nearly there… just a few bits left to do: ears and tail. I scissor tear drop ears and create the flag tail. Time to check everything is in order and make sure I haven’t missed anything out. Everything done, a sigh of relief and I actually finish with time to spare. I take the dog out for a toilet, proud of what I have achieved.
I’ve done it!!!! Lisa checks over my work and takes the final pictures. I have my lunch and do some paperwork. I’m still shaking with happiness when, at the end of the day, it’s announced that I received Distinction for my final assessment and that was it, the last dog I would be grooming on my course.
A happy day but with a touch of sadness. I will miss everyone at KD grooming yet I am so grateful for everything they have done for me over the last year and a half.