Hi Jody, how long have you been dog grooming?

7 years. I started by volunteering in a dog grooming salon in February 2015. By the end of 2015 I was a qualified dog groomer and working full time in Hereford.

What qualifications do you have?

I hold a City & Guild level 3 in Dog Grooming and have my Canine First Aid Certificate. Before Covid I used to regularly attend seminars, competitions and shows to further my education and keep my skills sharp. I will hopefully start doing this again soon.

When did you start you own business - Daisy Mae’s Dog Grooming?

Daisy Mae’s Dog Grooming was born on 1st July 2016, I started out in a wooden cabin in my garden in Peterchurch. I had so much fun creating this space and loved working from home. By 2019 I was so busy and working long hours, I needed to look at getting a bigger premises and getting some help. In 2020 I moved into a new purpose built premises at Poston Mill Holiday Park just outside Peterchurch. This gave me enough room to employ a grooming assistant. Kerry joined Daisy Mae’s in 2022.

Where did the name “Daisy Mae’s” come from?

Daisy Mae my first dog as an adult. She was a beautiful Red & White British Bulldog who I sadly lost in 2019. Her name will live on for a long time (hopefully).

What made you want to become a Dog Groomer?

I’ve always loved animals, especially dogs - I wanted to be a vet when I was a kid. I had worked a string on office jobs, the people I worked with were great, but the work was boring! I hit 30 and thought it’s now or never! I had the full support of my boyfriend (now husband) to go back into education and retrain so I did it! I couldn’t image doing anything else now!

What is your favourite breed to groom?

Its hard to have a favourite breed but I do enjoy grooming spaniels. I also love doing the first full groom for the pups, making them look all grown up!

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Have you ever been bitten?!

Yes! Luckily only once badly. With time and experience you learn to pick up on the signs quicker.

What is the hardest thing about Dog Grooming?

There are a couple of difficult things about Dog Grooming… Firstly, the physical/manual side of the job, being on your feet all day and some breeds are very strong & stubborn! Secondly the emotional side. When you have been grooming a dog for years, you get attached to them and when they pass to “Rainbow Bridge” it breaks your heart and you miss them.

Do you have any pets?

I have one dog called Dilys (Dilly). We rescued her from The Forest of Dean Rescue in summer 2022, She is a bulldog Cross. We had not rescued a dog before and it hasn’t gone without its challenges, but we are making progress every day.

What do you do when you aren’t dog grooming?

I enjoy spending time with my family and taking Dilly for long walks. I also enjoy travelling, camping and reading. I also enjoy crafting and have a small side line business making dog collars & accessories - take a look at my Etsy store…

Favourite Dog Breed?

Anyone who knows we, knows I love Bulldogs! Yes, I know they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I couldn’t be without one in my life! They are real characters and make me smile every day.