Headline

Tail Wagger Times

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Great Dryer Debate

  With so many drying options available to groomers, some might wonder which is best. Which method can provide the quickest dry with the least amount of damage to the hair? Does this vary from breed to breed? Take a veteran groomer's advice and see which method takes best in show! Check out this award winning blogs post on dryer here: http://groomblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-drying-methods-forced-air-vs-stand.html

For even more drying insight, check out her " Drying Science and Pet Grooming" post here: http://groomblog.blogspot.com/2007/05/applying-science-of-drying-to-pet.html

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Packaging Your Blades For Shippment

     One of the questions we're most frequently asked is, "How do I ship my blades to you?"  While they need enough packaging to ensure safe intact delivery, you don't want so much as to weigh it down and cost a ton for shipping. Here is what we've found to the be the best (and worse) packaging practices.


  Frank Rowe and Son Presents:
The Do's and Don'ts of Packaging Your Blades
 
  • DON'T put all your scissors and blades into the same box/bag without cushioning. If they're loose, they will crash into one another and probably break some teeth.
  • DO wrap each blade/shear individually. We've found wrapping them in newspaper, paper towels or plastic shopping bags is a sturdy and light weight alternative to purchasing bubble wrap. Also, if there is empty space in the box, stuff it with paper, plastic shopping bags, etc.

Luckily, everything was still inside!
  • DON'T ship your blades/scissors in a simple letter envelope. They will  break through the envelope and get lost in the Post Office system for a week or two. (Trust us on this one.)
  • DO stop by the Post Office to pick up a FREE mailing box! Add postage and insurance if desired. Bubble-mailers are another great shipper. These envelopes are sturdier and have bubble wrap inside for additional protection. Which ever one you chose, be sure to seal off the weak spots with tape!

  • DON'T assume your name and return address on the box will suffice. The package can be damaged in transit and your information may be missing. 
  • DO include a Customer Shipping Form. (Click here to view the printable PDF,)  Printer not working so well? Throw in a paper with the following info:
    • Name (Contact name and company name)
    • Phone Number
    • Billing and Shipping Address
    • Payment Info (if using credit card, include number, expiration date and 3 digit security code)
    • List what you're sending us (ex. 3 Arco blades, 2 scissors, 1 AGC Super 2 Speed)
    • Tell us what you'd like done and if there are any particular issues with your equipment. ( ex. Andis # 7 blade is dragging and AGC Super 2 Speed is running hot!)
    • Optional:
      • If you'd like to be called with a repair estimate before we proceed with repair, please let us know. Without a call request, we will go ahead with the repair, as long as it is reasonable. Any repair that is not cost effective will be called before repair is performed.
      • If you'd like insurance on your return package, please state the amount. USPS and UPS will only replace missing items if they are insured.

For more information on our order process, see our FAQ Page, email us, or call us (717) 533-4426. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hazards of Halloween

       Let’s be honest here, it’s been hard to fight the many temptations that come with Halloween: candy bars, over priced decorations, and worse of all, the urge to splurge on that adorable cow boy costume for your pet. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, you may certainly regret it……much like eating those candy bars. To have a safe fun filled night with your pets, beware of the Hazards of Halloween!



Costumes: Be aware your pets may not be as amused with their get-up as you are. For example, the only thing putting a costume on my cat ever accomplished was refreshing my first aid skills. To prevent unneeded stress for you and your pet, buy a something that fits well and does not have a mask. Costumes should leave enough room to move freely without creating a tripping/snagging hazard. Make sure that costume never affects the animal’s vision, breathing, sense of smell, or ability to run/walk/sit. Need some ideas? Here are some of my favorite Canine Costumes of this year.


http://dog-milk.com/halloween-hounds-2011/


RAWR! How can you not giggle at this tiny t-rex? Just make sure those arms don't turn into chew toys!


http://dog-milk.com/images/2011/09/dogcostumes_rodeo.jpg






I’m a big fan of this guy. Easily adjustable for a comfy fit, won’t restrict of over heat, and most of the costume is behind him where he’s less likely to chew it up. Yee-ha! Get a long little doggie!


http://blog.blanketid.com/2011/10/make-it-a-stylish-howl-o-ween/



http://www.fidofriendly.com/images/sized/files/pupto_thumb-224x357.jpg




I simply cannot get over how cute this is….and I’m not even a Star Wars fan! If you are, click here to check out this video of another intergalactic costume idea!






This guy is my favorite for a few reasons. Its so creative, yet simple enough to make yourself—looks like all you need is an e-collar, wood dowel, two Styrofoam balls and one cute pooch!







 


It’s very important to give the costume a dress rehearsal before the big night. Feel free to encourage them with treats, but if it’s been 30 minutes and your friend still isn’t comfortable, let him go in his birthday suite. Remember: even if you pet is content in his new duds, never leave them unattended in it.


Candy: Even fun sized candies aren’t healthy for your four legged friends. Ingredients found in candy such as the Theobromine or Xylitol can put some serious hurting on your pets night. Symptoms include tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive urination. If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous to their health, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Chocolate or not, any candy wrappers or sticks could also be dangerous. Keep candy out of reach and be sure to buy or make your pets their very own Halloween treats. Check out some links below!


  •  http://www.pawesome.net/2011/09/blue-buffalos-boo-bars/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pawesome+%28Pawesome%29&utm_content=Google+Reader



Trick or Treaters: Even the friendliest pets can get spooked with all the extra festivities going on around them. Constant door bells and strange people outside could scare them into unfriendly behavior or even darting outside. Be sure that your animals have up to date ID tags, or are kept in a closed room. (With food, water and a litter box of course!) Also take any outdoor cats inside for the night, if possible, just to be safe. While I’d like to think the practice of harming animals on Halloween is outdated, there is still potential danger from trouble makers.


Decorations: Be sure to keep curious critters away from decorations that may be new and intriguing them. Open flames as candles, jack-o-lanterns are at risk of being knocked over by a happy dog’s wagging tail or a curious cat. If you animal is a wire nibbler, be sure to conceal or protect wires of lights, fog machines or any other fright night equipment.

Whether your pooch is dressed as the boogie man, or hiding from the boogie man, be sure to have a Spooktacular Halloween!!

-Frank Rowe and Son


Costumes:



Healthy and Safety:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Back to School Blues for Pets

For many families, going back to school is a rough transition--even more so for parents facing empty nest syndrome. But few realize the effect school has on the family pets. MSNBC has highlight this issue in the article, "Battling back-to-school sadness for pets."

Research shows that at least 1 in every 6 dogs could show signs of separation anxiety. Not only are their lives suddenly slower paced, but the end of a fun filled summer means a decrease in the affection many pets feed off of. This could be especially true when a dog's best friend heads off to college and out of their daily lives.

According to the article, symptoms include decreased appetite, increased indoor accidents and uncharacteristic whining or destructive behavior. Even cats could exhibit some of these symptoms, they are also prone to excessive self grooming.

For treatment options, read the full article here. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)