The Poodle Groomer, aka Arrowelle Black, hosted a local Poodle Community Dinner at the Five Flags Hotel at Campbells Creek on January 11.
Arrow said the Five Flags beer garden was bursting at the seams with proud poodle owners and their magnificent pooches for the local networking event.
The Yapeen-based groomer said it was a wonderful opportunity for poodle owners from across the region and beyond to gather, share tips and advice, and for the dogs to enjoy some socialisation.
“Thanks to the team at the Five Flags for their wonderful hospitality and to our fellow patrons for their patience and understanding with our furry friends. They certainly had a few admirers!” Arrow said.
Arrow has a small business that specialises in poodle grooming and in particularly teaching poodle owners the skills to groom their own pets.
“I have worked as a groomer for 30 years and worked in some really big and bustling city pet salons in the past. But since making the move to regional Victoria my focus has really shifted,” she said.
“I have have enjoyed working on individual dogs in my peaceful salon on my rural property at Yapeen, and have also been travelling the country running training workshops to teach poodle owners to groom their own dogs.
“I’ve completed two Australian tours now, passing on my skills to fellow poodle lovers across the country.
“I am a poodle tragic. But they are certainly a unique breed that come with complex grooming regime and a range of complex health issues including eye issues and ear infections through to problems with grass seeds in their toes. Regular grooming is key to keeping many of these potential health issues at bay.
“What I have found is the dogs prefer to be groomed in the tranquil surrounds of my home saloon or at home by their person, the person they trust the most. It’s less stressful for the animal and the owner. It just makes sense.”
Arrow said as a result of the sheer amount of upkeep required and, in more recent times, cost-of-living pressures, many dogs were being surrendered as their owners couldn’t cope.
She works with the wonderful team at Chally Animal Rescue, fostering poodle rescues and grooming, training and nurturing them until they are ready to move on to their ‘forever’ homes.
“I am currently working with a couple of poodles that have come to me all the way from Western Australia!” Arrow said.
“Leesa of Chally Animal Rescue is my mentor. She is simply amazing and has been so encouraging and supportive. Whatever the dogs need they get, whether its surgery or treatments. Chally take care of it all and work hard to find suitable loving homes for these beautiful creatures.
“It is a lot of work and it’s always hard to say farewell when it’s time for them to move on, but it’s just so rewarding.”
To learn more about Arrow and her work visit thepoodlegroomer.com.au or check out the The Poodle Groomer Facebook page.
