Here Kitty, Kitty!
Episode 5 recap: “Meowza!”
Will and Jessica return to the Dog House, and the remaining groomers all seem shocked to discover Amber is no longer a part of the competition. Malissa continues to argue with Jonathan and Kathleen, and is particularly miffed that Kathleen took over her dog during the Fashion Show Grooming Challenge. “It was slap in the face,” she explains, but Jonathan and Kathleen have no intention of making any apologies.
The next morning, Nemo shows up in what appears to be lifeguard gear, and when the groomers follow him to LAFD Fire Station 29, they find out why. Jai is on hand along with Denise Fleck, an expert in the field of pet first aid and safety, and that’s exactly what the focus will be for this week’s Quick Sniff challenge. After receiving a tutorial from Denise that covers everything from treating cuts and stabilizing broken legs to administering CPR properly, the groomers find out the details for the Quick Sniff. Using stuffed, “stunt” dogs (sort of like the animal version of the CPR dummy Annie!), they will tackle three “situations” – first, they will have to tend to a long-haired dog with a nipped ear that is bleeding profusely. Next, they must muzzle and splint a German Shepherd who fell off the grooming table. Finally, they must resuscitate a dog that has stopped breathing. The groomer who completes all three tasks properly with the best time wins. As a reward for winning last week’s Grooming Challenge, Jasper is told he’ll get to shave five seconds off of his final time.
Artist sets the bar with a time of 2:27. Malissa makes it a point to say that she does indeed know the difference between stuffed animals and real animals (thank goodness!), but doesn’t come close to beating Artist’s time. Jorge and Jonathan do slightly better, but it’s still Artist who’s on top until Jasper gives it a try. His quick thinking and smart choice of using a toilet paper roll to splint the stuffed dog helps him breeze through the challenges, ending up with a new best time of 2:03, which drops down to 1:58 once his bonus 5 seconds are shaved off. Will moves like molasses and when hits the 4 minute mark, Jai tells him not to bother. It’s up to Kathleen to knock Jasper out of first place, and though she moves through each element confidently, she comes in a 2:04 so it’s not enough. Jasper wins the leg up to use during tomorrow’s Grooming Challenge.
Back at the Dog House, the stress of living under one roof seems to be taking its toll on the groomers. Jonathan and Jorge talk more smacks about Malissa, who meanwhile has decided to treat Kathleen like a ghost until she apologies. Jorge and Jessica snip at each other, and Jorge ponders putting a muzzle on Jessica to curb her comments. I think EVERYONE needs a nappy poo right now!
The next day, the groomers gather in salon and Jai introduces them to special guest judge Donna Eisenberg, who is an expert on today’s breed. Jonathan wonders if it will be some sort of rare breed, while Artist thinks it might be a raccoon or a horse and Malissa hopes for a monkey. None of their guesses are on target – this week, the focus is actually on cats – long-haired Himalayan cats to be specific! Jasper gets first pick of the litter as his Quick Sniff reward, and Donna gives the groomers a few kitty pointers, emphasizing the importance of staying calm. Jorge likens his approach with cats to his approach with women, which involves pleasing them and telling them what they want to hear to get them to do what you want. Oh, so that’s the trick? Good to know!
With just two hours to groom, everyone gets right to work. Dr. Karen makes the rounds, noting that the key is going into the task with a certain amount of confidence so the cats don’t sense any stress. Between the water, brushing, and various loud noises, none of the cats seem too psyched about the entire process, though Will, Jasper, and Kathleen seem to be faring the best so far. Artist’s cat makes his feelings very clear, peeing JUST as Artist is finished drying him, and adding insult to injury by, as Artist puts it “boo booing” on the table, leaving “chocolate truffles” behind. Let’s just say this is not the kind of “candy” you want to give your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.
Malissa’s cat is also less than cooperative, though she boasts once again about her “seventh” sense – perhaps it needs a tune up? Jorge and Jonathan then spot Malissa cutting her cat’s whiskers, which had been deemed a big no no by special guest judge Donna. Apparently Malissa misheard her, but regardless, Kathleen seems truly appalled by her obvious gaffe, saying, “She should not have been in this competition to begin with… she is an insult to my gender.” Yikes – guess you two won’t be sharing one of those broken heart “Best Friends Forever” necklaces anytime soon?
The judges examine the groomers’ work, assessing their ability to keep their clients calm while showing their cutting expertise. It doesn’t take long for special guest judge Donna to spot Malissa’s errors, but when she questions her about it, Malissa claims she scissored the face like she was asked to do. Donna immediately sets her straight, saying, “No, I said DON’T scissor the cat’s face,” and so begins Malissa’s back-peddling full of hems and haws. She of course ends up in the bottom two, along with Artist, whose serious lack of confidence doesn’t bode well with the judges.
The J’s – Jonathan, Jorge, Jasper, and Jessica – are declared safe. Will and Kathleen earn this week’s highest honors, with Will getting praised for his successfully tackling an extremely matted kitty, while Kathleen earns mad respect for her overall skills and approach. Ultimately, they crown Kathleen the overall winner.
Back to the bottom – will it be Artist or Malissa who is sent packing? While the judges all shake their heads at Artist’s display of unusually low self-esteem, its Malissa’s lack of skills that ultimately bring about her demise. Joey even goes so far as to say that her performance is more reflective of someone who has been out of the business for years and is just getting ramped up again.
When the verdict is revealed, Malissa emotionally breaks down and though Artist tries to comfort her, she pushes him away. During her exit interview, Malissa makes it clear that she doesn’t think she deserved to go home – but who does? I mean really, I doubt anyone would ever say something like, “Yep, I deserved it - the judges were spot on! Kudos to them!”
Thankfully, though, before her final curtain call, she finally realizes her “seventh sense” goof – maybe now it will start serving her better!
What did you think about the episode? Who do you think should have gone home? Leave a comment and give me your two cents!
You’ve been in the grooming industry for almost half your life. What’s your favorite part of this business? What’s the most challenging?
Pink became somewhat of your signature – personally, with your own dog, and even in some of your grooming throughout the competition. Can you explain when and how the fascination began, especially when it comes to dyeing dogs pink?
You’re also quite the entrepreneur – now at age 20, you already own a successful pet boutique and spa with plans to open a second location soon. Where do you get your entrepreneurial spirit?
Malissa seems confused by how to use ear powder correctly on her Yorkie Poo, while Artist wrestles with a rambunctious Oliver, a Bichon who is not at all psyched about his ear cleaning. Neither is Dr. Karen, who is walking the floor and making comments. She also tells Jon that he looks stressed out and questions whether or not he got soap in his Great Pyrenees’ eyes. Meanwhile, Will seems to be in love with his Poodle mix, Rosie, spending a good deal of time building rapport.
You’ve been involved in the grooming business for around seven years. What first drew you to this business?
Kelly Capponcelli: My responsibilities are always first and foremost to protect the animals and make sure they are treated humanely with the respect and compassion they deserve. A television or film set is a busy place and American Humane is there to ensure that production pressures never compromise the safety and care of the animals. When on set we look for everything – food, water, shelter, footing, animal action, weather, proper rest periods, special effects, animal stress, animal health and more. Any product or costume to be used on the animals must be cleared with us first. American Humane has 82 pages of Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media which are the gold standard for animal care in the entertainment industry. These guidelines were followed on the set of Groomer Has It.
Meet Sarah Grace