Doc Halligan Blogs: Ep. 11 -- Cut!

June 20, 2009

I loved this week’s quick sniff challenge and am thrilled that Danielle’s winning video is on Animal Planet's website for all to see (Click here to watch!). I've done a lot of emergency work as a vet and we routinely get in a dog or cat who has torn a nail because they are too long or because the nail has overgrown and is embedded in the pet's skin, which is really painful. I also see this in private practice at the clinic I work at on Sundays too! These vet visits can all be avoided with regular nail trims. Pet owners need to take the time to either learn how to trim their pets nails themselves or have a professional do it for them on a regular basis.

Now for the grooming challenge. I was disappointed that Daniele didn't get a leg-up for beating out Lisa and Huber but what can you do? Anyway, all three dogs looked great so it just came down to splitting hairs and personal preference with regard to AKC standard. I got emotional because after filming the shelter episode, I realized that all the groomers had a huge heart and really gave everything they had to groom those dogs, especially Huber, Lisa and Danielle. Therefore, it was really hard for me to have to send someone home because I think they are all WONDERFUL people and groomers.

We get a lot of matted, unkempt dogs at the shelter and while I can give them a bath and trim them down I cannot make them look as fabulous as a groomer can and my hat goes off to all groomers because you guys can make the difference between a pet getting a second chance at life or not! Bravo Groomers!

With that said, you will probably see the kooky side of Doc next week because we really have a lot of fun shooting this show! Watch next Saturday night beginning at 8PM e/p for a recap featuring highlights and never-before-seen footage from the season. Then, the final competition begins at 9PM e/p! Who will be Groomer of the Year? Tune-in to find out!

Doc Halligan
Rescue a pet, save a life!
www.dochalligan.com

Comments

[K9 Care]

Hello Doc, Geez was this a tough week or what!? These final 3 groomers are really great. For Danielle to groom a Bichon for the ring for the first time, I thought she was super! Pet grooms are a world away from the show ring, and I hope that everyone who has been watching the show can understand just how much hard work goes into each & every dog that you do. Folks who are dissatisfied with the show need to attend a real AKC dog show and go into the grooming area and watch carefully. This is the real deal! Excellence under pressure is what showing is all about. Danielle can be very proud of what she has learned and accomplished in the past few weeks. I'm sure she will succeed in her career and become a grooming force to be reckoned with in the future! Good luck to her and best wishes for a bright career! Huber and Lisa, get ready, 'cause they are gonna bring it to you next week!! Good luck and all the best to you both! I thought it would come down to the two of you. Put your heart in it!!! Carol.

[Kate & Zena]

Awwww, Doc, here's a box of tissues! I almost started crying when you started welling up.

This week was tough but I can't wait to see who wins the title! I had a gut feeling it would come down to Lisa and Huber! They both are excellent groomers. It was sad to see Danielle go.

I can't wait for the outtakes. They look hilarious!

[marica anderson]

i think this is a great show for me to watch it. because i always want to have a groomer shop my own small busy. i am deaf. i have be to watch this show everyday sat . and i love it is help me alot to lrean from you . what i have be see those people are work so hard to the best perfcet coat. be a patint with the dogs. that i know is not easy do this. but that is good to be healing not to give up .

[Leesa G.]

Congrats on another GREAT show! I'm actually glad there was no leg-up. At this point I believe it should be a level playing field! And kudos on having a real bichon expert to assist in the judging (although I know ya'll didn't really pick him, I wanted the producers to know). And speaking of the producers, are we the viewing public being heard? Seemed like the judging wasn't "clipped" as much as in the past episodes. Maybe they did a little re-editing b/c so many were complaining? Good luck to Lisa and Huber! And to the 3 of you who have to judge!

[Claudia Baker]

I've been grooming for almost 40 years and I would never be judged by a vet! Unless they have shown dogs they know nothing about grooming them. They have their stupid little games that they play with us groomers about ear hair etc. Then they don't want to agree with us whenever we find something wrong with a dog that we send to them! What's with that! What is she even doing on the show!

[Beryl]

For the most part, I've agreed with all of the judges' decisions and felt their pain when it was time to clip Danielle. Lisa made the right move a couple of shows ago when she swapped out Danielle to save her.

The judges have a tough job. Lisa and Huber demonstrated throughout the season that they should be the top two groomers so they are both winners in my view.

[Marie]

I cant tell you how much I have enjoyed these judge blogs in combination with the show. It is a pleasant place to "be" - mostly. I have a short coated dog that is supposed to look "natural" and some owner-handled have a shave line up their butts while a pro will have the hair look like it just stopped growing short of forming shaggy "pants". Some strip everything off the dog hair and rebuild it with "products" - others dont even bathe the dog before showing - depending. Now I have some idea what's what and why. I ESPECIALLY like knowing a Vet is on board so it isnt just the dog looking good, but staying healthy and happy while looking good.

[lulu]

To whoever says a vet has no place judging grooming - are you crazy? Grooming isn't just about making some fancy dog smell good. It's about skin health, ears, eyes, the whole shebang. Doc Halligan rocks it. I went and read her book too - basic, user friendly, and is focused on helping pet owners, not making money for groomers and vet companies.