Xavier Blogs: Ep. 11 -- Cut!

June 20, 2009

And then there were three. At this stage, it's extremely difficult for us to send people home. We have to examine all aspects and to be candid, it only takes one slip of the shears or nick of the razor. I have to say that this was a fun quick sniff challenge. Shooting an instructional video is right up my alley since I have my own instructional videos, but it would've made the contestants even more nervous if both of us had been there.  Joey is a much more approachable guy than I am. Watching them freeze under the guise of the one-eyed monster was quite amusing because many of us have been there before and can relate completely. But when the videos were "in the can," it was Danielle who walked away with the win ... perhaps Groomer Has It can walk away with an Emmy!

Now, I love it when we throw pure bred dogs at the groomers! There are exact standards and everyone must do their best. What better dog to scissor than a Bichon Frise ... maybe a Black Russian Terrier? Regardless, the nice part of this challenge was that all of these dogs were retired champions. That translates into no excuses. So the groomers had to use their shears only, that is tough for some people. Wash, blow out, brush, comb, shear, comb out, brush and shear again.

Doing the walk-through on this episode was a bit of fun for me. I really love confidence and attention to detail. If you are confident, but not over-confident then you will pave your own way to success. Each groomer had their own set of challenges, but when they got to the judging room, we had to tear them apart. My fellow Bichon Frise Handler and friend, Joe Waterman was there to find those extra little details and I love just how much he knows about this breed.

When the hair settled, it was Lisa who won and her work was above and beyond the other two competitors! Her work was almost untouchable but we found a few items that could be adjusted. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep Danielle. It was a tough decision for all of us, but because Huber had the most difficult dog of the three and they both did an excellent job, we had to make a call. I hated to see Danielle go. You are an excellent groomer!

Now, on to the Final Two!

Comments

[Diane Kallighan]

What happened tonight wasn't really fair , just because Huber had the toughest dog to groom does not mean he should be chosen over Danielle. Lisa's dog had to much hair cut off and sort of looked like a dog that had an afro but the bottom half was missing. Really, Danielle's and Huber's dogs looked the best,Also,Danielle should have gotten "A Leg Up" in the competition because she won the "Quick Sniff Challenge",Danielle should not have gone home tonight Lisa should!

[Mark]

Actually Ms. Kallighan, tonights was the most fair judging of the season. For the first time the reality element was removed and it was strictly grooming that made the decision. All three are good groomers, but only one was in her element. Unfortunately for the other two, knowledge and execution of AKC standards should be the foundation for someone to tout "Groomer of the Year." You can't "wing" stuff like this, nor do the groomers who do it for real get "a leg up".

Great job judges! Great job Danielle for making it this far! Congrats Lisa!

[K9 Care]

Hi Xavier, Wow, you really were tough in the walk through! I could really see the groomers sweating it out mentally!!! A Bichon was the ultimate challenge to groom, and that's what sets some groomers heads above others. I've spoken with people who groom this breed at our local AKC shows and they spend a lot more than 3 hours on these dogs to get them ring-ready. I thought that all 3 groomers did a great job in the time allowed. Unless you show this breed,grooming them to the book standard is very difficult if you do not do it all the time. That said, Danielle can hold her head up and be VERY proud that she was there to the final 3. She did her best every week and like she said, she is a "damn good groomer". She has the heart and desire to be in one of the best professions in the world. I wish her all the best in the future. Lisa and Huber, get ready for the challenge of your grooming career!! I hope you asked Artist how it was last year during your dinner with him! It's going to be physical and brutally demanding, so get prepared!!!! Good luck and may the grooming force be with you both!! Carol.

[J.C. DogHero]

An instructional video - excellent Quick Sniff! A lot of owners feel better about trimming their dogs nails when they are shown (instead of told) how to do it. Poor Huber, it can be easy to get tongue-tied when you know you're on film and others are watching! I've been speaking in front of people for a good while, and if I've learned anything... if you think you might be going too fast, you are :)
Anyway, I think I've already shared my disastrous hand-scissoring skills, so the Bichon challenge was especially intense for me; keeping an eye out for those flyaways is indeed a daunting task. And working with a coat that was all white? I was getting "snow vision" myself!
One thing I really like about this year's groomers: they've got that rare camaraderie, despite the fact that only one of them will win. While it was tough to see Danielle go, I truly believe that the best two will be going head-to-head next week. Emotions are running high and everything is on the line... so much intensity!! I'm exhausted just watching! :)
~J.C.

[Jean Honsinger]

I have to agree with Mark I feel this was one of the best episodes to actually show off their skills and talent. I liked Danielle as a groomer and hope she goes far in what she does but as the judges also said Huber's profile was better. I think the challenge was appropriate for the top 3 to be able to handle. So it was great to see them under presser. I so want to be one of the people there next Season 3. To have that rush of emotions and pride for making it as far as they have has got to be awesome. Now I need to figure out who I want to cheer for next week! I like both of these two groomers also. Grooming Jeannie

[Kate & Zena]

This was an excellent episode. I wanted to give Huber a pair of sunglasses so he could actually combat "snow vision."

I always had a gut feeling from the start of this seasom that Lisa and Huber would be facing off head-to-head in the final episode. I don't know why those two always stood out, but I'm glad to see them as the final two. I can't wait to see what happens next week.

Zena predicts Lisa will win. She randomly pawed at Lisa's picture when I held the two up.

[lbee]

I can't be the only person who thinks that Lisa has won this hands down? From the looks of things- Huber is absolutely no competition for someone as knowledgeable and seasoned as Lisa. (But he does appear to be a wonderful person!) She's a great groomer, yes, and- though I really am not fond of her from outside experience- she can groomer circles around Huber. At least if Danielle were in the top 2 there would be a little bit of a competition. Congratulations to all the groomers on a job well done.

[Marie]

Xavier in the grooming area - I think *my* blood pressure went up a little. Then I recalled the exclusive video I watched which introduced me to your fun side.
Lisa knew AKC show moves - Go Girl!
There is a lot of bluster in the first episodes but Lisa hasnt oversold herself yet. I suspect she may be a little modest about herself! This is so different than last year, but I like it as much so far.

[K9 Care]

Hi Xavier, This week was a really great challenge for these 3 groomers. A Bichon is one of the toughest dogs to groom, no matter what type of coat they have!! Getting it perfect is more than an art, it's an inborn gift!!! Nerves of steel help also! Danielle did a very nice job on her dog to say that it was the first time she was doing a show ring groom. You were tough on all the groomers in your walk through, I could just see them all mentally sweating under your questioning! You made them think about what they might have missed and that is what they need to up the ante in their game at this point!! Good job!!

Thanks to you, Joey and Karen for all of the insight into the world of dogs that you give the television audience. If more people would educate themselves about the different breeds and their requirements BEFORE buying or adopting a pet, we would not have a need for shelters and rescue groups. I'm thankful for people like all of you judges because you try your best to educate the public in the short time allotted on the show and on the Animal Planet website. Keep up the good work and keep sharing your passion for these wonderful creatures that we all love so much.

Best wishes to Lisa and Huber for getting to the final groom-off! I thought at the beginning of the season that it would come down to these 2 going at it for the big prize. I hope they asked Artist a lot of questions at their dinner. That was a nice thing for all three finalists to be able to talk with last year's winner. Good luck judges, you have a tough choice to make next week!!! Carol.

[Leesa G.]

Good job guys! Both the contestants and the judges made for 1 of the best shows this season! I hated to see Danielle go! Best of luck to her and Congrats to her for doing as well as she did! Good luck to Lisa and Huber!!! I really hope to make it on the show next year and although I know the challenges won't be the same, I'm watching and learning! And I plan on learning all I can about Black Russians so that I can be confidant in grooming the dog you suggested (you evil, evil man! LOL). I was glad to see that maybe ya'll weren't as edited as usual. I really was curious how ya'll would make such a tough decision! And really glad the Bichon expert was there to lend a helping hand (or is it eye?).

[Shelby]

I just wanted to say great job to the groomers! That was a really hard challenge, and I thought they all did great. I have a question to the professional groomers out there: in your opinion, what breed is the hardest to get to show standard? I know it depends on the dog, but in general? I have heard many opinions, and, not being a groomer myself(yet!) I have no experiance with show clips. Please don't fight over this, I just want to know opinions!

[Leesa G.]

I can only speak from the experience I have but I'd have to say either a Bichon or The English Saddle on a Poodle. White coats are harder to see than dark although a good black coat can be difficult too. But I have heard from several people that a Black Russian Terrier is hardest. I've never actually seen one in real life. But again, it all boils down to what you learn and have more experience in. There are people that think a Bichon's easy and some terriers are hard, and some that learned on terriers that think something else is hard. So...

[Xavier A. Santiago]

Hi Everyone: My apologies for not writing in depth, but it has been an insanely crazy week. Thanks for writing! I appreciate the comments and feedback. I hope you all are looking forward to the finale! I know I am!
~Xavier

[Marie]

I'm looking forward to the finale - and the recap shows. I know for the show things are serious so I hope to see more Xavier humor in the latter. Thanks so much for these blogs and the other extras. I NEVER go to web extras for shows, or magazines, or papers, anything, but I am glad I made this exception. PERFECTION - Xavier, my piano teacher taught me this and you both are right.

[Linda M.]

hi Xavier! This was a good one. Usually,even from the TV, I can see a few boo=boos here or there,but not this time.The Bichin's are such cuties! Yes, you were tough on the walk thru,but that's what I love about you.......you know what you're doin & know what you're talking about,therefore you can be tough! I know underneath it all there's a big heart! You'd have to have a big heart,look how much you know & do for the Doggies! Thanks,you've made it a fun year again! I'll be there tonight with bells on......well on my slippers anyway...

[arlene]

I am so impressed with how
careful you are about giving
your opinion... You all made
the right choice... he's
a personal groomer... he really loves what he does...
YOU DID IT AGAIN....KEEP UP
THE GREAT JOB...