Dollars and Sense

06/02/2009

Work Daze

Here's a look back at last week's show so you can get caught up for Saturday's show. Don't forget to watch Beverly Hills Groomer, Saturday at 10 p.m.!

Such cool blue golf shirts Artist's sister Arvene gave to him and Desmond this week, complete with a mobile grooming unit logo on the back! Maybe they brought in some luck: Artist's goal of becoming the groomer to the stars came a bit closer, as actress Kathy Joosten of "Desperate Housewives" wanted her dog Jackson groomed.

Kathy warned Artist that Jackson, a big brown rescued dog with a mind of his own, does not like being picked up and has yelped when he's been handled in the past. At first Jackson seemed fine, but when Desmond attempted to clip his nails, his cry of distress brought Kathy back to the grooming unit. Artist wants Desmond to learn grooming, and Desmond chafes at too much supervision by the Groomer of the Year--and poor Jackson was caught in the middle.

A visit to Le Paws, a talent agency that places dogs for TV,movies and commercials, holds great promise for Artist's business. But April, who runs Le Paws, pressed Artist to rush the grooming process on three dogs she needs RIGHT NOW!  She wants an efficient assembly line of perfectly coiffed dogs, Artist wants to do his best to make each dog a masterpiece no matter how long it takes. April thinks Artist is "defiant," Artist thinks April needs to de-stress. Adieu, Le Paws!

Artist's next meeting with financial wizard Cameron Johnson is disappointing. Cameron is pleased at Artist's progress in getting more customers, but says Artist will go broke if he continues his "one for me, one for free" program. "You have to stop that NOW," Cameron says. Artist, who is generous in spirit, says he honestly doesn't know if he CAN stop. Cameron warns that the business will not survive.

But a much brighter encounter comes courtesy of actress Wendi McLendon-Covey of "Reno 911." She called Artist to groom her cat Darla, whose girth prevents her from thoroughly cleaning herself. You gotta love Wendi. She's afraid she's a bad pet owner for letting Darla get so hefty--but seeing Wendi's animals, you know she is DEFINITELY a great, concerned pet parent! She prepares Artist and Desmond for a rough time grooming "Hurricane Darla"---after all, Artist has said that grooming a cat is much trickier than getting a dog soaped up. Wendi even offers a brief prayer with Artist and Desmond for success with Darla.

 And prayers DO get answered: Darla, a tabby-and-white kitty with scared green eyes, is almost docile in the mobile grooming unit. Other than a few complaints about the water---after all, cats are DIY groomers who don't appreciate H2O---Darla behaves purrfectly. Wendi is thrilled and declares, "Hail Artist! You're going on my speed-dial!"

While Artist is grooming Quiver, an agility dog belonging to Karen Moureaux, he gets a fun surprise: Arvene brings Artist's son Ariel to visit his daddy at work. Ariel loves seeing the sheep and ducks at the agility park, and Artist reflects on how much he misses spending more time with his son.

But business is always calling: Artist, Arvene and Desmond then visit SkyBark, a nightclub run by Brandon Hochman. Brandon's place is a very chic, dog-oriented nightclub. No, the dogs are not performing,or sipping sophisticated drinks.  Accompanied by their humans, these dogs are all well-dressed for a night on the town. Better dressed than some PEOPLE!

 Artist sets up a mini grooming station, and at first, it's the loneliest spot in the room. Then Desmond and Arvene round up some four-legged night-clubbers to see Artist--and suddenly, a long line forms! Ribbons, nail polish, a quick fluff-up--these elegant dogs look even better. And Artist is making contacts that will be the key to success: repeat business. The evening's highlight is a dog named Violet preening as Artist applies purple polish to her nails!

Next time, Artist goes for the gold when he meets Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis. Every dog in the pool!