Jan 1, 2013 – I am entering my second year running my BuddyBarber: In-Your-Home Grooming service. Now is a time for reflection and posting snapshots of some of my most transformed dogs and cats.

I have so much to be grateful for this year – I have said some of this before, but it is worth repeating. My business has unfolded exactly as I had imagined and it has grown with a steady uphill curve. It has been a year full of very happy clients and one very happy groomer.

I have met my business goals – but most importantly, I have unexpectedly met many spiritual goals: I feel impactful in my work and my work has given me energy to fully appreciate my family and life outside of work.

I have worked with multiple matted rescue dogs – at first terrified by the sight of scissors – who seem to have conquered their fears, learned to trust me and now seem to accept the grooming process – and appreciate their glamour afterwards.

I have worked with numerous larger, older dogs that have been matted – they have missed grooming due to difficulty standing and traveling to a shop. I have groomed them on the floor and allowed them to tell me when they needed to rest –  my sense is that they have all been very appreciative of their cleaned up coats.

I have worked with many, many timid or blind dogs who seem to just need someone to quietly calm them – and I have been able to give them that through mindfulness.

I have helped several badly matted cats move freely again – and they have shown me gratitude in their immediate relief from pain.

I have worked with dogs and cats whose owners have stressful lives –  and I have been able to offer a listening ear. My sense is that the animals have appreciated this,  and in that, have appreciated me.

To me, all these happenings feel like gifts – as there grows a sharing from animal to human and human to human. My paycheck feels full and blessed, and yes, I am very grateful.