Like you, I love dogs! I own a standard poodle, which I groom myself. I had no training, other than a few tips I received from a groomer as a teenager (30 years ago … egad!) and a grooming book I purchased online. I figured if I accidentally gave her a hack-job, the hair would grow back and hopefully I’d have learned from it. I tuned into Groomer Has It when it originally aired, thinking I might learn a thing or two. While I didn’t learn any gooming tips from the show, what I did learn was what a kind, sensitive individual you are — and I began rooting for you to win the contest from very early on. You can’t “fake” the kind of sincerity you displayed; it comes from within. Don’t ever change, Artist. Your unique individualism was created by God, and He knew exactly what He was doing!

I would also like to extend my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear mother. As has been said in this thread, to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of God. May our loving, compassionate creater bless and comfort you and your family and friends during this sorrowful time. You will be in my prayers and the prayers of many.

Continued success and blessings to you!!

p.s. My standard is 3-years-old now and I have never messed up on the grooming, nor have I ever accidentally nipped her in any way (which I have read that some novice groomers do). I think I missed my calling!

p.s. I am a real “artist.”