This is Oliver.

When I met him, he was withdrawn, fearful, and labeled “not approachable.” He had stopped engaging. He wasn’t doing well. I wasn’t even supposed to groom him that day—little did I know.

I calmly sat with him.
I didn’t rush.
I didn’t force.
I let him set the pace.

It took time just to earn his trust. Then more time to help him onto the table. The grooming itself happened slowly, in pieces. It was a work in progress—just like Oliver.

Later, I found out there had been a mix-up. Oliver wasn’t even on the grooming list that day.

The next day, he was adopted.
That experience changed how I work.

At Paws & Relax, every groom is treated as a process, not a performance. Some dogs need more time to feel safe. Some days, the goal isn’t “finished”—it’s calmer than before.

I don’t rush.
I don’t force.
I listen.

No matter the services, we have our time together to get the best possible groom possible. I enjoy helping them be comfortable — to make sure they pause, breathe, and relax before anything else happens.

Every groom is a work in progress.
Safety and trust come first.