Ruff Life Grooming

Hey guys! I have some good and bad news to share publicly. Some of you are aware but for those that aren’t, I am leaving dog grooming. Trust me when I say that this was not an easy decision to make. I’ve been working my dream job for the last 6 years and as a general rule, I STILL love coming to work each day. However, with the rising cost of life, heading back to my Human Resources roots is necessary so I can make a more dependable living and plan for the future.

I am working on contacting everyone individually who has an upcoming appointment with me so I can either move you with another groomer or help you out with recommendations. The groomers at Sophie’s are all wonderful and will have my notes for your pup’s regular haircut. Contacting everyone will take time so bear with me. I promise I’ll get to you before my last day on Oct 16.

Again THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with your furry family members. I loved each one of them like my own and will miss them terribly ♥️😩

Christmas is exactly 3 months away and appointments are quickly disappearing for December!
We highly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your pup will look their best for Santa’s arrival!
Send us a message or call the Boutique at 709-368-5439 to secure your spot with your favourite groomer. 🎅🏼🎄

When we drop our pets off for daycare or boarding, we're trusting someone else with a member of our family. We expect them to be safe, supervised, cared for, and treated with the same kindness and consideration we would give them at home.

Many pet owners may not realize that dog boarding/daycare is not a heavily regulated industry, meaning virtually anyone can open a facility without mandatory animal care certifications or specific staff training, and there are no standardized set of requirements for things such as dog to staff ratios, housing, supervision, cleaning procedures, etc.

Pet owners deserve to know how their pets are taken care of behind the scenes, so here are some questions that should be asked before trusting a facility with your pet.

🐶ASK HOW DOGS ARE HOUSED

Find out exactly where your dog will spend their time.
• Are dogs housed individually, in pairs, or in groups overnight?
• What type of kennel or enclosure is used?
• Are dogs ever left unattended?
• Are there cameras or other monitoring systems?

🐕 ASK ABOUT SOCIALIZATION
“Dogs play together all day” isn't necessarily a sign of a good daycare.
• How are dogs introduced to one another?
• Are playgroups based on size, temperament, energy level, and play style?
• What happens when a dog becomes overwhelmed or doesn't want to play?
• How are bullying, resource guarding, mounting, or inappropriate play handled?
• What happens after a disagreement between dogs?
• Are dogs ever given breaks from group play?
A good facility should understand that not every dog wants or needs to socialize constantly.

🍽️ ASK ABOUT FEEDING
If your dog will be eating at the facility, ask:
• Are dogs fed individually or together?
• How are food allergies and dietary restrictions handled?
• How is food stored and labelled?
• What measures are taken to prevent dogs from accessing another dog's food?
• Are medications administered? If so, by who and how are they documented?
Food and high-value items can create situations that require careful management, even between dogs who normally get along.

🚨 ASK ABOUT EMERGENCIES
This is one of the most important conversations you can have.
• What happens if a dog is seriously injured or becomes critically ill?
• Which veterinary clinic do you use?
• Is there someone on-site or nearby outside of regular business hours?
• Are staff trained in canine first aid/CPR?
You don't want to find out what a facility's emergency plan is after something goes wrong.

👀 ASK ABOUT STAFF
Ask who will actually be caring for your dog.
• How are employees trained?
• Do they have experience reading canine body language?
• Are they trained in dog handling and safe group management?
A facility can have beautiful kennels and play areas, but proper supervision and knowledgeable staff are what ultimately keep dogs safe.

Your dog cannot ask these questions for themselves.
You are their advocate.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Because when you leave your pet in someone else's care, safety should never be an assumption. It should be something you can see, understand, and feel confident about.

We are LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY from this years Paws on the Pond Event! 🙀

We’re so excited to have The Pawffice joining us and leading this year’s walk around Quidi Vidi Lake! 🐶🌊

Owned by positive reinforcement dog trainer Amy Walsh, The Pawffice is all about helping dogs learn, have fun, and build confidence through positive experiences.

Grab your walking shoes, bring your four-legged friends, and get ready to hit the trail with The Pawffice as we come together to support animals in need!

Want to get involved? You can support by making a donation or registering to join us at this year’s walk!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/spca-newfoundland-labrador-st-johns-branch/p2p/POTP2026/

Totally recommend this class if your dog struggles around other doggos ❤️

Confident Canines is back, and we have two new classes starting this Fall!

This class is designed for dogs who struggle with reactivity, leash frustration, or confidence around other dogs. While we'll incorporate some foundation training, our main focus is helping both dogs and their handlers feel more comfortable, confident, and successful in real-world situations.

Because of the nature of this class, spaces are very limited to ensure each team gets the attention they need.

Class Details:
🐾 8-week session
📍 Outdoors in Kenmount Business Park
🗓 Tuesday evenings from 6:30–7:00PM or 7:15 - 7:45PM starting October 6th
💲 $230 + HST

If you think this class could be a great fit for you and your dog, please complete the application below. Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot, as each application is reviewed to make sure the class is the right fit for everyone involved.
Approved applicants will be contacted directly, and full payment (via e-transfer) will be required to reserve your spot.

Apply here:
https://forms.gle/znaQxq9MvVM3jdAT8

Rub a dub dub, Beau is having fun in the tub 🤣🛁🐾

🧠 MINDSET MONDAY

Your dog's "normal" is one of your best first aid tools.

You don't need medical training to notice when something isn't right.

You need to know your dog.

How do they normally breathe when they're resting?

What color are their gums?

How quickly do they bounce back after exercise?

How much do they usually drink?

What's normal energy for them?

Because sometimes the first sign of trouble isn't dramatic.

It's simply...

"That's not like my dog."

🐾 They're quieter than usual.

🐾 They're breathing differently.

🐾 They don't want breakfast.

🐾 They're suddenly restless and can't settle.

🐾 They're moving differently.

🐾 Something just feels off.

Don't dismiss that instinct.

You see your dog every day. You're often the first person who can recognize that something has changed.

First aid isn't always about bandages and CPR.

Sometimes it starts with noticing.

❤️ Learn your dog's normal—so you're better prepared to recognize their not normal.

Pause. Assess. Respond.

🐾 What little behavior immediately tells you something isn't quite right with YOUR dog?


PC Moshehar Pixabay