Lydia Feola of That Dirty Dog

Lydia Fiola, owner and certified pet groomer at That Dirty Dog, shares her journey into the grooming industry. She initially wanted to be a veterinarian but realized grooming was her passion. She gained experience working at a boarding facility and as a vet tech. She took a break from animals and worked in real estate to save up for her own grooming business. She eventually bought a mobile grooming van and started her business. She emphasizes the importance of business knowledge and marketing skills for small business owners. She shares her experience finding the perfect mobile grooming van and how it has contributed to the success of her business. Okay, so my guest this evening is Lydia Fiola, and you are the owner and certified pet groomer at That Dirty Dog. Yes. Let's start with how you initially got into dogs. Let's start with your childhood. I know you originally grew up in Florida, and you wanted to be a veterinarian when you were a kid? Yeah, I feel like all kids go through that stage where they want to you know, want to be a vet whenever I grow up. And then I grew up on a farm, so then that never really went away. And then once I actually started working, I quickly realized that wasn't really where I wanted to end up. So that's how I first got into grooming. And you started really early. You were about 16? Oh yeah, yeah. Like as soon as you're like legally able to work, I was there like putting in. And with the dogs, right? Yeah, it was a boarding facility, like a daycare. And then they added on training and grooming later on. So it got me to see a lot of dog behavior with other dogs, people, everything. And then that really... So that's, did that start like your interest in grooming? Yeah, since I worked my way up to be like the assistant groomer and trainer there. So I was able to actually be in the grooming salon like most of my day. And that's what started like nail trims, you know, just like me getting all that practice in. And then, yeah, that's whenever I... I would imagine it takes a lot of practice because I, you know, I do dog training. And that's one of the chief complaints of a lot of my clients when they're talking about like grooming, is that they can't clip their dog's nails. Yeah, everybody. All my clients, they're like, I tried to do it once and it traumatized me. That's why I clipped them. Or it traumatized you. Never doing it again. Touch them now. Exactly. They're like, they won't even touch the paws. They're so over it. You're going to have to give us some tips if you can. Oh, yeah. It was, it took a lot of practice, especially with those black nails. I'm so scared. I have a Belgian Malinois puppy and his, they're black. And I'm like, where's the quick? Yeah, even with some dogs today, like you can't really tell until you, you know, start clipping. And then you're like, okay, I see the dot. Gotta stop. I heard that like right in the middle of the nail, right, there's a black dot, like if you look while you're clipping. And I think like the issue, like, well, I mean, you're a professional, so I'm sure you can get it quick and easy and been doing this since you were 16 and you're what, 60 now? Wow, that's nice. It really helps to look at pictures. Like whenever I, like, of course, I've quick dogs, you know, every now and then I still do it a little bit too close with like this file, the Dremel, and it'll start opening up. And I'm like, oh, crap. But no, it's really good looking at pictures online. And then like the, if you keep seeing white whenever you're clipping, you're good. But as soon as you see the black dot, it's like time to stop. Yeah. My like worry is always I don't see the black dot, but if I cut, am I going to cut into the black dot? Like, I don't like that. Sometimes it's like you just have to do it a few times, try it out, and then you can still file. I would say like try filing with black dots because then it's kind of easier to find and not to click them. Because if you're just chopping, then yeah, you're going to get the quick probably. And then like, so you work for the boarding and the daycare for a couple of years and then you actually went and were a veterinarian technician. Is that? Yeah. Which again, like you were super young, which is. Yeah. Like, again, once I was legally able to become in like that field. Like you were going for it. Like this childhood dream is going to happen. Yeah. Like I was fully set on being a vet. I was going to go. I loved it. I love that job. And that's what got me really experienced in animal behavior and figure out the animals you can't say no to kind of thing. So that really prepared me. But again, I was like, only way to move up because I was like assistant manager there. And I was like, only way to move up is become a vet. And that's a lot of time and money that I don't want. Yeah. I was like, I know I could do it, but I didn't want to dedicate my whole life to school. And then, you know, I've heard all the horror stories of vet school and I'm good. But that was such a dope experience because you got to work with more than just dogs being a veterinarian. Oh, yeah. You get cats. You guys get guinea pigs. Oh, yeah. I've done an iguana stay. Really? I'm like, I didn't do it. I was there. I was a vet. Yeah. It was. I don't even know how these people hide an iguana. It's not like. What was his name? I have to know her name. I have to know. I think it was like Izzy, something like you would expect, you know, or like Lizzy, the lizard. Yeah. It was the only iguana I've ever done. And I was like, this is wild. That was the day it was so wild. It was a big boy or girl. And it was like suturing back leather. It was crazy. I didn't know how to get it. And then like rats, people would come in with rats for like a tumor removal. It was crazy. Yeah. I mean, if anything, that's just experience. Like being able to have that experience at such a young age, I think that's awesome. Yeah. With the cats, I tell people today, like, I would not groom cats if it weren't for me being around so many cats as a vet tech. Because I don't know. I don't even know where I'd start. But thankfully, I had the experience there that I can offer that. What's the most common thing people would come in for their cats? I feel like everybody wants their cats to look like a lion. Like they have the bushy head and the bushy tail. Yeah. Our only concerns are getting them shaved. And they always want lion cut. And I'm like, well, we can change it up. Do something fun. Like, I don't know if you've seen the ones with the dinosaur. Yep. I'm like, you want to change it up and do it this time? And they're like, no, just do the lion cut. And nails are like the only thing. Some people want to keep the tail, though. So teach them. Then from there, you actually took a break from animals? Yeah. Well, I wasn't happy about it. I was, it was more just like a trade-off. I got offered just a higher paying job. And I knew once I, like, accepted the fact, and it took me like a few months to finally quit the vet tech job just because I was so glued into it. Like, I knew everything about working there. I didn't want to leave there. I didn't want to leave the animals, like the co-workers I had. But I knew I wasn't going to be a vet. So I was like, okay, what else am I going to do? Because it's also going to be with animals in some way. Right. So I was like, okay, I'm going to do, you know, a grooming business. At first, I was going to buy a salon down there on the beach. So I'm like, okay, you know, I've got to save up more. You know, don't make that much of a vet tech. So I quit that, got into real estate, and then I saved up for two years. And then that's whenever I finally bought my grooming van that I have today. Nice. So I decided to go away from that. So it's almost like you kind of applied your knowledge there, too, to get you into the grooming from the real estate. It was more of just the money. Like, I just needed the money. I did go to school for business. And I was like, that's what you're getting at. So at least I could to kind of play the business side. But, you know, I did learn a lot from, like, getting my business degree at the same time. Right. That I was doing. When I grew up with vet tech and in real estate, I was getting that degree. Right. So that did help, especially, like, marketing my business now. It helped with, like, tips for that, all those classes. Because I think that for small business owners, I think that's, like, one of the things that when they fail, that's why. It's the lack of experience, like, on the business end of it. Like, most people are really good at their trade, but then they don't have that experience running a business. Oh, yeah. Yeah, they say that all the time. Like, in school, they were saying that all the time. Like, you have to know this stuff before you can actually. Because you can be the best at something, but don't go downhill if you don't know certain things. So then let's talk more about the mobile grooming. Let's get to the fun stuff. Yeah. So the whole thing started whenever me, my husband, my parents, anybody that knew that I was, like, doing this was just keeping an eye out on, you know, Facebook Marketplace or the website for this, like, mobile conversions for food trucks, everything. We finally found the one. I was looking this whole two years that I was working real estate for this van, and it took a long time because people were selling them up, like, the wazoo for this bungee corded tub in there, and, like, the table isn't bolted down, and then there's, like, exposed wires. And they wanted, like. Safety. And they wanted, like, $100,000 grand for it. Oh, yeah. And I'm like, no, I'm good. Or, like, the van was super old. Yeah, and it was, like, 300,000 miles, but they still want, like, 75 grand. I'm like, that thing's going to run down the next few years. I don't know what you're talking about. It's, like, from the 80s, like, one of those vans. But I found this one. My husband's parents actually lived two hours away from where he was selling it in Florida. So they were able to go down there, actually, like, look at it, and then, yeah, we flew down. I got it. I'm so happy with it. I love that. I love that rig. It was converted similar to the Wagon Tails. I don't know if you're familiar, but it's, like, the mobile conversion company that's really well-known. And he based it off theirs, but with, like, more storage. So it was just perfect. It was converted, like, beautifully. And is that still the same rig that you have? Yes, yeah. I bought it. It's a 2019 Transit, Ford Transit, with the high top. So, you know, like, six-foot or something. And then it only has, like, 27,000 miles. So I was like, okay, I'm getting this one to, like, keep for a minute. Like, hopefully it'll always be standing, even if I get, you know, something else. Cool. And you started that in Florida, right? Yeah. So I started in Florida July of last year, and then I moved here. So then I was, you know, out for a little bit so we could get situated and all that. But then I reopened in March of this year. So I've been open ever since. Nice. And I really like the advantage of seeing folks, being able to just, like, compare, even, like, pricing of the clients compared to, like, the pets here and just different things, like having an experience of different areas. Because I'm in, like, a lot of those mobile groups or Facebook groups, and they're always asking for, like, advice on, or other military families asking advice on, like, how do you do this and this whenever you move? And fortunate to have that experience, even though it sucks moving, obviously. Right. And thank your husband for his service, by the way. Oh, yeah. Thank you. How long is his tour in San Angelo? Do you know? Yeah. It's going to be three years. So in March, whenever we got here, he did, like, this instructor learning course. And then ever since then, we'll be here for three years. So. Nice. So you guys hear that. We have a really awesome groomer here for three years. Take advantage. I know. There's a lot of people that are like, you're not actually going to move though, right? Like, you can just stay here. And I'm like, sorry, can't. San Angelo, like, I know my clients, like, they're pretty dedicated. They'll just. Oh, yeah. Yeah. That's a good group here. Yeah. No, they are great. And it's cool because it's, you know, a military town and a college town. People from all over, you know. Oh, yeah. Most of my clients, like, either went somewhere else with the military and came back here to retire or ended up here and then they just never left. So they, like, love it here. And I'm like, okay. Like, that's not going to be the case for us. Sorry. We have to leave. He's still active. So you have a ton of, like, certifications and schooling. Do you want to go over some of that? Yeah. Yeah. So I went through, obviously, like, the pet grooming certification, which goes over cats and dogs. And then, obviously, my bachelor's in business and the minor in management. And then I went on to Groom Expo in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that they hold every year. And that's, like, the biggest grooming convention held worldwide. So I was so excited. And there's so many. There's, like, I don't even know how many, but there's over, like, 100 vendors for just different, like, Andes and all of them are there. Crazy. I did, whenever I was there, I did the mobile grooming safety certification course, which is just, I was really hopeful because she, like, made all these lists and printed out, like, for everybody just all of, like, the supplies that you need. And it was, like, a few things I didn't think of that I could add to, like, first aid or just, like, emergency, like, stuck on the side of the road kind of kit. Because that's, like, a big concern of mine, being mobile. Right. Just, like, oh, I'm off a tire, you know. And I'd be out, like, a whole day maybe. So I was super hopeful with that. And then, you know, she was talking about disaster, getting your, it's not a concern here, but, like, getting your hurricane list, you know, like, all that kind of stuff, earthquake, whatever. We do get some tornadoes sometimes. Yeah. So. Yep. I mean. I have gotten a lot of warnings and watches of those who've been here. And a lot of hail, too, which is not great for the van. I'm always, like, looking out the window, making sure there's no things. You got to watch out with people's accents, though, because, like, some people say hail and they mean hell. Like, they'd be, oh, hail. There's some hail lady that tripped on the sidewalk. I'm, like, what? It's sunny out. What are you talking about? I can bring your head. It's huge. So I go running into hail. And make a sweat cone. But, yeah, I got that. That was super good. I'm glad I did that. And then Ivy St. Bernard's Dr. Cliff Faber, he puts on the advanced skin and hair certification course. So it's, like, all day. That's that fancy word, the esthetician? Yeah. I hope I say that right. Well, that's another certification. But through the same school, right? Through the same school, yeah. It's the same that does it. And then his wife is the, like, certified pet esthetician. But he's a vet, like, went to vet school, did, worked in a practice for years and years. And he did the advanced skin and hair there. And it was all day. It was super long. But it taught so many, like, little things about the skin and hair that they don't even go, like, into for vet school. Like, they do six minutes of skin and hair stuff. That's it? Yeah. And that was a... That's kind of sad. Yeah. That was the fact that I was, like, whoa. Because this guy has, like, been through vet school, all that. And he's, like, yeah, they... Whenever I was in vet school, they would do, like, 10 minutes. Now they only touch on skin and hair for, like, six minutes out of their, like, course. And so he's, like, I'm in, you know, teaching more than what the vets know kind of thing. And I'm here for it. And then the next day was the advanced version of that. So I did that. And then that led me to what I'm in now. I don't have, like, the certification yet. But I'm in the first course. And then... So it's just, like, all online stuff. It really just, like, repeats what the certification course I already did. And then the second phase, like, you have to be invited to. You have to do case studies of skin therapy restoration. And then the next one, you have to get invited out to where they are in Arizona and go through, like, on-hand stuff. And then I'll be an aesthetician. But it'll be a minute. Because I only hold those, like, three or four times a year or so. Oh, man. So, like, every groomer in the world is trying to get in there? I only know a few groomers who have actually done it all the way through. Because most people will do, like, the second module. And then they can't make, like, the arrangement or whatever to get to Arizona. So a lot of people just claim they have it. But really, they have the two. I won't name any names. But... I have it. Yeah. You know who you are. But, yeah. So they have to actually research. They have it on their website where you can put in their name and see if they actually went through it. So you can go on there. Let's talk about, like, maybe unique cuts you've done on dogs or... Yeah, yeah. There's a few fun ones here. In Florida, I have, like, this really fun family of a poodle and two doodles. And she would always just have, like, a different cut for the poodle. So, like, the saddle where it's just a different length, like, longer on, like, the chest. And then, like, the back and back legs are shorter. And she'd want, like, boots or, like, pom-poms or just, like, so many different just, like, of the, you know, poodle grooms. Like the, you know, ones that you see in the shows. And it was just so fun that I was able to do that. Because most doodles poodles can't really have that long hair. But she was, like, able to keep them long. She rocks again. Yeah. She's good at brushing. Thank God. Because I would not have been able to do those. And then, like, the doodles, she was always wanting, like, a hair dye in them and stuff. And so that was definitely, like, the most fun. And that's all safe. Like, when we see the dogs coming from the groomers and stuff with the dyes and stuff, none of that hurts. No, no. I mean, it's really just checking the brand. I always say O-Paws is safe. Like, that's the one I know is safe 100%. In my van, I use O-Paws. And I tell people, if you want another color, just, I'll, you know, immediately approve of O-Paws. So just, you know, buy that if you want a different color kind of thing. I see all the comments about, like, even whenever I was posting my, like, little videos from a creative grooming contest at Groom Expo. People are like, oh, isn't that, you know, abuse? Or you're abusing him. Or it's inhumane. And I'm like, the dogs like it. It's funny what people will believe when I'm educating themselves. And, yeah, I think in any area, people have assumptions. Like, in training, there's some of my training tools and stuff, people have assumptions. So I totally get it. I'm sure. I totally get it. They see it and they just immediately think it's abuse kind of thing. But they don't really, like, obviously, like I said, all the dye is safe. Like, we're not going to put anything toxic on our dogs. And then, secondly, like, the dogs usually like it. Like, the dogs at these shows are just, like, they're getting all that attention. Right. And they love attention. A lot of them have been doing it since they were puppies. Right. So they're totally comfortable with it. Yeah. Yeah. A groomer's not going to, like, dye your dog if they're just absolutely not loving it, hating it. Right. Or take those dogs to the competition that spend, you know, like, four, six hours doing all this crazy colors, like, setting hamburgers out the side of the dog, like, the crazy stuff. Right. But the dogs are always there, you know, tail wagging. They're, like, excited for all that attention. They like it. Right. The difficult dogs, like, when you have them coming, because I know you do, how do you handle them? Like, the dogs that maybe aren't familiar with being groomed or put or, you know, any of the process. Right. How do you, how would you kind of introduce or get a dog comfortable? Things still happen. Things still happen. Like, I actually just got bit the other day. You can see it. Oh. Yeah. So things still happen. Dogs are still very unpredictable. You can't, even if you groomed this dog 10 times, it could have- A bad day. Yeah, a bad day, or it could have jumped off the couch wrong, and now when you go for that leg, yeah, it's going to, you know, might nip at you or growl, and it might be the sweetest dog, and you've done it a million times. So always remembering that, you know, dogs aren't predictable. Just kind of feel it out, but, you know, most of the dogs I do have been ones that are, like, fired from the salon, or they're, like, way too anxious at the salon, and their owners, like, hate dropping them off. They have me come to the house, obviously, and try to see if that'll work better, and I call the van, like, my magic tool, because these dogs that have been, like, fired from six groomers in town just because of all that anxiety, they nip, growl, all these things, always the little, white, fluffy dogs. Gotta love them, but all the old, white, fluffy dogs, they're always trying to get- It's a big, fluffy one. It is. Like, I would need those big dogs any day, but, yeah, those are the ones that'll get you, and that's the one that got me, so, yeah, just with those, I, you know, give them a few extra minutes in the van to sniff around. I'll sit down with them, try to get them to like me before I do anything they don't like, and be a bribe, and I'm, like, come into my van. I got treats. Yeah, dog. And they're, like, I'm, like, I can't get all the love and treats you want. Just be nice to me, please. And the owners really like that, too. They always, like, love that I spend an extra few minutes just getting to meet the dog, especially with new clients, new dogs that I've never met before. Right, just showing some love to the dog and care. Oh, yeah, yeah, just trying to get them acclimated to it, because, obviously, none of it's fun. Like, some of the noises dogs hate, like, and most of the time, it's really the noise from, like, the clippers that the dog doesn't like to be, you know, groomed, like, shaved, and then, obviously, nails is a huge thing. No dog likes that. So, a lot of dogs really don't like that, and that's what gave me my little. That's what got you. Yeah, my little scar. The nails, the jib. I think it was actually, whenever I was trying to do, like, the paw tattooing, but it's basically all the same. Anything with the paws, they. Yeah, I mean, if owners don't socialize their dogs early on and get them accustomed to having their paws being handled, ears, mouth, tail, everything, you know, bellies, then they, you know, later on, they have trouble at the groomers and the vets, you know, just being anybody trying to handle them. So, that's why I always try to tell my clients and puppies that that's, you know, super important. Make sure that you're touching their paws, touching their paws, touching their ears, touching their tails, you know. They're grooming themselves. Getting used to that. Because I can tell which puppies haven't and have. Right. Yeah, by their first groom. And I love doing, like, puppies' first groom. Love it. Because I love being the one to be able to, like, introduce them. Usually, they're real treat-motivated, so I can kind of, like, train them during to be, like, behave during certain spots, like the dryer and everything, just have that treat ready to go. So, I love doing those and being able to, like, tell the owner, hey, play with their nails more, play with their ears more, because they don't like this or they don't like that. And then, yeah, I like senior dogs, too. Like, the very opposite ends of the spectrum. Good. I do what everyone loves. Yep. Yep, I love them. Or, like, the disabled, like, one-eyed, one-legged. Can't see what you're doing. I know. That's it. Yeah, sometimes they're like, wait a minute. Don't touch me. They have to turn their whole head to look at you. It's so cute. But that's another reason I'm glad I started as a vet tech first instead of just being a groomer full-time. So you can carry over that experience. Yes. Like, that is the reason I don't immediately just, like, dismiss, like, an aggressive or just a nipper dog. That's probably the only reason I'm, like, able to be so confident, because we couldn't say no at the animal hospital. Like, it does not matter. Like, you're clipping that dog's nails. You're doing this. You're clipping their ears. Like, even if they're trying to rip your face off, like, you have to. So, that definitely prepped me for doing all those kind of dogs that, like, sometimes the owner has to even muzzle them before I can even get them in the van, because there's just some of those dogs that just hate everybody. It's a nightmare for them. Yeah. It's, like, just hate. Like, every stranger that comes in their house, they just don't do it. So, I always say I'll try it at least once. If it goes berserk, then we'll see. But do you have, like, a cut that is your favorite to do or a breed that's your favorite? Oh, yeah. I love the Schnauzer. The Schnauzer? Yeah. I love, well, the giant Schnauzers. I love, like, whenever people want them, the breed standard. I just did one that she gets the skirt taken off now, because she has, like, a ranch and all the stickers here. Great. Which is a whole other thing here that wasn't a thing in Florida, but I had to get used to it real quick here. Yeah, like, really quick. Be careful. Don't lay on the ground. Yeah, exactly. Like, even my yard is just, like, crinkles every time you walk just because all the stickers. Awful. Yeah, I love a good Schnauzer. I love the little beard, and if people can brush it, keep all the stickers out, and the mats. Like, I love keeping that. Really, any, like, poodle cut that just, like, makes them pop. There's a lot of them here. A lot of doodles here. Oh, yeah. A lot of doodles. A lot of doodles. Most of them just want them short, so it's really easy and, like, routine on the doodles I do here. But there are a few that, like, keep it long and, you know, want some kind of poodle-y cut. Fancy. Yeah. The Yorkies, whenever they want to keep, like, the legs on. They're so cute. Any, like, silky dog. Like, once you bathe them and brush them on, they, like, have that long, silky hair. The furriest. Yes. And, like, they look like a model every time. They're so pretty. They look like they're doing, like, a L'Oreal hair commercial or something. Yes, with all of the shiny, just, like, luscious hair. I have a shape extractor for this one, but I just love her little legs. Are there products that you would recommend to owners? Like, different shampoos or stuff they could use at home, like, in between their grooming? Oh, yeah, yeah. Like I was saying earlier, the Ivy St. Bernard is really good for... It's expensive. Like, it's expensive. It dilutes. All these dilute a lot. So they will last an owner probably, like, half a year. Me, I obviously go through them a lot more, but Ivy St. Bernard's really good for, like, skin issues, because obviously their program has to do with skin therapy restoration. So it's really good for... They have this... I always forget one of the names. So it's, like, Metal Red Complex or Dermacomplex. And it's for, like, the dry, itchy skin. Just, like, the kind of, like, dry sores. Really good for that. I use their, like, Eshed line that's also called, like, their Hair Overgrowth. But you use it a different way. I like that one. And then for, like, routine baths, I like Dogliness. Dogliness? Mm-hmm. Dogliness. Like, D-O-G-L-Y-ness. Got it. They're in Germany, but... So their shipping's a little expensive. Mm-hmm. For... It might take, like... You know, you can't Amazon Prime it, so it might take, like, a little bit of time to get there. Right. But I love them just for, you know, regular. Keep up for all breeds. And then same thing with Ivy St. Bernard. They all coat types. Nice. Is there anything that you don't like about the grooming? Like, is there anything that comes to mind that I could kind of do without this part or I wish this part was easier or... Oh, yeah. I wish I knew more about that. Obviously, yeah. Like, always looking to learn more. Mm-hmm. Always wanting to add more stuff. Doing research into new products. Love products. That's why I'm glad you asked that question, because that was, like, my biggest thing. I love trying out, like, every product, every D-Shed, like, line, because that's my biggest thing is D-Sheds. So I was, like, looking through all of them, trying to find the one. So, like, but the main thing I don't like, I guess, would just be, like, the... Not really, like, the grooming aspect or, like, the dogs or anything. It would be more of the mobile grooming cons of it all. Like, having to... It's not nice having to, like, oil change all the time, like, every 100 hours. It's, like, basically every week almost for me. So your maintenance. Yeah. It's, like, the maintenance of it all. Just, like, getting gas... Like, having to make sure you have gas for the generator, make sure you have gas for the actual van, make sure you have the water tank full. That's what I probably hate the most out of mobile grooming, is because you can't have an incident water tank there. So you kind of have to either watch yourself or go fill up somewhere. So it's just, like, the little things that add up with... So that's with, you know, anybody that's in mobile grooming or, you know, four-on-top there's where they can't have certain dogs or they have to put in kennels or, you know. So it's just kind of those things. Has there ever been a dog that you couldn't get in your van? Like, has there ever been one that would not fit physically? Oh, yeah. One thing I love about my van is the... So I use the table as, like, the lift to the tub instead of having, like, stairs or, like, slide up thing. So my table talks to electric, but it goes all the way down and then it'll go to, like, bridge to the tub. And the weight limit on it is 375. So I say that's my weight limit. Because I've had... That's a pretty big dog. No, I was... That's what I tell people. I'm like, well, my weight limit's, like, 375 and your dog should not be anywhere around that. So... They have a way bigger problem. Elephants? Yeah. Like, you have something. This is not a dog. Just shows up as a wolf one day, like... You know, that's, like, what I tell people whenever they're... Because there's a lot of people that can't accept big dogs. Right. You know, there's a business here that she can't just because she had back surgery. And she can't... Lift it up. ...deal with all those or have to deal with their strength. Because they'll fight you for those nails and everything. And you still have to have some kind of upper body. But, yeah, that's kind of my weight limit. So I've had two 250-pound Cancursos. Right. You guys hear that, right? How many people with, my dog's 100 pounds and nobody will groom my dog. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Any breed, right? You have... Yeah. You don't discriminate. Not at all. Like I said, it's usually the little white fluffy dogs. I've never had a problem with any aggressive breeds, like, that aren't allowed at your apartment complex kind of thing. Mm-hmm. Cancursos, any of those. Yeah. I thought they were fine. The ones I was just talking about, they were Conicursos. Yeah. And they were huge fellas. Beautiful dogs. Yeah, they're beautiful. But these two were just massive. They were 250 pounds each. So that's the highest balance. Wow. Like, over me. So they were ginormous. 250 each? Yes. Yes. They were ginormous. That's a big puppy. It's a huge, huge boy. Thankfully, they went right into the van or else they were not getting in. So there's no way. Me and the owner can't listen. Right. But dogs like that, thankfully, they can just go into the tub or else I wouldn't be able to groom them. Right. I couldn't lift them all the way up there. So there's just little adjustments to the grooming thing you have to make. Nice. To make it. All right. And there's big ones. So big dogs, cool. It's the little dogs that you feel skeptical with. Yeah. Those are just the ones that have bit you the most. Or, yeah, like, that's probably the number one of that breed that has to be muddled before they can even get in the van. Really? Yeah. I was like, and they're all little dogs that are like that. So like another one is like a mini doodle, which is a mini doodle. Super hard. Yeah. Golden doodle. Mini. So like mini poodle golden. Mini poodle golden. I know. Yeah. I do a lot of mini golden doodles. A lot. It's like a mouth. It's a mouthful. Yeah. Mini golden doodles. Say that five times fast. I probably can't. What are you going to do? What are you going to do? Yeah. I mean, it's nice because it's not as big as a golden doodle. Some of them get like XL, like 100 pounds. Huge ones. But yeah, it's usually just those small little yappers, those ankle biters. The little like security guards at the door. They get you. I've only been bit by two dogs and then actually seriously bit by a big dog once. And that was at the state fair boarding facility. I had a dog during a dog fight latch on to another dog. And I did all the protocols, like the hose and then like stopping them from being able to breathe. That's what they try to tell you. You know, open. Yeah. All the policies the company had. And then I just had to, I was like, okay, see there's this, because he's latched onto the ear and the husky. So I was like, this ear's going to come off. I don't want to do something. Like he's going to rip the ear off. And then he unlatched his jaws and then just went onto my hand. And then I was redirected off to you. You know, but I was like, at least the dog was okay. He kept his ear. And I think you still have your hands. Yeah. I still have my hands. Full motion. I was scared there for a minute, but. I bet. It's scary. Yeah. I had to go to the hospital. That was the only dog that I had to go to the hospital for. And that's when you were younger, right? And then you said the boarding. It was whenever I was like, I think I was 17 then, 16, 17. But good for you. It didn't deter you from the field or anything? You stick with it? Yeah. I mean, that wasn't my first time being bitten. It certainly wasn't my last. It was just the worst one. This last one was like top five just because it got like the skin. I mean, I've been bit like dozens of times, but it's like, you know, just contact, whatever. But like when they actually draw blood, that only happens like every now and then. And I look at them like, really? Yeah. Wow. Yeah. And I would just look down at him like, I cleaned that. I'm just texting the owner like, hey, you're going to have to get Fluffy today because I cannot get him off the table. He's trying to kill me. There's such a difference with those dogs because usually it's just a warning. It's like you go past the warning, they usually won't do it again. Cool. That dog, she is just out for blood. It's just one of those that they meant to hurt you. So I'm like, yeah, I'm not going to mess with you anymore. You can go back inside. Don't worry. I'm going to stop. So is this the mobile grooming? Do you think that with your husband being in the military, do you think it's forever for you or do you plan on having a stationary shop or salon at some point? Oh, yeah. So like I was saying earlier, whenever I first started, you know, I said I wasn't going to go down the vet field anymore. I was looking at this. So I'm from Pensacola, Florida. It's in the Panhandle. And then Destin, Florida, if you're familiar. It's like Spring Break Central, you know, like foresty. Yeah, it's beautiful there. The beaches are the prettiest in the world, but very, very busy. You know, a lot of nice condos, a lot of nice beach houses. So I had this salon that was for sale there. I was going to buy it. I had already, like, talked to investors. Cool. And then, like, my personal side hit and I fell in love. So that kind of, like, changed my plans a little bit. So while I was still working in real estate, still in school, still looking for something, I was just changed from the salon to a van. And I was like, well, it's the one that works for us. Like, I shipped it whenever we were moving because it was like a 12-hour drive for us. Right. Because we had the dogs and the U-Haul that it was a nightmare. Like, we had to take the 12. So I just shipped the van because I was like, I'm not putting all those miles on it. Like, that's my baby. So, yeah, I just shipped it, and it works for us for now. And I eventually want to expand in Florida. I just stopped accepting new clients after three months because it got crazy there. It, like, blew up there. Nice. Yeah, like, I was super thankful, obviously. But, like, not complaining, good problem to have. Right, right. But it was just because, you know, me and my mom both had so many connections there through real estate. She was a real estate agent, so we just got all the dog lovers to repost our stuff. Oh, yeah, about the mobile program. But, yeah, that's the main thing. I definitely was going to get a salon at first just because that's what you usually think of is to get a salon. Like, mobile is still kind of new. Some people still have to ask me questions like, oh, so you come to the house and, like, do you stay out in the van? Do you come in the house? Like, it's still kind of new to some people. It was new to me, so I was like, okay, at first I'm just going to get a salon. And maybe we can see about expanding to, like, you know, training, like putting another department there or, like, doing daycare or just something else. But then I was like, yeah, if I'm marrying into the military, the best one is just something mobile. Cool. And, yeah. I mean, it seems to work for you, and I just think it's, like, a really awesome idea to make everything come together for yourself. Oh, yeah. Like, there's so many people that, I mean, two trips to a grooming salon isn't a lot. It's like you live right next to one. But for these people, like, a lot of people work 9 to 5 whenever grooming salons are open so they can't drop off their dog or pick them up. So they order me, and I just can come in and, you know, groom their dogs with or without them home, and it works out for a lot of people. Or I've done, you know, seniors that can't drive kind of thing. So that makes it obviously a lot easier for them. Right. You can go right to them. Yeah. Than having to find a ride or having a family member take their dog and pick them up. That's also really nice is just being able to be... Grooming on delivery. Yeah. Literally. Her side. Yeah. But here, I'm getting kind of to that point now where it's either, like, I'm going to have to stop accepting new clients, up my prices, or get some other kind of rig or, like, salon, something. So I'm not too sure about that yet. It doesn't take you very long either. No. A lot of people need a groomer. A lot of people need a mobile groomer here. All of them are, like, planned, booked up, not able to, like, answer their phone. Yeah. I think there's only... I think I know of maybe one or two others. Yeah. There's not many. There's, like, one salon that, like, offers it in addition to. But I don't think, like, they accept new clients. And then the other ones that I know of, like, are accepting new clients or, like, the one business that they can accept dogs over a certain weight. And then all those dogs come to me. Yeah. Or, like, someone else accepting new clients, I guess. Right. And, you know, this is... Even though it's, like, college and military town, it's very small town mentality. So word of mouth is huge. Yeah. So if you're doing a good job, people are just going to, hey, this person is the person you want to do for grooming. Oh, yeah. And they're going to pass it along, pass it along, pass it along. Yeah. Really, word of mouth here is great because back in Florida, it was so spread out there. And, like, my trips were awful. Like, they were minimum 30 minutes just because of the traffic, all the beach traffic. Like, even in off season. It's, like, five minutes here now. Yeah. Like, in off season, snowbirds are there. So then it's always bad. I was wasting so much gas, so much time. Here, everything, like, all my drives are, like, five to 15 minutes. I know. It's great, right? It's so great. Like, everything is so close. I love it. And then, yeah, the people here. Like, word of mouth has probably been, like, the best tool other than, like, also, like, posting on Facebook or, like, Google page. Right. But, like, even word of mouth has probably brought me in more clients than, like, Google. Right. Googling. It's the same for me, too. Yeah. And word of mouth has been, like, my biggest promo right there. I know. I recommended you the other day. Yeah. She's like, yeah, trainer. Speaking of, like, promo, can you tell people the best ways to get a hold of you? What can I say? Yes. So, my Facebook is That Dirty Dog Grooming. My Instagram's the same. My phone number, all that's on there. My phone number, email. It's never better to call me. Just throwing that out there. I probably will not answer. I will text you back if you call or leave a voicemail. Right. But I probably will not be able to answer you right then, especially if I'm grooming and everything. Right. It's just not. It's not possible. Yeah, like a barking dog, wet hands, like. Yeah, it's. But I will text you. I will text back. How did you get your name? Like, how did you pick that name, That Dirty Dog? It's pretty dope, but how did you pick it? I love you for talking about my name. I was like, my mom picked that. My mom picked my name. So, it came from, like, I would just call my dirty dog, like, oh, you dirty dog. That dirty dog. Like, talking about, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. Like, you know, talking about my name. And I'm just stuck. I was like, I don't know what else to name it. I didn't want to make it, like, Lydia's rooming, anything like that. Generic. Yeah, I was like, I don't want to name it. Hang it in there. Yeah, I was like, I'll do a fun name. And then, like, all the people at, like, the gas station, I always hear them, like, that dirty old call. And it's just funny. Like, look at that, Cheryl. Like, are we talking about our wife? And they're like, look at Ben. Isn't that so funny? So I'm glad people like it. It seems to have good feedback from the public. It stands out. For sure. All right. Well, I think that's it. I think I've held you here long enough. But I thank you so much for coming and being my, you know, second podcast guest. Yeah. Yes. So seriously, thank you very much for coming and taking the time out. Thank you for having me. I was so, I was like, oh, she invited me on. I was so happy. Like, yeah, thanks for having me. I'm glad to be here. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye.