ABC Grooming Instruction Program Canadian Student of the Month– February 2014
Lindsay Horobin
Lindsay Horobin lives and works in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is a graduate of Animal Behavior College’s Dog Obedience Program and a soon-to-be graduate of it’s Grooming Instruction Program. Lindsay is currently working on her externship at Devine Doggies in Calgary. She loves grooming because it allows her to be creative and still help animals look and feel well and find homes.
What prompted you to become a pet groomer? Was there a specific event, circumstance or person who inspired you to pursue this career?
I have a degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, but have never been entirely sure how to incorporate my love of animals into my career. I really wanted to pursue something I would love for my entire life. I decided that I wanted to concentrate on animal rescue. The best help I can give to needy animals is to get as educated as possible about their care, which is why I have studied both dog training and grooming through ABC.
What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?
My most rewarding moment was when the owner of an elderly Bichon Frise came to pick up her dog after his grooming. This dog had arrived at the shop in desperate need of a good bath and haircut. Also, as an older dog, he had several growths over his body and head, making the body clipping more challenging than usual. I helped the other groomers with the bathing and clipping—we did the best we could. When the owner arrived I quite honestly was expecting a complaint. When the dog was brought out, his owner was crying. Apparently, she had been having some problems finding anyone to groom her dog and was beginning to feel somewhat helpless. Just to see her beloved pet cleaned, brushed, and fussed over was really all that the owner had wanted, and she was overcome with emotion.
Describe a humorous moment you witnessed or took part in while working at your externship location.
On one of my first days at the externship location we were preparing a large dog to bathe. Because he was so big, and because I was so new, I needed the help of both the shop owner and an employee to get him into the tub. I was trying to help push the dog up by his side, while the other two were pushing at his rear end. Quite suddenly, the dog leapt forward and into the tub, simultaneously, the shop owner yelped and ran into the other room. After the dog was secured in the tub, I poked my head into the other room to find out what happened. The two ladies were laughing hysterically. Apparently, while trying to coax the dog up the ramp and into the tub from the back, the shop owner’s finger accidentally slipped into the dog’s :rear portal,” which was most likely what spurred the dog to finally jump into the tub, and sent the shop owner to race to the nearest sink for a good washing.
What has your experience been like in the ABC Grooming Instruction Program?
Both of my experiences with ABC, in the Dog Obedience and Grooming Programs, have been excellent. Studying online has its limitations, and ABC understands and manages all of these limitations very effectively. There is always instructor support, either online or over the phone, and the college’s staff will happily go out of their way to ensure the success of the students.
What are your future career plans?
I would like to work in a grooming shop for a few years to build my confidence and skill. During that time, I would really like get more comfortable with trimming nails and master breed specifics as well. I think learning about and working with the different breeds and learning the cuts will be really fun. After working in a salon for a few years, I would like to work for myself. I really want to focus my knowledge and skill to help groom and train homeless animals to help them find lifetime homes.
