Posts tagged "shirlee kalstone"

If you've ever owned a dog, it's likely you've experienced some sort of fur-related disaster -- a horrible smell, a sticky substance, an accidental dye job, the list goes on and on. It's one thing if said disaster makes your furry friend a little less cuddly for a day or so, but a whole other issue if your job is to make a pet look and smell perfect.

The American Kennel Club, which hosts next month's Meet the Breeds event in New York City, put us in touch with two top groomers -- Shirlee Kalstone and Jonathon David (of "Groomer Has It" fame). They told us about some of the stickiest situations they've ever faced, and shared some tricks of the trade that you can try at home!

David, who travels the country participating in grooming competitions, relies on his contacts living near the events to lend him stunning dogs. For one such occasion, he was referred to a woman who owned two Kerry Blue Terriers (a competition favorite).

Do you like your kitty extra pretty? How about a little poof on your pooch? For all our readers out there who like to groom their pets, Paw Nation asked four of the nation's top pet groomers our burning questions -- what to look for in a good pet groomer, how pet owners can save money, and of course, which celebrity pup they'd love to groom! Meet our panel:

Joey Villani is a judge on Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It" with decades of experience as a professional groomer and former owner of a pet grooming school. Shirlee Kalstone is an author of numerous books on the subject and an internationally recognized pet expert. Jorge Bendersky is a celebrity groomer based at the New York Dog Spa who has appeared on the "Today Show" and "Nightline". Manhattan-based celebrity groomer Jonathan David was the first runner-up during the first season of "Groomer Has It".

All four pet groomers will be showing off their skills this October in New York at Meet the Breeds, hosted by the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers' Association.


WHAT CELEBRITY DOGS HAVE YOU GROOMED?

Jorge: Gisele Bundchen's dog Vida, Tatum O'Neal's Lena, John Leguizamo's Chulo, P. Diddy's dogs Sophi and Chacha, Alan Cumming's Honey. I've been grooming dogs in New York City for 16 years, so the list continues...

Shirlee: I groomed Grace Kelly's (Princess Grace of Monaco) brown toy poodle, Oliver, when I worked at a salon called Poodletown in New York years ago. Elizabeth Taylor was also a customer there, and I groomed her dog.

Jonathan: I've had the pleasure of grooming the dogs of some of my favorite celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Ivana Trump, Kevin Kline and Pheobe Cates, Julie Andrews, Louise Lasser, John O'Hurley, Debi Mazar and Betsy Johnson. But when it comes down to it, they're just owners that love their pets like anyone else.


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DYEING DOGS IN BRIGHT COLORS -- FUN OR TRAGIC?

Jorge: Most dogs love getting attention, so adding color will do nothing but increase the amount of attention your fancy pooch gets everywhere! So as long as you use dog-safe products, I don't see anything wrong with it.

Shirlee: Aside from competing in a creative styling class, or participating in Pet Fashion Week or other runway show, I think it's a little sad that people would do this for no special reason. Even if they use color that's safe, it's impossible to remove in one shampoo and it takes months for the hair to grow out. For special occasions, it's better to use a little spray glitter that can be washed out with one shampoo.

Jonathan: The colors I don't mind so much; it's kind of fun. I used to color my Maltese when she was getting on in years and I swear the attention she got brought out the puppy in her again!


WHY GO TO A PROFESSIONAL GROOMER? CAN'T WE JUST BATHE OUR DOGS AND CUT THEIR NAILS AT HOME?

Read our groomers' responses on the next page.