“To achieve this, a connection must be made based on trust, leadership and benevolence, which are expressed through body language, touch, fairness, experience, intuition, and compassion.”
Mandy L. Tocco
2020 is my 43rd year professionally grooming dogs! Long before I started my first business in the Tri-State Mall when I was 18, I started brushing out, bathing, and drying for my mother who raised and trained poodles. My mother was Elaine Brooks, with whom I partnered in business for many years while we were running Elaine Brooks Dog Training. She was a gifted and intuitive trainer whom I would like to say passed some of her talents on to me! I am the former owner and operator of Doggie Style Grooming which was in Claymont, DE for 30 years. After decades of working in a commercial environment, I have brought my work home. I am able to provide even more conscious, connected, one-on-one grooming in a private, quaint and peaceful setting.
What I love about having groomed in the same town for so many years, is that I have repeat clientele whose dogs I've been grooming for three generations. I never take for granted how difficult it is for someone to leave his or her Beloved dog with a “stranger”. I love to start with young impressionable puppies because I am able to imprint them with a positive grooming experience. However, even if new dogs come to me fearful and cowering, with regular and consistent grooming, most eventually greet me happily. My goal is to not be a “stranger” to your dog or you!
Although I put a lot of emphasis on the way dogs are handled in my shop, I want to convey the quality of my workmanship. I am a perfectionist, and pay great attention to detail. I am artistic and knowledgeable about most breeds. I offer pattern clips, hand-scissoring, and some hand-stripping. I am a Reiki Practitioner and have always been able to communicate with dogs, especially through my hands.
“Whenever you touch another living thing with the intention of healing, you are doing so.” ~Unknown~
Because I now work alone without a staff, I am no longer accepting dogs over about 75 pounds, or that have extreme behavior problems. Though one-on-one is advantageous for most dogs, some dogs require the benefit of “hands on” assistance from more than one person. My goal is to have discerning clients who understand a good groomer creates her own relationship with their dog, and who will be returning often enough for me to form and nurture that relationship. If you would like to have a conversation to see if we both feel I would be a good fit for you and your dog, I would be happy to speak with you!
I don’t believe in having a rigid price list, as every animal and the condition they’re kept in (or not kept in, as the case may be) is different. If we have a conversation, and I’m able to ask you some questions, I will be able to give you a good idea of cost. My prices are competitive. Some of the things that can affect the cost are:
The ARDENt Groomer is open most Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Earlier or later pick-up or drop-off times are available upon request.