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How to Survive the Holiday Rush

Need tips on surviving the Holiday Rush? Check out this roundup of links to our archives on the topic.

Remember Self-Care:

  • Physical Health – You’re an occupational athlete! What does it take to stay in top form?
  • Food Prep – Plan meals ahead to stay “fueled” for top performance
  • Mental Health – What helps you destress? Pre-book a relaxing massage or schedule time for relaxing hobbies.
  • Pace Yourself – Know your limits and when to say no.
  • Stay Merry – Keep the spirit in the season!

Resources for Surviving the Holiday Rush

From the Archive: Videos at Learn2GroomDogs.com

Preparing for the Holiday Rush with Melissa Verplank

Tails from Holidays Past

Creating Holiday Ornaments on Hip Rosettes


Help Pup Relief Tour International Give the Gift of Grooming Tools


Join the ParagonCares team in helping the Pup Relief Tour advocate for animal welfare and develop the grooming profession in its Africa 2025 Mission! The quest is to outfit 50 grooming students at two developing grooming schools with a complete toolkit to launch their careers. You can participate by either supplying tools directly, by purchasing at the Amazon Wishlist, or donating to the Pup Relief Tour’s GoFundMe campaign linked below. For more information, email thepuprelieffund@gmail.com.

Background:

The Pup Relief Tour Africa 2025 is a humanitarian initiative focused on providing essential grooming services to dogs in underserved communities across Africa. It’s mission is to improve the well-being of dogs by providing grooming services.

  • 85% of pet owners in rural African areas report lack of access to professional grooming services, which leads to an increase in skin diseases and infections in pets.
  • 60% of dogs in underserved communities suffer from preventable health issues such as parasites, infections, and matted fur.
  • The initiative includes establishing two permanent grooming schools for long-term training and education of local groomers in Nigeria and Ghana.
  • The PRT Team will provide continuous education and certification for local groomers, ensuring sustainability in grooming practices. Students will have access to industry-leading tools, trainers and resources, including partnership with Paragon’s Groominar® Network.

 

Here’s a List of Tools Needed:


Help the Pup Relief Tour International 2025 Campaign

Paragon is proud to support the Pup Relief Tour’s International grooming initiatives! Here’s a quick peek of what the team is up to in 2025 – scroll through the instagram slides to see ways to support the initiative. Check back soon for details on our tool drive and how your old equipment can help new groomers get started abroad!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pup Relief Tour Inc (@puprelieftour)


Paragon Now Offers Affirm Pay Over Time

We’re excited to partner with Affirm, giving you the flexibility to pay on your terms. Next time you’re shopping with us, just select Affirm at checkout to split up your purchase into monthly payments as low as 0% APR.

Transparent
Affirm tells you the total amount you’ll pay up front. That number will never go up.
Flexible
You choose the payment schedule that works best for you.
Fair
Affirm doesn’t charge late fees or hidden fees of any kind, ever.

How It Works

1. Fill your cart
Select Affirm at checkout, then enter a few pieces of info for a real-time decision.
2. Choose how to pay
Pick the monthly payment plan you like best. You’ll never pay more than you agree to up front.
3. Pay over time
Make payments at affirm.com or in the Affirm app. You’ll also get reminders by text and email.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions that shoppers using Affirm have.

Q: Will Affirm affect my credit score?
A: Creating an Affirm account and seeing if you prequalify will not affect your credit score. If you decide to buy with Affirm, these things may affect your credit score: making a purchase with Affirm, your payment history with Affirm, how much credit you’ve used, and how long you’ve had credit.

Q: Does Affirm charge interest and fees?
A: We don’t charge any fees. That means no late fees, no prepayment fees, no annual fees, and no fees to open or close your account. Depending on the size of your purchase and where you’re shopping, your payment plan may include interest. You’ll never owe more interest than you agree to on day one—so you always know exactly what you’re getting into.

Q: How does Affirm make money?
A: We earn a commission from businesses, and shoppers pay interest on some items. Unlike credit card companies though, we don’t depend on shoppers paying late or staying in debt. Instead, we try to give them a great experience so they come back and use Affirm again.

Q: What does it mean to prequalify?
A: When you prequalify, you get an estimate of how much you can spend with Affirm. You don’t have to use the full amount, and you’re not on the hook to pay anything back until you actually make a purchase.

DISCLOSURE
Rates from (0-36% APR). For example, a $800 purchase might cost $72.21/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available everywhere, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.


Grooming Business: How to Prepare for the Holiday Rush

If you missed our Facebook Live or just want to delve deeper for tips on surviving the Holiday Rush, check out this roundup of links to our archive on the topic.

Recap:

  • Equipment – consider investing in the best but must maintain all very well
  • Schedules – Organize schedules NOW! Get commitments from staff now! Commit to your manager now! Ask clients to come early! Can they come in a week or two before the busy weeks? To balance the load?
  • Dress rehearsal! Work with the team to iron out any kinks and ‘who is doing what’ during busy weeks.
  • Manage the Flow – If you don’t stagger your grooming client arrivals, consider doing this for the Holidays for traffic flow (people and pets) in and out of your facility and to mitigate log jams and extended wait times.
  • Stock up on supplies and holiday extras
  • Have a contingency plan for surprises; staff outagaes, power outages, water issues, dog or people injuries, etc. Plan for the worst, hope for the best!

Resources for Preparing for the Holiday Rush


5 Tips for Manning Peak Seasons at Your Grooming Business

 

Guest Article from Gingr

In the world of pet grooming, there are times when every dog seems to need a fresh trim and pampering session, causing your business to run at full tilt. While these peak seasons can bring in a flood of revenue, they can also put a strain on your resources and staff.

In this guide, we’ll explore five tips to help your pet business thrive amid the hustle and bustle. Whether you experience a surge of customers around the holidays or during the warmer months, these insights will help you prepare effectively. Read the rest of this entry »


Paragon School of Pet Grooming Proudly supports Project K-9 Hero!

“Protecting Those Who Protected Us.”

Dogs have long been our loyal companions, but for some, they are much more than that. They are service dogs, therapy dogs, and first responders, making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Project K-9 Hero is here to shine a light on these remarkable canines and ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Project K-9 Hero is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting retired police K-9s, military working dogs, and service dogs. These dogs have devoted their lives to serving and protecting us, and now it’s our turn to give back.

The Mission, Vision and Purpose

Project K-Hero was born out of a deep love and appreciation for dogs, and it all started with a simple idea – to show honor and support for our  Police K-9 and Working Dogs in their retirement, giving them a life they deserve. Project K-9 Hero wants to provide them with the best quality of life by providing assistance with medical costs, rehabilitation, adoption, food and end-of-duty services.

Their mission is to protect those who protected our families, communities, and our America. Their vision is to ensure the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Military Working Dogs and Police K-9 Heroes by providing assistance with medical costs, food, rehabilitation, adoption, and end of duty services.

Project K-9 Hero has three main purposes:

  1. To ensure each K-9 Hero is rewarded with health and the way of life that they deserve for their faithful and loyal service.
  2. To educate the public on the costs and responsibilities of adopting a retired K-9 Hero.
  3. To help cover or offset all medical, food, and end of duty costs for retired K-9 Heroes.

How can you help support Project K-9 Hero’s noble cause?

Supporting Project K-9 Hero is supporting those who have selflessly served us. Here are several ways you can make a difference:

  1. Donate: Your financial contributions go a long way in helping these retired heroes. Every dollar helps provide medical care, basic needs, and more.
  2. Sponsor a Dog: Consider sponsoring a specific retired working dog, providing ongoing support for their well-being.
  3. Spread the Word: Share Project K-9 Hero’s mission and achievements on social media, with friends, and in your community. The more people who know about their work, the more support they can garner.
  4. Volunteer: If you have the time and skills, consider volunteering for Project K-9 Hero. They often need assistance with events, fundraising, and education initiatives.
  5. Purchase Merchandise: Many organizations offer Project K-9 Hero merchandise, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support their cause. Buying merchandise is a great way to show your support and raise awareness.

Project K-9 Hero is a vital organization that ensures our four-legged heroes receive the care and recognition they deserve. By supporting them, you’re not only showing your appreciation for these incredible dogs but also actively contributing to their well-being. Together, we can ensure that these heroes continue to live happy and comfortable lives after their noble service.

Get Involved with Project K9 Hero!

Whether you support the cause by purchasing merchandise, making a donation, or donating equipment an in-kind labor, we invite you to reach out to Project K9 Hero to support this initiative..

VISIT PROJECT K9 HERO


ICYMI: Pup Relief Tour Team Shares Nigeria Dog Groomer Training Story

Paragon president Joe Zuccarello and VP Lorri Keller were joined by the Pup Relief Tour Team in our last Facebook Live. If you missed it, here’s a replay!

Special thanks to the PRT Team for elevating the profession of grooming!

“DogFather of Harlem” ⭐️ Brian Taylor from Harlem Doggie Day Spa HDDS, and the PRT Ambassadors: ⭐️ Gianna Richardson from Gia Styles Grooming Styles Grooming ⭐️ LaTonya Smith from LC’S Detroit Pet Salon & LC’S Mobile Pet Spa ⭐️ Labree Blaxon from Fluffy By Nature Pet Grooming.

 


Check Out This Gallery of the Pup Relief Team in Nigeria

If you were able to join our Facebook Live with the Pup Relief Tour Team, thank you! Here are a few images of their tour-de-grooming-force! Stay tuned for an update on more ways to help this global groomer initiative!

Special thanks to the PRT Team for elevating the profession of grooming!

“DogFather of Harlem” ⭐️ Brian Taylor from Harlem Doggie Day Spa HDDS, and the PRT Ambassadors: ⭐️ Gianna Richardson from Gia Styles Grooming Styles Grooming ⭐️ LaTonya Smith from LC’S Detroit Pet Salon & LC’S Mobile Pet Spa ⭐️ Labree Blaxon from Fluffy By Nature Pet Grooming.


Join Us for a FBLive with Pup Relief Tour on Global Dog Groomer Training

Join Paragon president Joe Zuccarello & VP Lorri Keller June 1st, 7 p.m. EST for a great Facebook Live featuring special guests Brian Taylor, the “Dogfather of Harlem,” and his team of Pup Relief Tour Ambassador/Trainers, Gianna Richardson from Gia Styles Grooming; LaTonya Smith from LC’s Detroit Salon, and LaBree Braxton from Fluffy By Nature.

The team will recap their global groomer training mission to Nigeria that Paragon sponsored. Hear all about what it’s like to train groomer’s abroad in an intense workshop, and bring your questions!

Want a reminder? Click here to sign up for notification at our sister site: Learn2GroomDogs.com

Here’s a taste of the team’s adventure at Critters Veterinary Clinic in Lagos, Nigeria.


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