I’m not a magician but I was an extra in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. See if you can spot me in the duelling scene between Harry and Draco in the Great Hall. I’ll give you a hint, my face hasn’t really changed much and at one point I couldn’t help it but to look at the camera.
Our Salon
There are just the two tables in an open plan & spacious salon with plenty of space for zoomies after the groom, there’s even a sofa if your pooch fancies a nap afterwards. We have toys at the ready, waterbowls filled at all times and the crate doors are open for the dogs if they prefer some quiet time to themselves.
The salon is opposite the entrance to Tidworth Tesco, right on the high street next to Sidbury Hill Veterinary Clinic. There is on-street parking outside (limited to 30min stay Monday to Saturday). Why not drop your pooch off for a full groom and do your weekly food shop or drop into the cafe just up the road for a lovely cup of tea?
Our Fur-babies
In 2018 we welcomed our first dog into our family – a tiny chocolate Springerpoodle puppy called Lexi. She’s a bundle of energy and a nosey little so-and-so. She’s happiest when running around the fields or swimming in the lake, there’s a reason we often call her ‘Stig of the dump’, we’re forever removing twigs and stickybuds from her fur.
We adopted Dodger (a Poodle-Show Cocker Spaniel cross) in 2021, he’s the opposite to Lexi and happiest when curled up on the sofa under a blanket or eating something that he shouldn’t be! Known to sneak up of people and steal food from their hands he’s a very adept pickpocket. He’s our grumpy old boy, we thought he wasn’t a fast dog until we left some toast unsupervised…he’s most certainly food motivated.
How I became a dog groomer
My previous career was as a gymnastics coach to both children and adults – they say not to work with animals or kids and I’ve chosen to do both! Being a coach required a lot of patience but it was amazing to see the kids learn new skills. When the 2020 pandemic struck, sadly the gyms closed and I retrained as a dog groomer. There was always at least one dog in our house when I was growing up and I love meeting new friends, I thought if I didn’t retrain now, when would I ever get the opportunity again? I’ve not regretted my decision once and look forward to getting into the salon every morning.
I'm a Qualified Dog Groomer
In 2020 I became City and Guilds Level 2 qualified in Dog Grooming and got my first job in the industry at a salon in Basingstoke. In 2022 I progressed with my qualifications and passed my Level 3 Open College Network in Dog Grooming. Also in the same year I took a dog first aid course to be able to protect my customers as well as my own two furrries.
The time was right in 2022 to progress and run my own table – Wizard of Paws Grooming was born! I’ve met some wonderful doggies and their lovely owners, I definately made the right decision and I’ve found my life’s calling.