BEING A CUT ABOVE THE REST HAS ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT FOR RETIRED PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMER AND GEMLIFE WOODEND HOMEOWNER, AUDREY RALPH, ESPECIALLY FOR HER CANINE CLIENTS.
Audrey began working with dogs during the 1950s and her early training in grooming, showing and handling Airedales, Scotties, Lakeland Terriers and Schnauzers at a large Airedale Terrier kennel in the United Kingdom, led to a lifelong career.
Among her famous clients was comedian Tony Hancock whose standard poodle Charlie was a regular visitor until Audrey left for Australia in 1960 where she established her highly successful Fernlands Kennels. The kennels won six of the eight dog classes available at the 1982 Melbourne Royal Show.
Dog grooming was one of Audrey’s much-loved interests and is, she says, important for canines of all breeds, whether show dogs or family pets.
“Grooming, both professionally and by owners, not only makes a dog feel great but helps in the bonding process and in ensuring a pet is healthy,” said Audrey, who has held grooming demonstrations and hosted lectures on the subject for many years.
She said puppies from eight weeks old can be trained to get used to grooming, walking on a lead and behaving in the correct manner.
“You don’t have to take a dog to a professional groomer all the time, but you do need to know what to do because it can be hard work. Also, each breed requires a different look and by going to a groomer, you can get the job done correctly,” she said.
When committed to keeping a dog healthy and looking great, regular grooming is recommended.
“You could groom a pet miniature schnauzer once every three weeks whereas coats that are normally clipped, like those on the cross-bred breeds could be groomed every two months
to keep them looking tidy, smart and neat,” suggested Audrey.
Having practiced dog grooming in Australia for over 40 years, Audrey said dog owners should be guided to a professional groomer by a recommendation and should then explain clearly what is required as far as a long or short coat cut. When you find a good groomer, stick to them as the dogs will enjoy the process with a groomer that they know and trust.
Throughout her career Audrey, who is now 85, enjoyed showing, breeding and grooming dogs until her retirement and the chance to enjoy an active new life at GemLife Woodend over-50s lifestyle resort.