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As winter finally loosens its grip and the snow begins to melt, our dogs feel the shift immediately. New scents burst from the ground, the air warms and softens, and the sidewalks become a whole world of adventure again. Spring is exciting—but it also comes with hidden hazards that are easy to overlook, especially for small dogs who stay close to the ground. Here are a few things to watch for as you and your pup welcome the warmer days ahead. 1. Hidden Debris Beneath the Snow

When I first dreamed of Gentle Touch Grooming, I didn’t picture a crowded salon, endless noise, or a lineup of anxious pups waiting their turn. I pictured something quieter—something soft. A cozy space where dogs felt safe, understood, and cared for with presence rather than pressure. And as the dream took shape, one truth became beautifully clear: I am meant to specialize in small dogs. This wasn’t a business decision so much as a soul-aligned one. Small dogs fit harmoniousl

For generations, long before commercial dog food lined every pet store shelf, dogs lived on what their families ate—meat, potatoes, rice, vegetables, and hearty home-cooked meals. Many of those dogs lived long, vibrant lives, and their bodies were nourished by whole foods rather than fillers and preservatives. Today, dry kibble is marketed as the safest, simplest choice, yet so many of the health issues we see in dogs—itchy skin, chronic ear infections, digestive troubles, we

There’s a certain reverence that comes with grooming an older dog. Their eyes, clouded but wise. Their gait, slower but sure. Their bodies, softened by time, still carry the stories of every tail wag, every playful leap, every loyal moment curled beside their human. And as groomers—especially those of us who approach this work with gentle hands and tender hearts—it is our honour to meet these aging companions exactly where they are. Grooming as Sacred Ritual For senior dogs,

Your pup’s first grooming appointment can feel like a big step—for both of you. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy, adopted a rescue, or simply never had your dog professionally groomed before, it’s natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect. At Gentle Touch Grooming , I specialize in cozy cuts for small paws—and even cozier experiences for the hearts behind them. We know how much trust it takes to hand your dog over to someone new, and I'm here to walk you th

In a home where tiny feet are always on the move, it’s not uncommon for dogs to feel overwhelmed. Some pups adore children—others, not so much. Whether it’s the quick movements, high-pitched voices, or unpredictability of small humans, the presence of children can trigger anxiety in even the calmest dogs. And when it’s time for a groom, that stress can show up tenfold. Here at Gentle Touch Grooming , I understand the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that dogs give when their

As the snow piles up and temperatures dip low, many loving dog parents assume it's best to hold off on grooming until spring. It makes sense at first glance—after all, a cozy winter coat must help keep our furry friends warm, right? And with snow, slush, and road salt everywhere, why bother with a fresh trim that’ll just get messy again? But here’s the gentle truth: winter is not  the time to skip grooming. In fact, regular care during the colder months is just as important—i

As temperatures plunge and snow blankets the sidewalks, wintertime walks with your dog become less about leisurely strolls and more about mindful preparation. Here in Kingston, where the mercury is expected to dip into the -20s and -30s Celsius with more snow on the way, our pups rely on us to make safe, informed decisions that prioritize their comfort and well-being. Whether you’re braving the sidewalks for a quick potty break or venturing out for a longer walk, here are som

How Gentle Grooming Supports Nervous Dogs Some dogs come bounding through the door, tails wagging and ready to be pampered. Others—especially those who’ve had a rough experience in the past—step tentatively, uncertain and wary. At Gentle Touch Grooming, I’ve made it my mission to create a space where even the most sensitive pups feel safe, seen, and soothed. Because grooming isn’t just about appearance—it’s about trust, tenderness, and the unseen energy exchanged with every t

The Role of Regular Grooming in Your Dog’s Health When most people think about grooming, they picture a fluffy pup with a fresh haircut and a wagging tail. But grooming is so much more than aesthetics—it’s an essential part of your dog’s health and well-being. A good grooming routine helps your dog look great, yes. It also helps them feel better in their bodies—easing discomfort, preventing issues, and even supporting emotional balance. Why Brushing Matters More Than You Thin

A walk is never just a walk. It ’s how your dog processes the world. It’s how they regulate. It’s how they return to center. Dogs are sensory beings, and when we give them time to sniff, explore, and move their bodies freely, we are helping their nervous systems do what they’re designed to do. Daily walks are about more than physical health (though that’s part of it). They’re about bonding. About routine. About communication. And about teaching boundaries in a way that’s calm

I believe there’s a place for medicine. But I also believe it should be the last  place we turn, not the first. So many of today’s common canine ailments—chronic ear infections, anxiety, digestive issues, itchy skin—are symptoms, not root problems. And yet the standard answer is often a pill or prescription (highly-processed) food. What if we paused and asked why? Why is the immune system inflamed? Why is your dog chewing their paws at night? Natural care is not woo-woo. It’s

Feeding my dogs a raw diet wasn’t just a decision—it was a calling. I had witnessed too many unexplained skin issues, energy dips, and chronic health concerns in dogs who were otherwise well cared for. And when I started researching what dogs were truly built to eat, everything shifted. Raw feeding doesn’t have to be extreme, and it certainly isn’t about perfection. It’s about returning to the basics: feeding our dogs as the animals they are, not the products of an industry.

Can Dogs Really Benefit from Reiki? Short answer: Yes. Long answer: They already are. Dogs are some of the most energetically attuned beings I’ve ever known. They pick up on our stress before we name it. They feel into our moods, mirror our energy, and sometimes even carry what we refuse to release. Reiki isn’t about doing something to  your dog. It’s about offering a space where their body can remember how to come back into balance. I’ve used Reiki during grooming sessions,

When most people think of dog grooming, they picture nail trims, baths, and a good brushing. In some cases, a little scissor work on the side. And yes, that’s part of it. But grooming is so much more. It’s health maintenance. It’s communication. It ’s nervous system care. It’s an act of love. In my 18 years of grooming, I’ve learned to read a dog’s body like a language—how they carry tension, where they hold fear, and how they soften with trust. Grooming isn’t about forcing c