Believe it or not in 1962, a 21 year old Eve decided to get a job as a dog groomer in the first salon in Adelaide, the Canine Boutique. From there she learnt many things including breed trims, how to handle dogs and even learnt a bit about the world of breeders and shows.
Throughout her many years and many people telling her that the only way to truly be the best is to hit and sedate dogs, Eve persevered in keeping her own standards and started up her own business, Eden Dog Salon.
She eventually sold that business to one of the girls she had trained up and opened up her second salon, Eves Dog Salon. Many of you would of known this salon as it was situated on the Parade first and then later on Magill Road. She trained many girls and everyone she taught learnt her ways, which included no force and bribery.
About 20 years ago Eve sold her business to another one of her workers and decided to semi retire to a small business at her house. This was Dogs 4 Eve and there is where I first met Eve. I met her by chance and her kindness and skills blew me away. Her business was meant to be a way for her to semi retire but there was more demand for her style of handling. More so today than there was 20 years ago. As such Eve was determined not to retire until she knew there was someone who could look after her clientele.
I learnt all I could from her over several years and then on her 80th birthday, I decided to open up my own business so that Eve could finally retire. I kept the name of her old business and added my own as a homage to the person who started this journey for myself and hopefully many others in the future.
Here at Dogs 4 Eve and Meg we value kindness, honesty and openness as our key values and we hope that through our combined knowledge and through all of our clientele, we can provide a happy, stress-free environment.
Here are some of the staff members you may see when you pop in for your appointments.
Alicia started off working at the Animal Welfare League before working with Eve. She found the differences between her two workplaces vastly different and decided to learn as much as she could from Eve. When we moved, Alicia was more than happy to step up and start teaching some of our new staff members the way we groom. She may be quiet but Alicia has a heart of gold and the gentlest of hands.
What do you love most about dog grooming ?-
Seeing the huge positive changes in scared, nervous or traumatised dogs who may not enjoy coming in the first time. However after a few visits they come bounding inside full of excitement and enthusiasm. Also I love seeing a happy doggy face or tail. I also love when they tap their feet with anticipation of coming in.
What is your favourite breed of dog? -
I don't have a favourite. I love all the variations and personalities in different dog breeds. From the happiness of a Golden Retriever, the cleverness of the Poodle and the fact a Bichon Frise looks like a living breathing fluffy cloud.
What have you learnt from dog grooming that you remember everyday? -
There is always a way to be kind. If a dog bites on something maybe he likes biscuits. Can't pick up a dogs legs because they are arthritic, have someone support the dog and trim them in the air. It is always better to earn a dogs trust.
What are some interesting facts about yourself? -
I was an Auntie by the time I was 8, I became a vegetarian by 11 after going to a wedding in China and I used to have 2 pet goats who loved to stand on our window sills and watch the telly with us.
Hayley is the newest member in our team and although she has just started to learn about washing and grooming, she has a very promising future. Her attention to detail is impeccable and her handling skills, makes it seem like she's been working in this business for many years. I know that she is nervous about learning different and new things however her kind and positive attitude is what is going to make her a very good dog groomer.
What do you love most about dog grooming? -
There is always something new to learn.
What is your favourite breed of dog? -
Huskies and Australian Shepherds
What have you learnt from dog grooming that you remember everyday? -
Always be prepared for the unexpected.
What are some interesting facts about yourself? -
I like to paint with water colours and acyrillic occasionally, I own a goofy Australian Kelpie named Cooper, who not only likes to take me for very long nature treks, he is also obsessed with his food. I am also very new to the world of dog grooming and I would like to take my experiences of dog behaviour to one day expand my knowledge and do dog training.
I have always been an avid animal lover. Meeting like minded people who believe in kindness and not forcing an animal, has been life changing. I have nearly 10 years of experience with dog grooming under my belt and I hope to expand my horizons more and more so that my clients are able to get more out of their experience with us.
What do you love most about dog grooming? -
I love the fact that dog grooming is challenging, emotional and a connective job. You need to be able to communicate with a creature who doesn't speak the same language, as well as pleasing their owners, which can be challenging. You also become a part of peoples families. When their dog is sick, we worry, when a dog dies, we cry as if they were our own.
What is your favourite breed of dog? -
My dream has always been to own a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever but I don't have any favourites. I love every breed for different reasons. My childhood dog was a Westie and he was my inspiration for the artwork for Dogs 4 Eve and Meg.
What have you learnt from dog grooming that you remember everyday? -
There are so many lessons I remember everyday. I guess one many people would not realise is that grooming your dog regularly is the first line of defence for your dogs health. We have picked up on many slight and subtle changes in dogs behaviour, lumps and bumps that have grown suddenly, as well as weight fluctuations that owners don't necessarily see straight away. Many lives have been saved or were bettered because their groomer saw something early enough.
What are some interesting facts about yourself? - I have 4 gorgeous cats who come to the dog salon with me everyday. I actually went to an agricultural school and learnt a lot about animal behaviour and handling as well as animal husbandry, I even delivered a couple of lambs and piglets. I have been a first aider for over 10 years and ha dealt with multiple injuries including a broken spine, a ruptured kidney and many concussions.
Tayla only started grooming in 2021. She had no prior experience but she has become a very prolific member of our team. She is still nervous about answering the door and phone, however her dog grooming skills are above and beyond someone of her experience. Her kindness and soft voice makes almost any dog calm and she is always up for learning more.
What do you love most about dog grooming? -
Watching dogs come in dirty and/or matted to fluffy and clean. The owners reactions are always the best.
What is your favourite breed of dog? -
American Pitbulls and Chihuahas.
What have you learnt from dog grooming that you remember everyday?-
Every dog has their own individual personalities and needs that you have to cater to. No two dogs are the same and therefore you need different levels of patience and reassurance to make their individual experience a happy and pleasurable one.
What are some interesting facts about yourself? -
I am a digital artist. I have 6 fatty ratty's that I am obsessed with. I love heavy metal music.
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