How to Hike with Your Four-Legged Friend
Traveling with your four-legged friend is a wonderful way to spend time together. If you work a lot and feel guilty about not giving your pet enough attention, consider going on a hike together.
Of course, this kind of activity requires careful preparation. Anna Sargsyan, co-founder of BB Grooming, shares several important tips and also talks about their salon.
The Advantages of Such Trips
First of all, you will not have to think about who to leave your “friend” with, because they will be with you. In addition, hiking is healthy—physical activity and spending time in the fresh air will benefit both you and your pet. And, of course, it is here, in nature, that your “friend” will be able to run and enjoy themselves as much as they want.
Before Leaving the City, You Need to Be Sure
Whether the dog is ready for a long journey. People often think that if a pet is active at home, it will be active everywhere. Then, when they take it outside the city, they realize that the dog does not want to walk. As a result, you either have to stop frequently or carry it.
It is advisable to accustom a dog to trips outside the city from an early age. First of all, they need to learn how to behave in a car. They are often afraid of movement and travel.
Monitor Their Health
Every two months, dogs should be treated against fleas and ticks with special products, and before taking them outside the city it is advisable to use additional protective measures, since these insects are much more common there. Unfortunately, piroplasmosis is widespread in Armenia (it is transmitted by ticks), and it is advisable to consult a veterinarian within 24 hours to avoid further complications.
The Most Important Thing to Consider
Dogs have a specific coat and can cool themselves only through their tongues and paw pads. It is important to choose areas that are shady and cool. You should also be careful around snakes, as curious “friends” often approach them and get injured.
And most importantly, be cautious in areas where livestock are grazed. Armenian Gamprs can be found in these places, and a dog that is “on duty” can be very aggressive. It is its territory, and it is guarding it.
How BB Grooming Was Created
The “BB” comes from the first letters of my dog Bringly’s name and the name of my co-founder and close friend Vera Martirosyan’s dog, Bobby. Both are Labrador Retrievers.
For a long time, I wanted to create something connected with dogs. I love them unconditionally. Throughout my life, we have always had dogs. At first, I thought about producing dog food, but I abandoned the idea because I would have had to work with slaughterhouses. I realized that I could not deal with those scenes.
2023: From Dream to Reality
I was thinking about opening a store—a store with a family atmosphere.
At that time, Vera often took Bobby to grooming appointments. Besides Bringly, I also have Kuchik, whom I adopted from the street. I used to groom my dogs myself because I live in a private house.
One day, I decided to join Vera. She said, “Come and see how it works.” I went. The grooming salon was a small place. After the procedure, Bobby came out of the salon without hair, and we came out covered in hair. It was unpleasant.
We decided to combine everything and create a store-salon with a grooming corner. We started looking for a location. It was important that it be close to our homes so that we could always be at the salon when necessary.
After a long and difficult process, our dream became reality. On June 11, our store-salon celebrated its first anniversary.
It Was Important
The salon had to be comfortable so that, if they wished, owners could be present throughout the entire process without interfering.
At our salon, owners can enjoy a cup of coffee or work in a specially designed corner while their dog or cat is being groomed.
We have clients who trust us so much that they leave their companions with us. We call them when everything is finished, and only then do they come to pick them up.
We have maintained affordable pricing so that our services remain accessible to everyone.
Grooming Salons
This trend came with relocants. Previously, grooming services were mainly attached to veterinary clinics.
It is a developing culture that somewhat eases the responsibilities of dog owners and allows proper pet care outside the home, which can sometimes be difficult in apartment conditions. Grooming salons have specialized products and equipment that provide the correct care.
Transfer Service
We provide transfer services both with and without the owners.
Some owners trust us with their pets; we take care of them and then bring them back. Other owners do not have a car, and it is not always possible to take an animal to the salon by taxi, so they also use our transfer service.
Owners who accompany their pets stay with them until the grooming is completed, and then we escort them home.
Photography
We organize interesting photo shoots and collaborate with a professional photographer.
Our first experience was before New Year. After grooming, clients could have a photo session. We had created a photo studio inside the salon.
Today, we offer professional pet portrait photography. Abroad, it is very common and beautiful to match a pet’s portrait with the design of your home.
Adoptable and Adopted Dogs
At our salon, we groom rescued dogs. These are not only mixed-breed dogs; we also often encounter purebred dogs.
Their owners abandon them because they are not prepared for the responsibility. Many people only realize the extent of that responsibility after getting a dog, and as a result, the animals end up on the streets.
We also have dogs that were adopted from shelters. We offer discounts to such owners as a way of encouraging them.
After all, a breed has absolutely nothing to do with being the best friend.
