Our pets are our children and as such we want to make sure they are well groomed. If your looking for an adorable cut, you might want to check out Pampered Pups and Wiggle Butts at 6801 Kinney St. East Syracuse. Last week I spent some time with owner Sarah Rubenstein to check out her salon and doggy day care.
Not Just a Groomer
Pampered Pups and Wiggle Butts is not just a grooming business, but also a doggy day care. Sarah has two rooms for the doggy day care. I started off my visit by saying hi to the dogs and playing with them. While we sat playing with the dogs Sarah told me a little bit about her story. It turns out that Sarah started when she was just 13 years old. She lived above a grooming salon “Best Paw Forward” which was owned by Renee Crandall at the time. Renee would see Sarah waiting by the bus stop and developed a friendship with her. Sarah started coming in to visit the dogs and Renee eventually asked her if she would be willing to volunteer. Sarah never left, she learned all there was to know and when Renee was ready to leave the business and move out of state, Sarah bought the business. The name was changed at that time When the owners of the property sold the building they needed to move locations. The new location provides them with additional space to have more dogs at the day care center. Their mission is to provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for your dog.
While we were sitting and talking this white and black dog came up to me wanting a little love. It turns out he is an alumnus from Second Chance Canine adoption shelter.
doggie day care at pampered pups and wiggle butts doggie day care center doggie day care center
Grooming
Why should we groom our pets?
Grooming our pets not only helps cut down on shedding, but also can prevent skin irritation and wounds from matted fur. A groomer not only will wash and cut your pets fur, they will also check their ears, trim nails and brush your pets teeth. The groomer may also notice irritations, cysts, ear or eye conditions that may plague your pet.
Rascal gets a fetching Haircut
After our little visit and playtime, it was time to get down to business for watching the grooming process. Rascal was the lucky fellow on this date that was getting his grooming done. Sarah placed Rascal up on the table and proceeded to groom Rascal who was a prize client. He sat well despite not being crazy about the process. Rascal received a shave and a bath as well as a blow dry and nails filed down.
Rascal getting groomed Rascal getting shaved Rascal getting shaved Rascal getting a bath Rascal getting a bath Rascal getting a blow dry Rascal getting a blow dry Rascal getting a little lovin Rascal getting a little lovin rascal toe fur trim Rascal avoiding the dremmel A job well done Rascal Rascal all done with new bandana
Once groomed, he got a new bandana and then a quick picture at the paparazzi wall to show off his new look. Sarah handled Rascal with care and you could tell she loved this little Rascal- as well as the other dogs.

Giving back
Sarah learned about shelters and giving back during her time with her mentor Renee Crandall. Sarah has committed to continue in her stead and give back to shelters as well. She works with several shelters providing cuts as needed. Pampered Pups and wiggle butts also raised over $5,000 for the dogs at Second Chance in memory of one of their beloved clients Snowball!
During the pandemic, the crew was also donating any of their tips to local shelters.
If your dog needs a cut. Think of Sarah at Pampered Pups and Wiggle Butts.
This post is part of circular blog with other Professional Pet Photographers. Our goal is to focus on a particular topic/assignment each week and put our own spin on it. There are photographers from all over the world participating. Follow the next link to view how the next amazing photographer tackles this weeks challenge. Follow each link at the end of each blog until you return to me. Then you have successfully completed our blog circle. Enjoy!
+++++ NOW head over to:
Nicole Hrustyk’s post about dog training in Las Vegas. Pawtraits by Nicole capturing pets for their people in and around Las Vegas, Nevada.
Come and find your Best Friend!
Second Chance has a unique program near Syracuse N.Y. where inmates train the rescued dogs. This program gives both the dogs and the inmates a second chance in life. Appointments currently required related to Covid-19 protocols.

Clementine is ready for a forever home.
Please contact Friends of Second Chance.
Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
6660 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
315-435-5584
http://jamesvillesecondchance.com
Capture your journey with your pet. Nancy Kieffer is a pet and nature photographer serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and Beyond. Capture how you share your life with your pet! It may be a vacation adventure or curled up on the couch. Travel assignments welcomed.