Clippers and Claws

Back in January 2009, I was about to start to groom a dog when I discovered the lump in my breast. I carried on with my job as if nothing had happened but I must admit it was a dreadful time.

Once I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks later, I had to make the heart breaking decision to close my business. I physically would not be able to work after surgery and chemotherapy and certainly could not risk the chance of infection.

The side effects of treatments and then a second breast cancer has left me with chronic back and joint pain for which I have to take pain killers. Funnily enough though, running is one thing which actually helps my pain.

I honestly didn't think I would ever be able to work again as a dog groomer and my heart was heavy. I felt completely robbed and even more so when I discovered a groomers had started up in my village.

After a lot of thought and consideration I have decided to relaunch my business again, except that this time I will be offering a mix of mobile dog grooming, on site dog grooming, dog walking and pet care to include small animals and horses.

My pain is under control as long as I manage it properly and take my medications regularly so I am hoping I can do this.

I was honoured to have been asked to organise and judge the dog show at the annual St Peters School fete which took place today. It was such fun and I got a real buzz out of talking "shop" with fellow dog owners.

I have already had quite a bit of interest shown in my company Clippers and Claws and I am hoping that within this year I will have a workshop and I can get my business going well again.

Its been scarey and I am still scared about getting back into grooming after such a long time. Although the truth is I have always groomed throughout - my dogs and those of my friends. Plus its something I love doing with all of my heart.

For a while after my cancer treatment finished I have been acting like a victim.... Well enough is enough because I am not a victim, cancer has not taken anything from me in fact it has given me so much more..... more strength and determination not to mention the wonderful friends I have met along the way.

So there you are.... Clippers and Claws is back!

Olympics 2012

I wasn't really looking forward to the Olympics because of the economic climate and the governments constant cut backs but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I honestly didn't mind missing out on my favourite TV programmes!

I was also worried about security.....  

Private security???? oh p-lease!!!!

In a way it was a good thing that the private security firm messed up and the police and army stepped in at the eleventh hour because it shows the government that you really cannot use private firms for security and you cannot compromise security with all of these cut backs.

Both the Army and the Police force have done a fantastic job. The police have been working double shifts, 86 hour weeks and have had leave cancelled. Forces across the country have been on stand by "just in case". These people are dedicated individuals working selflessly to uphold the law and to keep us all safe.

There have been so many highs during these last two weeks!

I thought the Olympic hoops lighting up and taking up into the sky was totally amazing

Mr Bean part of the Orchestra playing Chariots of Fire had me in constant stitches laughing!

I thought the portrayal of the wonderful NHS (National Health Service) which we are so lucky to have in Britain was an important part of the ceremony at a time when the government is making cut back after cut back and striving (it would seem) to work towards privatising health.

And the spoof James Bond with Her Majesty the Queen shocked me! Seriously.... my jaw was hitting the floor! I couldn't believe that she actually DID that and I think she is amazing for doing so.

They did such a sterling job of the opening ceremony. It was historical, it was magical, it was different, it was innovative it was very British.

I have been amazed at the athletes and how wonderfully they have performed, they have been truly inspiring.

For me, the best parts were the Equestrian events. Sadly I missed allot of them due to life going on but I did manage to watch the individual dressage last Thursday and I am telling you that when Charlotte Dujardin scored 90% in her test and took the gold I was crying and jumping around the room like a mad thing! 

Gosh, waiting for her scores I felt sick I could barely breathe!

So today the Olympics 2012 ends and I must say although I am sad that its over, I am looking forward to the closing ceremony tonight.

Well done to everyone who made this event happen.....

The background guys, the police, army, athletes, grooms, reporters, cleaners - everyone, everyone played a part in making this a memorable event.

**Pictures courtesy of Google Chrome **