Blue Ribbon Pet Styling

I have been a poodle groomer / breeder for better than 40+yrs. When an accident 2 yrs ago left me incapacitated I had to find a competent groomer to take care of my pack. I was lucky enough to find Blue Ribbon Grooming. Ms Mitsel has been one of the most contientious, courteous, professional, and talented ladies I have found in all my years. She takes the utmost care of my dogs to make sure each and everyone of the 9 are groomed perfectly. Her attention to detail and knowledge in her field are unparalleled. She has used my dogs to host grooming seminars by and to world renowned groomers. I think Ms Mitsel has truly been a gift to the Columbia area and wouldn't trust anyone else to keep my kids in tip top condition!!!

Aleksandra, the owner, allowed us "in the back" to check out her shop. We sat there and watched the process while bringing our 4 legged child for a grooming. We found her and her staff friendly and the shop very professional. We feel comfortable in leaving our babies with her and they are always treated well. Never have a complaint. Great owner and shop. She is an award winning competitive groomer. Wish she did human haircuts, I'd sign up.

n response to Deb. O review:



This review has just been brought up to my attention. Despite the fact that this has been written over a year ago, I remember this particular client and visit very well.



Last year after Ms. O informed us about her pet's ear infection and bill associated with her visit, we have reviewed this diagnosis with veterinarian who treated Ms. O's pet.

According to treating veterinarian, Blue Ribbon Pet Styling is NOT RESPONSIBLE for this pet's ear infection as it has been present BEFORE visit to Blue Ribbon. This was discussed with Ms O, however she chose to repeatedly post negative reviews online targeting our business.



To Deb O.



I have to say that I am very disappointed to find this review, as I believed we have addressed this issue last year. We deeply care about pets entrusted into our care and do what ever we can to help pet owners. I feel bad for your pet but we are not to blame here.

During your pet's first visit we have advised you that your dog's ears needed veterinary attention because they appeared red and had brown smelly discharge. During your second visit several months latter, there was no change in condition. His ear canals were completely blocked by hair and smelly brown discharge. At veterianarian office or grooming salon It is a standard protocol to pluck the hair from ear canal in order to properly clean the ear in as bad of a condition as your dog's were. Since his ears were most likely already infected from lack of proper grooming, plucking exposed an underlying condition and caused an unpleasant sensation which he was trying to alleviate by shaking his head. Once again during check out you were explained condition of your pet's ears, what was done and why and vet visit for proper treatment was recommended.

As far as "cuts" go, this was never mentioned to me during our phone conversation or on veterinarian report. I can only assume that those were scratches caused by your dog scratching himself. Now that his overgrown coat was gone, his claws were in direct contact with his inflamed ears.

I find your accusations of "so much water" to be unfounded and unscientific. We are not veterinarians and do not claim to diagnose but as professionals we are trained to recognize common ailments in order to reffer our clients for proper treatment.

Here are some yeast infection facts:

Brown, sweet smelling discharge and sensitivity are indication of yeast infection. Clean water in clean ears doesn't cause an infection. In many clinics flushing dog ears with clean water is used as a treatment itself. We do not bath dogs in pond water and take precautions not to get water into dog's ears. Our protocol is to clean dogs ears after they had their bath using drying ear cleaner, which would take care of any moisture that might have entered the ear canal during bathing.

Ear infections take days not seconds to develop. Your pet was shaking his ears moments after they were plucked and BEFORE he had his bath.

Dog's ears need to be kept dry and need weekly attention. Leaving this task to a groomer when you only have your pet groomed every 3-4 months instead of recommended 4 weeks, will result in less that optimal health outcomes.

I would NEVER take my dog to this groomer again. He got yeast infections in both ears from getting so much water in them. He couldn't stop shaking his head when I picked him up. He also had cuts inside both his ears, one is a very large scab now which I'm treating with antibiotic ointment. I feel so bad for sending my baby to this place. Please don't take your dog here.

Until we started taking our large shepherd/lab mixes to Blue Ribbon, even with frequent vacuuming our house was overrun with dog hair. After visiting Blue Ribbon they are clean, smell nice and do not shed for at least three weeks. What a relief it is! For us deshedding service was a life changing experience, the dogs enjoy it as well, they get loved on at the spa and receive extra attention at home. Thank you for your care and professional services.

We absolutely love Aleksandra and Lisa. I have a Portuguese Water Dog and truly believe it is one of the hardest breeds to own and find a groomer. I have used groomers all over Columbia and even would take my PWD to Nashville, TN for grooming. Sound crazy? I could NOT find one groomer who could make my dog look like a PWD. It also allowed me to spend time with family there. When we found Aleksandra it was a miracle. Gabby loves going to see her and she looks like a PWD. I fully recommend the services of Aleksandra and Lisa at Blue Ribbon Pet Styling!! You will NOT be disappointed!

I was nervous about switching from our vet's groomer to Blue Ribbon Pet Styling and expressed this when I stopped in to visit Blue Ribbon Pet Styling. The groomer was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They didn't try and "sell" me on switching. The area was clean and relatively quiet compared to the vet's. So, we decided to try it.

Suzy is a small poodle mix and for a little more than I pay my vet's groomer, she came out looking like she was ready for the Westminster!! Suzy seemed less anxious when she left and I think that is because there is minimal noise and commotion. That little extra in cost covered the teeth brushing and ear cleaning which my old groomer doesn't offer. I explained to the Blue Ribbon groomer what I was looking for (not a full poodle cut (she's a tomboy after all) - just parts of the cut) and the groomer made some suggestions.

I hate to refer to the Blue Ribbon groomer as "groomer" but since I'll be returning I'm sure I'll remember her name next time. Right now, I would call her the "Mindreading Magician."

This groomer is so professional. They asked me many questions about my preferences and offered their opionions when asked. I have never been given such a thorough consultation! And the facility the is spotless! My dog looked awesome!