Charlene Zahand, from Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital, is I originally from Knoxville Tennessee. She explained that, “I started my grooming career seven years ago when I was employed with Pet Smart. I moved to the gulf coast when my husband’s job transferred him here.” Watching her in action with all of her amazing “clients” is truly amazing because she loves and kisses on each one! “They each with their own personality and grooming needs and my grooming table are electric so when you bring your large animals in for grooming, I am able to get them up on the table with little or no stress to the animal. I first take a look over your pet, skin and coat, and then I determine a plan of action to best fit each animal. I normally perform a preliminary cut before there bathing process. I only use the finest bathing shampoos and conditioners according to the condition of your pets coat and skin. I absolutely do not use drying heating elements on my clients because it can cause harm to them. I use a non-heated drying method, which circulates only the temputure in the room to dry them. It may take longer to do it this way but the animals are not subjected to harmful heat. That’s extremely important to me because I’d never wish to harm any animal. I prefer Davir grooming products because I have small hands and the motors are extremely quiet so that that your pet remains calms and is not frightened by a grooming experience.”

Charlene explained that, “I only groom 6 to 8 dogs a day to insure each client gets individual service they expect and it gives me time to enjoy them as well. My prices vary by size, breed, and the degree of difficulty of the groom. Baths start as low as 15.00, and cuts start as low as 38.00. This is my lowest season because all pets have been groomed for the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, we’re coming up on Valentine’s Day and that’s when I get busy again so if you don’t mind, make your appointments in advance.”

Charlene explains that she doesn’t have a favorite bread of dogs but, I prefer the ones that, "Do not bite,” as she said laughingly. “If I absolutely had to select a breed, my favorite breed is a poodle. It's almost as if they were born to be groomed.”

We all absolutely adore our pets, that’s a given but Charlene further explained that, “The most rewarding thing about my job is my returning clients and their adorable pets. For some of my snow bird clients, their pets actually remember me and that’s thrilling to me because they do not mind being groomed by me. It's then that I know that I have been chosen to take care of the grooming needs of their four legged family members.”

When asked about the best part of her grooming job, Charlene said, “The funniest thing about my job is painting nails and putting bows on their ears. I choose to make my own bows because I use a tiny rubber band that will not pull on their hair. My client can request their own colors and it is fun to dress them up from team colors to beach accents; it’s all fun to me.” And, watching her do this to a wiggling sweetheart of a dog the size of a horse was absolutely priceless. “Most females like bows and when they prance around, I know that I’ve done my job correctly.”

Grooming must take a special, kind natured, animal loving person to say that they love their job but more importantly, they must love our pets! She said that, “The easiest thing about my job is showing up for work because I love my job. I love my job and I love dogs! However, the hardest thing is convincing Fido that a bath is in his best interest and unlike the, “Wicked witch of the west, he will not melt in my hands.”

I love all animals and as for myself I have three cats, two harlequin Great Danes, and one adorable toy poodle, and all but one I rescued or adopted. Charlene explained that one of the highlights of her year is the event every year called, “Park-Tober Fest,” in Pensacola at the Seville Park. Everyone is encouraged to bring their animals out for the event because it’s all about them. There are vendors for all sort of thing pertaining to your dog and there is also a “costume contest” as well.

Charlene holds a, “Mom’s day out every year,” and she uses some of her own rescue pets because she know their personalities and that they are very safe around children. The children get to come and watch me groom a dog and they always learn something from it.” This might be an activity for home-schooled children.

Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital is a family owned and operated facility located just past The Wharf on Canal Road. Charlene and Dr. Keith Brown can be reached at 251 223-3386. They welcome all new Snowbirds and looks forward to seeing the old clients who return to her every winter. If you have your pet’s records, please bring them so that we can treat your pet in the best way possible. If not, we’ll still take care of your pet!” Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital provides boarding services for all of you that wish to take a few days to travel while you’re here. Dr. Keith Brown and his wonderful staff provide five star accommodations for your boarding needs! They truly love pets and have many, many pets of their own. You may reach them for all veterinary needs at 24001 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561-3855 (251) 974-5633. They are located just past The Wharf and their office is very easy to find. Dr. Keith Brown literally stays with patients over night if he feels that that are in danger of any kind.

Pet sitters on the gulf coast are difficult to find but Tami Newton and her daughter, Briana Lucas, are experienced pet sitters and they have the back up of Stephen Newton, a very specialized pharmacist and an amazing pet lover! You may reach them at (251) 271-0061 or by email at tamilucas929@gmail.com. Their prices are reasonable and their love for pets is incredible. They have four cats and a new, nine month old puppy all which were rescue animals who now live an amazing life in their home in Orange Beach. AL.