Happy St. Patrick's Day From Your Friends at Paragon!

March 2012

Scholarship Sign Up Dates Are Drawing Close!

GroomTeam USA offer the Lonnie Lange Memorial Scholarship.

Grooming Scholarship

This award is open to any applicant wishing to pursue a career in professional pet grooming.
Applicants must be at least sixteen years of age, have a genuine concern and affection for animals, and possess a high school Diploma or GED.
Applicants must understand that pet grooming is a physically demanding career. They must have no handicaps, physical or otherwise, that could prevent use of knowledge or skills gained from the training or successful job performance after completion of the training or in any way jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of the pets in their charge.
One non renewable scholarship will be awarded each year.
The winner must plan to attend one of the pre-approved pet grooming schools participating in the GroomTeam USA, Inc. ® Scholarship Program
GroomTeam USA, Inc. ® will subsidize the cost of the recipients grooming equipment package up to a maximum of $1,000.00.
In evaluating the applicants, an independent selection committee will consider the applicants' financial need, community involvement, volunteer and/or business experience, essay, and letters of reference. Five finalists will be selected and their information will be presented to the GroomTeam USA, Inc. ®Board of Directors. The identities of the finalists shall be hidden and the Board of Directors shall select the final winner.

You may complete the online application in any order you prefer. Data is automatically saved as you move from one page to the next. You may exit at any time and return to make changes or complete the process until 4/30/2012. You must click the "Submit" button on the last page for your application to be accepted. Deadline extensions will not be granted. If you have questions or need help, click here.

The Michigan Retailers Association Scholarship Fund

MRA's 2012 competition for $34,000 in scholarships is underway.

Applications are accepted until April 2, 2012.

Download the Scholarship Program brochure.
Apply Online.

Michigan Retailers Foundation, established in 1968, provides college scholarships annually to benefit retailers and their employees and families. The foundation is a nonprofit educational organization established by MRA. Donations are tax deductible.

MRA's college scholarship competition begins in January each year. Applications are due by April 1. To be eligible, the student applicant or a parent or guardian must work at a business that is a member of MRA. High school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors may apply.

Awards are $1,000 for public or private college students and $500 for community college students. Financial need is not a consideration.

Breath Bustin' Biscuits

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups Bisquick® baking mix
1/2 cup mint leaves - loosely packed
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons margarine
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

Combine all ingredients in food processor, process until well mixed, mint is chopped, and a large ball forms. Press or roll on non-stick surface (floured board or ceramic) to a thickness of 1/4-1/2". Cut into 1x2" strips or with bone-shaped cookie cutter and place on non-stick cookie pan. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool and store in air-tight container.
Makes about 30 medium biscuits.

http://www.thepoop.com/pooppantry/breath_saver_biscuits.asp

Brushing Your Pet for Health and Happiness

The unpredictable weather this winter has left us all a little baffled as to how short or how often we should trim our pets. Many of us have been waiting for the big snow to hit and have been keeping our pets in longer coats as protection against the elements. If your pet has longer hair, proper daily brushing is not just a recommendation, it's a necessity.

Making the choice to keep a pet in a longer coat is also a commitment to thorough brushing. When the hair gets wet, it has a tendency to tangle as it dries - particularly in high friction areas such as the legs, armpit, collar area, and ears. If a comb cannot get down to the skin, you have mats. Mats absorb moisture, and as they make contact with the skin, they can cause abrasions and lesions. They also conceal health issues that you might be able to spot with the naked eye - like bumps and tumors. They are also the perfect place for fleas and other parasites to call home.

If your pet has mats or tangles and you're brushing every day, don't get discouraged! Sometimes its a matter of having the right tools for the job. We can provide you with the proper comb you need to ensure that your pet is free of painful matting. We can even show you how to prevent matting at home!

Take a few minutes each day while you watch TV to brush and comb your pet. It will help stimulate the skin and redistribute their natural coat oils. Your dog will love you for it!

Read more:

Melissa Verplank's, "Notes from the Grooming Table," pages 60, 61

A Touch O' the Irish

In honor of St. Patrick's day, here is some trivia about some of our Irish four-legged friends:

The Irish Setter

With its mahogany coat, this dog is gorgeous in the sunlight. Its bright, cheerful personality and affectionate nature make it a wonderful pet. It does have a knack for mischief if it doesn't get enough attention or exercise.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Legend has it that a Russian ship wrecked in Kerry's Tralee Bay, and an exotic blue-coated dog frantically paddled its way ashore. It quickly became popular with the locals, who fell in love with its lush coat and distinctive color.

Irish wolfhounds

Their striking appearance and massive muscularity make them memorable. Standing on their hind legs, they can reach 7 feet tall. Don't let their size fool you - these gentle giants are generally laid-back and sweet tempered. Once they were bred for hunting, but they now find their homes in the family yard.

Grooming Tip of the Month

Cats are much more sensitive to flea products than dogs. Make sure you read your labels to ensure a product is safe to use on cats and kittens.

Looking for Great Places to Take Your Dog This Spring? How About These Local Dog Parks?

Shaggy Pines Dog Park

City: Grand Rapids

Address: 3895 Cherry Lane Ave SE (near Cascade Rd & 36th St)

Phone: 616.676.9464

Richmond Park Dog Park
City: Grand Rapids
Address: Lyon & Benjamin

Wyoming Dog Park
City: Wyoming
Location: located in Marquette Park, 1414 Nagel SW (behind Kimble Stadium)
Phone: (616) 530-3164
Hours: 7 am - 10 pm

Membership fees may apply. Call ahead for full details.

About Us

The Paragon School of Pet Grooming is proud to have you as a valued client. Our full Service grooming is provided by talented and caring men and women who are dedicating themselves to learning the art and science of pet styling.

Our students come from all walks of life, near and far. Some juggle work and family schedules in addition to their studies at Paragon. Every student is educated and tested both in class work and practical application of their grooming skills.

About Us