November 2014

	For Your Ears Only

	November is National Senior Pet Month!

	We love our senior pets! We'd love to see pictures of your older sweetie! Email them to us at info@paragonpetschool.com

	Ready to Start School?

	Get Started in 2015! Pet groomers are special people. They have a genuine love and compassion for animals. If this sounds like you or someone you know, why not consider a career in the grooming arts? If you've been thinking about it, you may have a few concerns: I'm afraid of being the oldest - or youngest - person in school. Our students may be fresh out of high school or even semi-retired. If you are in good physical health, can lift 40 pounds with relative ease, and have good arm and hand dexterity, you could become a groomer. Changing careers seems risky. Can I really get a job? Absolutely! There are plenty of opportunities for groomers, both locally and across the country. We regularly hear from salons that are ready to hire new staff - and Paragon graduates are in great demand! How can I afford it? We have several programs that fit your needs. Whether you 're interested in a short term program or want to attend our full 600-hour program, we can help. Payment plans are available for most programs. We can also see if you qualify for loans through our internal financing service. Paragon is also licensed through the state of Michigan, so state level funding may also be available. How do I know if it's really for me? The best way to know if this is the career for you is to come in for a scheduled visit. We will be happy to show you what a typical day is like and answer any questions you may have. You could even be a "fly on the wall" for a few hours and observe students and Instructors as they learn and groom pets in a regular session. Give us a call at 616.667.7297 or email us at info@paragonpetschool.com for more information and to receive a FREE information packet. We can't wait to help you get started!

Quick and Easy Homemade Dog Treats

Turkey Treats

Looking for a way to use up the last bits of the leftover turkey? Try this yummy treat for your pet.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked turkey (cut up)

4 teaspoons grated cheese

1 tablespoon parsley (freshly chopped)

2 eggs

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons brewer-s yeast

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:
Combine turkey, cheese, parsley and mix well. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour over turkey mixture. Add the flour, yeast, and oil. Stir until thoroughly mixed and all ingredients are coated.

Drop into small lumps onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Cook in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes, until brown and firm. Store in refrigerator.

	Tips for Grooming Professionals

Ready for a New Career?

Become a Professional Pet Groomer

Fall classes are filling up fast. Start now and be a professional stylist before the snow flies!

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	Tips From the Pros

	Caring for Your Senior Pet Pets add so much to our lives. They're our protectors, our class clown, and give us unconditional love every day. If you're lucky enough to have had a pet for years, you may notice that they experience some of the same issues with aging as we do. You'll notice that they get a little gray on the muzzle. They slow down a little bit. Some may lose hearing or sight. It may get harder for them to get up and move around after they've settled in for a while. Sound familiar? Here are some things we notice with pets who reach a certain level of maturity and some tips to help keep them comfortable. Do you feel stiff after standing or sitting for awhile? It may take you a few steps to get the gears going again, right? Dogs feel joint pain, too. Grooming can be an arduous process, requiring them to stand for longer periods of time. Even with frequent breaks to allow them to rest, your pet can feel stiff and sore the next day. Be patient and gentle - they may need time to rest and recuperate. Some dogs get a little more aggressive as they get older. This can be caused by a few things: pain and joint tenderness they can't see or hear as well as they used to, so they may be easily startled by things they can't see or hear coming at them stress a mental decline may mean they don't understand things the way they once did Don't assume your pet can see or hear you coming. Make sure he sees and hears you before attempting physical contact. This is a good reminder for children who love to hug pets. A startled pet can bite, even if it doesn't mean to hurt anyone. You might need to slow down. As it gets harder for them to get around, they will tire easily. Make it easier for them by keeping the floors clutter free and making sure surfaces aren't slippery. They become sensitive to changes in heat and humidity. This can be especially true in the grooming salon, where water and air change constantly. Just as your own skin and hair may become dry in the winter, so will your pets.