Spring is finally here!
March Recap: Winter really didn’t want to leave us this year! We hope everyone was able to stay safe and warm during all of the crazy weather. We are definitely looking forward to some more consistently nice days! Thanks to you, we have made the cut for the finals in The Valley Breeze’s Voices of The Valley!!We appreciate all of your support and we’re anxiously awaiting the results for the Providence Journal and Rhode Island Monthly Listings. As a young business it is an honor just to be nominated, so we truly thank you for your support. Voting for the The Valley Breeze Finals begins April 29th. Don’t worry, we will remind you!
We had a great time hosting our Pet CPR and First Aid Class on the 22nd, we had a wonderful turnout and look forward to more events! Thank you to everyone who attended and shared the info with your friends. We truly feel that every pet owner and pet professional should have these life saving skills in their toolbox, which is why every single employee at Underdogs will always be certified.
Speaking of employees, Mathilde is settling in here at Underdogs and we’re so happy to have her, and are enjoying the opportunity to welcome all of the new people and pups that have followed her from her previous job. We hope you all love it here as much as we do!
Coming in AprilFirst things first, Samantha’s surgery is set for April 8th. As a reminder she will not be able to groom for at least 6 weeks after that, but will be back in the building as soon as she can. No grooming, just administrative duty and probably will continue to make ridiculous social media posts, so we all have that to look forward to. If you’re not following us on socials, you should be! (If for no other reason, today’s April Fool’s Day post is worth seeing!)
Our Tiktok
Our Instagram
Our Facebook
In the meantime, Kayle & Mathilde are here and looking forward to the opportunity to meet some new friends! Once again we are strongly encouraging everyone to book as far in advance as you can as we move into Spring.In other news, the Lincoln Water Commission is planning a large scale project here on Front St. to upgrade our systems and improve water quality. Plan for delays due to construction, and there is a possibility that we will have a day without water supply. They have assured us that they will notify us “in advance” if that will be the case, but how far in advance is unclear. Of course, we will do our best to minimize the impact to our operations, and will notify you as soon as possible if plans change. Also we are taking into consideration the potential for construction noise, which most dogs can be pretty uncomfortable with, so we will definitely reach out if this becomes a concern. This construction will probably impact your travel time to and from Underdogs so prepare accordingly.
Warning: The next section is information regarding fleas and ticks. If you’re not ready to read about bugs today, that’s ok! Just scroll on down to the cute dog pictures!
As the seasons change, so does the local wildlife. We are already seeing an “uptick” in unauthorized passengers. If your pets aren’t on a quality Flea and Tick Preventative, it’s time! If you’re unsure which variety of preventative is best for your pets, we recommend having a conversation with your veterinarian. Topicals are medications and should be treated as such. As a reminder , we will remove a few ticks if we find them and it is safe to do so, but we do not treat for fleas. If fleas are discovered during the course of grooming, we will discontinue services immediately and you will be asked to pick up your dog. A $50 cleaning fee will be incurred. So preventatives are obviously a much better option! Tips & Tricks for Ticks: Keep a lint roller in your car or near your door and when your dog is done with outside time, give them a quick once over with the lint roller, it will grab any creepy crawlies that are hitching a ride in the hopes of finding their new home. Remember, preventatives do not always act as a repellant, some kill when the pest actually bites your pet, so even if they’re on the best preventative, you might find hitchhikers after being outside for any amount of time. (It’s also a good idea to check yourself thoroughly, because unfortunately they do not make preventatives for people yet.) Here are some common spots where ticks like to hide:
If you do happen to spot a tick that has attached itself to your dog, do not panic! And please, please do not attempt any of those old school ideas like kerosene or burning the tick. That’s so unnecessary! A pair of tweezers and some rubbing alcohol is all you need! Soak a cotton ball with the alcohol and press it onto the tick for a minute, this will cause it to die and therefore loosen it’s grip. Sanitize your tweezers with the alcohol, then just grab the little monster as close to the skin as possible, twist and pull directly outwards in one smooth motion. There is no need to burn it! The most surefire way to dispose of it from this point is to just flush it down the toilet.
There may be a small amount of irritation or wound where the tick was and you should monitor for signs of infection, such as redness and warmth around the area. Always call your vet if you’re unsure, or if you’re concerned that you didn’t retrieve the entire tick from the skin. If it is a deer tick, the smaller variety, these can be carriers for disease and it’s a good idea to put it into a small bag with the alcohol soaked cotton ball, your vet may want to monitor and test for these things. Here is a link to an informative video showing the differences and what they look like in real life. Warning: Shows actual bugs so if that’s going to ruin your day, maybe skip it for now.
Informational Tick Video Fleas are a whole other beast, we will discuss that in May’s newsletter!
Without further ado, it is our pleasure to introduce May’s Employee of the Month: Cody
Chief Accommodations Analyst & Size Inclusivity Consultant Cody is a 7 year old Bernedoodle and his large frame helps him fill this role perfectly! At Underdogs we believe in inclusivity, comfort and safety for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Cody is excels at identifying points of potential danger and discomfort for Dogs of Size. We knew Cody would take this role seriously when he courageously helped demonstrate that a few breakable planters had been unknowingly placed in a location that was not as safe as we thought! Without hesitation or regard for his personal safety, he heroically swept the dangerous objects onto the floor, destroying them before any other dogs could be harmed. A casual observer might have mistaken this as an unfortunate accident, but we are trained professionals, and immediately picked up what he was putting down (pun totally intended). With this heroic act of selflessness he was actually notifying us that Underdogs was not the safe and inclusive space we strive to be!
Cody continues to work hard every time he comes in to ensure our tables, tubs, kennels, stairs and ramps are sturdy enough for accommodate Dogs of Size. He is incredibly brave, thorough and inarguably a VERY good boy. All of our dogs are safer because Cody ensures that our equipment is stronger, and that nothing will impede even the tallest of tails from wagging freely and safely. We thank you for your service and your dedication to our core values Cody!
Enjoy the spring weather everyone, see you soon!
March-ing towards spring!
(Please!)
Shoutout to February for really making the most of just 28 days!
Rhode Island took some pretty big hits this month, and here at Underdogs we are very much looking forward to spring. We are continuously amazed by the generosity of our community, and are proud to say that our Paw it Forward Mutual Aid Fund is growing and we are looking forward to being able to help those in need to keep their dogs groomed without having to sacrifice basic needs like food, shelter, healthcare for themselves or their pets. We strongly believe that dog grooming goes beyond looking cute; it is a cornerstone of a pet’s overall health. Heavy matting can cause a variety of health problems, some as minor as hot spots or skin infections, but can become so severe that it cuts off circulation to an appendage that becomes necrotic and must be amputated. A groomer that knows your dog well can spot new lumps, bumps, parasites, skin problems, potential ear infections, dental problems, or even changes in behavior that may indicate a more serious concern. When we have the opportunity to see a dog regularly, we come to know what’s regular for them. Our commitment to Fear Free one on one grooming means that we are able to take our time and pay attention to every detail, so that if something unusual presents itself, we can relay that information to you. This is why we feel so strongly that regular grooming is not just a luxury. Although, here at Underdogs we do make every effort to make it feel very much like one for the dogs in our care, and we think that every dog deserves that! So thank you so much for all of your donations! If you would still like to donate, you can still do so in person during your next visit or via Venmoand Underdogs will match your donation, dollar for dollar all throughout the month of March!
Further, this month we bore witness to this community’s incredible generosity of kindness and flexibility. Our Pet First Aid & CPR seminar was slated for March 1st, but in addition to the snowballs the entirety of New England caught, we caught an additional one, and regrettably had to reschedule the Pet CPR & First Aid seminar for March 22nd . The owner of All 4 Paws generously offered to host the class on March 1st at her location in Exeter, and we are so grateful for her willingness to assist so that everyone who would be unable to attend on the 22nd can still have access to this education.
The good news is that you now have another chance if you couldn’t make that day work! All of the staff at Underdogs is CPR Certified through Pet Emergency Education, and we can say with confidence that even the most seasoned of us learned new things, and these classes are a worthy investment of your time and money. We hope that even if you cannot attend ours, you will consider attending an online class or one hosted at another location. Click here to register for our class!
Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude for your kindness as we were forced to reschedule quite a few appointments due to not just the weather, but an additional complication. It turns out that much to her own shock and dismay, Samantha, the owner, is actually a human being, and like the rest of us, is sometimes forced to accept that she is at the mercy of the earthly vessel in which we all reside. We would like to take a moment and let her tell you directly what’s going on. Dearest Gentle Reader: Okay yes, I might have watched too much Bridgerton while my body heals and the snow held us all hostage. I am extremely blessed to have so many clients that have been with me for well over a decade now. Some of you have known me since I was pregnant, and my son is in high school now! While I know that I am not obligated to disclose my personal health, I am grateful that people genuinely do care about me and I want to reassure you that I am ok! I also would like to spare my coworkers from having to hear the story over and over, so I thought offering a short explanation here would be helpful.
In early 2020 I was diagnosed with late stage cervical cancer. Before I say anything else, I remain in full remission. My oncology team is closely monitoring me and assures me that there is no sign of that monster on the horizon. I underwent a very aggressive treatment protocol; chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. Several lymph nodes were cancerous and had to be removed. Lymph nodes are fascinating little things that we never really think too much about, but they our bodies’ filters, catching things like cancer and keep it from moving further. When they’re removed, the surgeons clip off the route to where the nodes used to be, and a little bubble formed on one of those routes that’s called a lymphocele. This little bubble remained small and harmless until early 2025 when, for reasons still unknown it grew, and I landed in the hospital with sepsis. This once tiny bubble had grown to 9 cm and had to be drained surgically. I was given a strong round of antibiotics and I was back to work in a few days. However, it came back 3 more times, and 3 more times I had surgery between February and May.
During the summer it became evident that that little bubble had blocked the exit route for my right kidney for so long that permanent damage had been done. I had 3 more surgeries to attempt to repair it, but they proved unsuccessful. There are no viable solutions to replace or repair, unfortunately, so in April, I will be having surgery to remove my right kidney entirely. I am assured that attempts at lesser measures will only be prolonging the inevitable, and if we remove it now, it is likely still in a condition that it could be donated, as it’s only the tube that is damaged, the kidney itself is still only in “gently used” condition. I’m choosing to focus on this silver lining and hoping that perhaps this will help someone who needs it. Last week I was scheduled for a relatively minor procedure to prepare my body for that surgery, and it turned out to be a little more difficult than expected, and I spent a few days in the hospital. I was released just in time for the snowstorm.
I need to commend my team for working so diligently to get everyone rescheduled during my unexpected absence and during the snowstorm that immediately followed, and thank all of you for being so gracious and understanding. The will of course require me to take some time off. The recovery time in which I will not be able to groom is expected to be between 4-6 weeks, though I hope to be back in the building as soon as possible, even if all I can do is water the plants and answer the phone. We will be reaching out to you this week if you have an appointment during the affected time period and will work together to ensure that your dog is taken care of. For the rest of 2026 I will have limited availability for large dogs, and in an effort to prioritize my existing clientele I will not be accepting new dogs that are or will be over 50 lbs. Therefore, we are strongly encouraging anyone with a large dog to consider booking further in advance than usual, even if I am not your usual groomer, because this will affect everyone’s availability. I’ll wrap up by saying that my team is exceptionally capable and I trust them implicitly to give your dogs the same quality of care that I have during my absence.
Once again, thank you all for your concern and for trusting us with your pups. -Samantha
In other news... Last year we placed 3rd in the Valley Breeze Voices of The Valley list, which means so much to us. This isn’t something we can buy, this list is composed entirely from your votes, and to place so high when we were still so new was such an incredible honor. So if you’d be so kind as to give us a few clicks we would really appreciate it! You can vote every day until March 11th, and all you need to provide is your email address in order to vote. We know you don’t need any extra incentive to show your support but every vote does count as an entry towards a $250 sweepstakes prize from The Valley Breeze. Click here to cast your vote for us as Best Pet Groomer.
Now without further ado, let’s get to the real stars of the show:
This month we are highlighting a triple threat: our C-3 Security Team. All three members of the team are Havanese, a breed originating from Cuba. The breed profile on akc.org notes that they make excellent watchdogs and we wholeheartedly agree! Senior Department Leader Ella runs a right ship, and she has taught her two younger team members well. Myshee (pronounced MEE-shee) is the smallest, but by far the mightiest. She excels at her job as Threat Analyst. Combined with her discernment training that Ella has provided, she has a natural talent for identifying and announcing any and all potential threats, be they human, animal, vegetable or mineral. Don't make the mistake of thinking that she is all talk, she stays ready to jump into action. Rounding out the security team is Jace, with his imposing frame he provides the brawn of the team. His fierce loyalty to Myshee emboldens him to fear no enemy. Well, except the blow dryer, but Ella has given strict orders that that particular threat is far too dangerous. Myshee stands tall against all enemies, however and her incredible bravery deserves extra recognition. Thank you for all of your hard work!
2026 Coming in cold!
January blew by so fast! We hope everyone was able to enjoy the snow days with their dogs! Thanks for posting pictures and videos on your socials, we really appreciate the dopamine during these cold, short days!
Underdogs University starts 3/1!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer our survey regarding educational seminars. We appreciate all of your feedback and based on that we have decided to host a Pet CPR & First Aid Class on 3/1 at 1:00 PM. This class is taught by a Certified Vet Tech and will run approximately 3 hours. You will recieve a digital E-book and a certificate. You will need to bring a stuffed animal to practice on, as you will be demonstrating what you learn. Space is limited. Last year this class sold out completely, so make sure you register right away if you want to reserve your spot. Tuition is $74.95 per student.
Register here: 3/1/26 1-4pm Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certification Class at Underdog Grooming Lincoln, RI
look forward to seeing you there! Help us decide what’s next! Click here to take the survey and let us know what you want to learn!
What’s going on in February?
Valentine’s Day is coming up and we know that you all know that chocolate isn’t safe for your pooches, but we have to remind you to make sure to keep those treats out of reach. If you do want to make your bestie feel included and show them some love, back by popular demand, we are once again stocking freshly baked dog treats from Gingersnaps! They’re made with no preservatives and just five ingredients: Milk, Eggs, Flour, Peanut Butter and Love, of course! We also have an adorable line of Valentine’s Day accessories available for purchase, so definitely take a look around during your next visit!
Most flowers are not safe for dogs or cats, so if you happen to receive some beautiful and likely very overpriced florals this month, assume that they also need to be safely out of reach. Feel free to drop any candy or flowers that you’re unsure of off at Underdogs and we will be happy to ensure that they are safely taken care of. We provide this service out of love, and that’s what it’s all about right? If you’d like to figuratively give us our flowers, let us take this opportunity to remind you that small businesses rely on reviews and word of mouth, so please take a moment to drop a review for us on Google or Facebook if you haven’t already.
Speaking of your reviews and referrals, last year (our FIRST YEAR!) we were voted #3 in the Valley Breeze Voices of the Valley. Here’s the full list of winners & finalists.
This year, Nominations will begin on February 18th and we are once again humbly asking for your votes for Blackstone Valley’s Favorite Pet Groomer. You can vote once every day, the only info you need to provide is your email address. We will of course post direct links on our social media when the voting opens. If you’re not into social media, good for you! Just check the Valley Breeze website for more information the week of the 18th. Thank you so much in advance!
Introducing: Paw It Forward Mutual Aid Fund
If you’re looking to show our community some love, we are introducing our Paw It Forward Mutual Aid Fund. When you donate to this fund, either by adding cash to the donation box in our lobby, via Venmo, or ask us to add on a tax free donation of any amount at the register! Those funds will be designated to assist community members in need offset the price of grooming. Times are hard, and the costs of basic necessities are rising relentlessly. However, no one should have to choose between the care of their beloved pet or their own basic needs like food or medicine. If you’re in a position to donate, this is a great way to help the people and pets right here, in our neighborhood. During the month of February, Underdogs will match your donation dollar for dollar! Let’s work together to take care of our own! Click or Scan the QR Code, make sure to write “Pawing it Forward” or a pawprint emoji in the note! Thank you!
If you’re looking for a way to donate physical items, Lighthouse at Lincoln (425 Albion Rd) is collecting items for the Lincoln Animal Shelter all throughout the month of February! Items needed include toys, treats, bedding, cleaning supplies and food. For more information call 401-333-4600
Coming Soon! We are so grateful that we have been able to stay so busy thanks entirely to your reviews and referrals. Last year (our FIRST YEAR!) we were voted #3 in Valley Breeze Voices of The Valley! Here’s the full list of winners & finalists.
This year, Nominations begin on February 18th and we are once again humbly asking for your votes. You can vote once every day, the only info you need to provide is your email address. We will of course post direct links on our social media when the voting opens. If you’re not into social media, good for you! Just check the Valley Breeze website for more information the week of the 18th. Thank you so much in advance!
Which leads us into our biggest announcement for the month: We would like to introduce you to our newest addition to the Underdogs Team: Mathilde
We know Mathilde may be new to you, but Samantha and Kayle worked with Mathilde at another salon for several years, and have been looking forward to the day that she could join the team at Underdogs.
Yes, we know, not the most high quality photo but check the table and you might spot a familiar item!
Mathilde is busy this month becoming Fear Free Certified, AKC S.A.F.E Certified, and Pet CPR Certified, which is and always will be a requirement for all Underdogs team members. Mathilde grew up in France, and moved to New England approximately 10 years ago. She lives in Attleboro with her husband and their two German Shepherds, Atlas & Kobe. She loves Asian Fusion style grooming, and in her free time she enjoys reading and dancing. We think you’re all going to love her just as much as we do when she starts accepting clients in March.
Sidenote: While we are so excited to be able to offer more availability, please rest assured that we remain committed to providing a quiet, low volume environment. By utilizing careful, intentional scheduling and streamlining our physical space, we are confident that we will still be able to provide the peaceful, Fear Free experience that you’ve come to expect from us. Having said that, March and April are always very busy months so we strongly encourage you to continue booking ahead!
Without further ado, it’s time to announce February’s Employee of the Month!
Brewski the Chihuahua is almost 2 years old, and he takes pride in staying in “Peak Physical Condition”. Every ounce of his tiny 5 lb body is pure muscle, so don’t let that small stature fool you. He is incredibly strong, unbelievably agile, and fast as lightning! Brewski inspires us with his strong commitment to staying physically active, he truly never stops moving! During baths, he will do pushups off the rim of the tub. It takes two people to trim and file his nails because he loves to use that opportunity to demonstrate his incredible flexibility, defying laws of gravity and physics to help us keep our reflexes sharp. He worked hard to grow those nails, following a strict protein rich diet, and for us to attempt alterations is an affront to his core belief that his body is his temple. While we certainly hold space for that belief, it is a matter of public safety to disarm his weaponry, as he is small but mighty! He takes every opportunity he is given to “get a little cardio in”, but he does occasionally partake in relaxing under the warm air of the blow dryer. He says thermoregulation is very important to prevent lactic acid buildup, and compares it to sauna time after a workout. We aren’t sure about the science on this claim, but he’s the expert so we don’t argue.
Trust us, this isn’t the guy you want to spar with. He turns down all of our snack offerings, frequently requesting that we take him over to Lincoln Smoothies for some of their protein packed selections. (We do not indulge this request, but he never stops asking.) We have a special montage of him demonstrating his incredible physical prowess that will be featured on our socials, so keep an eye out for that. His goals for 2026 include training for his first triathlon, getting legislature passed to remove all red dyes from commercial kibble, and convincing the staff at Underdogs to finally give up caffeine. That last one is unlikely, but we would be naive to underestimate his tenacity, so anything is possible. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication Brewski!
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy February that’s full of love!
Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2026!
What’s happening in January?
As we mentioned in December’s Newsletter, effective immediately all credit/debit transactions will now incur a 3% convenience fee, including cards on file. We appreciate your understanding! Our new neighbor, Phoenix Rising Yoga is opening this month! We aren’t into “New year, new you” culture because we think you’re pretty great just the way you are. However, if you’re looking for new ways or a new place to move your body, definitely check them out. We hear they have a cute dog! Phoenix Rising | Yoga, Aerial & Cycling in Smithfield, RI
Winter weather is here!
Some dogs love the snow; digging, rolling around and gleefully zooming through clouds of white powder. Others... maybe not so much. They’d prefer to snuggle up on the couch with you, wearing a cozy sweater, and who could blame them? When temperatures drop, it may be tempting to let their fur grow out a little to help protect against the elements, and we know our clients consider their pet’s comfort top priority. However, the first thing to know is that most dogs handle cold temperatures much better than heat. Their natural resting body temperature is around 101° Fahrenheit, which gives them a leg up. But their coats and coat types do make a difference. If you have a dog that is bred for the cold (think Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees), we wish you the best of luck keeping them inside. Their soft wooly undercoats insulate their bodies while their thicker, shiny guard hairs repel snow helping to keep them dry like a really great parka.
If your dog is smooth coated like our pit bull mascot, Reina, a jacket or sweater isn’t a bad idea when heading out for a walk, especially if they’re under 20 lbs. or over 8 years old. Small and senior dogs are more sensitive to the cold, and it can become dangerous for them much faster, so try to keep their outside time to a minimum. For the curly/soft/drop coat breeds, when it comes time to decide on a haircut length it is important to consider more than just temperature because your dog will likely spend far more time inside than out. When they do go out, longer hair collects snow and gets wet. Imagine coming inside from the cold and your once cozy wool socks are soaked through, except they can’t take them off. Now they are dragging that soggy mess all over your house while they are drying off, and, during this time, their curly hair is shrinking up just like the fibers in your wet wool socks, creating a tangly, damp uncomfortable trap for bacteria to grow and, ah yes, disperse that wet dog smell all around your home.
Toweling your dog off is a great start. Also, if they let you do a little blow drying on the lowest heat setting, that’s even better, but it is most important to BRUSH AND COMB those curls out once they are dry. Brushing curly coats when wet can damage the hairs when at their most delicate state, and it’s very easy to accidentally scrape the skin underneath causing brush burn or hot spots. Using a light mist of a detangling leave-in conditioner as you work in sections is the way! If that sounds like too much work, we are granting you full permission to leave your dog’s hair in their regular low maintenance ‘do! Sweaters & jackets work great, and we love the “Sweater Weather” cut. It’s shorter on their bodies so the friction of the sweater doesn’t cause their coats to tangle while we leave the hair on the legs a little longer.
One concern for all dogs, however, is salty sidewalks. Even the “pet safe” variety can cause discomfort for sensitive toe beans. Boots are a sufficient option for short term use like a quick potty run, but unless the boots are high quality and fit perfectly, they can affect your dog’s natural gait and prioreceptive abilities increasing the risk of injury from a slip and fall. After any trip outside where they’ve been exposed to salt, it is good practice to wipe their paws when they come inside. This obviously removes any residue on their paws and keeps it from being tracked into your home but also reduces the risk of them licking their paws and ingesting the salt. There are wipes made specifically for dogs that are easy to keep next to the door. We like EarthBath’s Fragrance Free, available pretty much anywhere pet products are sold.
Included with every groom here, we apply a seasonally appropriate paw balm. During these harsh winter months, we use Musher’s Wax as it helps moisturize and provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. However, applying once every 4-8 weeks won’t offer sustained protection. Following up with your own application of paw protection is most effective. Musher’s Wax and Warren London are our favorites, but even a little coconut oil helps! Dry, cracked pads are itchy and painful, causing them to lick/chew on their feet, which fosters a perfect environment for yeast and other bacterial infections. A little prevention goes a long way!
We want to hear from you!
We are considering hosting educational seminars right here at Underdogs, (and maybe online?) where you could learn a variety of topics like proper brushing techniques or nail care directly from the experts. One of our core values at Underdogs is our commitment to continuing our own education which allows us to provide the most well-informed care possible, and we would love an opportunity to pass our knowledge along to you! We have created a survey here to see what topics, if any, might be of interest, and would really appreciate it if you could take a minute to answer just a few questions.
Follow this link to take a quick 5 question survey! Educational Seminars.
As a reminder, effective immediately all credit/debit transactions will now incur a 3% convenience fee, including cards on file. We appreciate your understanding!
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: our first Employee of The Month for 2026!
Everyone has been working so hard that it was very difficult to choose just one standout staff member. Then we remembered that we don’t have to choose just one, so we chose two!
Hildegard & Aethelflaed, aka Hildy and Aethel (rhymes with “apple”) are named after strong, powerful women and we think their namesakes would be very proud of their dedication to their work at Underdogs. As soon as they get into the car, they begin their vocal warm-ups so that by the time they arrive in the parking lot, all of Lincoln Shopping Center quickly becomes aware of their presence.
Hildy’s and Aethel’s pure, raw talent at reaching incredibly high decibels with their signature “AWOOOS” are impressive even by Basset Hound standards. When they are in the building, we are able to truly test all of our personal ear protection gear. Standard foam earplugs are blasted into dust in seconds. Ear protection designed for use by hunters makes for a more formidable opponent against their thunderous baying, but ultimately the only way to bring the decibel level down to OSHA standards are the combined powers of Loop Earplugs and Bose noise canceling headphones. Few are aware of this but the hexagonal tiles on our walls are actually acoustic sound-absorbing tiles strategically placed in an effort to minimize any disturbance to our neighbors. Hilde and Aethel had quite the laugh when we told them about this. They laughed so loud that it echoed throughout the entire shopping center. Rumor has it the washers and dryers at the laundromat stopped working, nail polish bottles at Magic Nail fell off the walls, the Himalayan salt caves in Saltitude collapsed, bottles shattered right off the shelves in the liquor store, and all of the hard-shell tacos at Oz wilted back into soft shell tortillas. Even the most delicious cakes baking at Gingersnaps fell, ruining at least 4 weddings and a funeral and then all the mightiest cookies crumbled to the ground unable to withstand the resounding roars of our celebrated pair of hounds.
After that day, we learned our lesson and offered Hildy and Aethel no more jokes, saving the funny bits for you now, because these ladies are serious when it comes to the business of barking and we dared not tempt fate again. We attempted to catch it on video and will post it on our socials soon, but in good conscience we must advise that you remove your headphones and adjust the volume of your devices to prevent potentially permanent hearing damage. OK, we might be exaggerating a tiny bit, but what can we say? We are so grateful for their dedication to ensuring our noise protection equipment is adequate that we want to shout it from the rooftops! But we will leave the shouting to the professionals and just make sure they look and smell as great as they sound! Once again, we thank you all for not only a wonderful year but want to send a shout out to the MVPs who provided us with snacks and other thoughtful, wonderful gifts for the holidays. We truly have the best clients, and we look forward to seeing what 2026 has in store for us!
What’s new in December?
Whoa, November went by FAST! To all who attended our Anniversary Party and/or made a donation to our Food Drive for Rhode Island Community Food Bank, we thank you! We are so proud to have collected over $500 and 183 POUNDS of food that will be put right back into our own neighborhoods. What an amazing community that we are so grateful to be a part of. Congratulations to our raffle winners who received gift certificates for $50 each! To see all of the photos, check out our Facebook page and make sure you're following us!
In case you're not following us and you missed it, for Small Business Saturday we ran a promotion that for every gift certificate you purchase, you would receive a second gift certificate for 10% of the first amount! (Buy $100, get an extra $10!) You guys loved that so much that we have decided to extend that sale all the way through the month of December, so if you're looking for a gift that will surely be useful while also supporting local small business, we've got you covered! Available in physical AND digital versions! By the way, you can also purchase gift certificates to donate to community members in need.
We only have a few time slots left for December and are already booking into January & February so don't wait to reach out if you're hoping to get your bestie ready for the festivities! Of course, we are doing all we can to accommodate everyone, and we know it's a busy time of year for everyone! We are kindly requesting that everyone review our Policies Page. All appointments from 12/18-12/24 will be treated as weekend appointments as they are in such high demand, therefore cancellations made inside of the 24 *business* hours will be charged 100% of the groom price if we cannot refill that timeslot. Late & Early drop off fees will be enforced as well as rush fees for late arrivals. We want to keep things running as smoothly as possible for everyone, so please communicate if you need to change your arrival or pickup time as soon as possible. We always accommodate as well as we can, but we do work with many dogs who have reactivity issues, cannot be placed in a kennel, have compromised immunity etc. Arriving early or late can be disruptive to these pups to the point that we may not be able to complete their grooming and we want to be fair to everyone.
Also, a reminder that the Doggie Bus is available to help! They can even arrange for low/no contact drop off and pickups if you find yourself visited by a dreaded winter cold. Speaking of Winter Cold, inevitably, we will get at least one snow day! We will never compromise anyone's safety for any reason. Generally, if the weather is bad enough that local schools have closed, we probably will as well. Of course we will do everything we can to get your appointment rescheduled as soon as possible in the event that we do have to close for the day.
*Reminder that we will be closed from 12/24-1/2 so that the team can spend time with their families!
Now to get the the really important news: December Employee of the Month
This month we are highlighting our new Chief Perimeter Security Officer (CPSO) Luna! You may have seen Luna defying gravity on our TikTok recently, but rest assured she was just working hard to secure all the perimeters here to keep us and our dogs safe. Compensation includes treats, belly rubs and constant praise for her bravery and dedication to keeping us secure!
One more thing before we wrap up the last newsletter of 2025:
The cost of everything is going up, and the grooming industry is unfortunately not excluded. We carefully select every product we use, supporting ethical companies that are made in the US. We pay fair wages, shop locally, and do all we can to reduce our environmental impact. As most of you know, most of what you see in the shop has been thrifted, upcycled, or repurposed. So when you spend your hard earned dollars at Underdogs, you can be confident that you are supporting not just a local business, but the local economy. So please believe that we are trying our best to keep costs down for everyone without compromising quality or service, and during the week of Thanksgiving, when our card reader was being glitchy, we inadvertently discovered one place where a huge chunk of change is going: credit card processing fees. We will always offer it as an option, of course, but as of Jan 1st, all credit card transactions will incur a 3% convenience fee, so we encourage you to pay with cash whenever possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Wishing everyone a safe, happy & healthy holiday season and thanking you once again for supporting us during our first year.
We look forward to being your trusted care providers for many more years to come!
Happy November!
October went by in a blur! We want to take a minute to congratulate Dundie, our Online Costume Contest Winner and cover model for the month of November. He blew us all away with his Dundie-lion costume!
Thank you all for contributing, participating and voting! All of the runners up will be receiving a free upgraded accessory at your next visit for being such good sports!
November is a pretty special month here at Underdogs Grooming because we are celebrating our first birthday!!!
We cannot believe what an amazing year this has been. We have been so fortunate to meet so many new dogs and pet parents, but are also so grateful for our longtime pups and parents who have followed us on our grooming journey. We love being part of this community and look forward to many more years!
To show our gratitude, we will be hosting our first birthday party on Sunday, November 9th from 1pm-4pm! Snacks are our love language, so we will have plenty for you and your pups, who are of course invited! We just ask that they stay on leash just in case anyone gets a little overwhelmed and doesn’t feel like socializing.
We are very proud to announce that we are partnering with Rhode Island Food Bank to accept donations of non-perishable items. We are all aware that this may be an especially tough time for some families in our community, and we are also aware that our clients need no incentive to help out their neighbors. However, for every single non-perishable, non-expired food item that you donate to our lobby box during the month of November, you will receive one raffle ticket to win a $50 UnderDogs Gift Certificate to keep or gift to a friend (Just in time for the holidays too!) If you would rather donate monetarily, which is always a good idea because usually, food banks have partnerships to purchase things at a discount, so they can stretch your dollars further. Click here to donate directly!
Every $2 donated during the month of November = 1 raffle entry, just send us a screenshot or show us proof of your donation. The more you donate, the better your chances! The winner will be announced in December's Newsletter & on our socials so make sure you're following us on Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok.
And yes, we do have digital and physical gift certificates available starting at $25!
The holiday season is upon us and our calendars are almost full for 2025, with only a few prime holiday appointments left, so reach out today to schedule if you haven’t already.
We all love to include our pets in special occasions, so we want to share a few food safety tips to keep your pets safe and healthy this season. While we recommend sticking to their normal diets, we know how tempting those puppy dog eyes can be. If you do decide to sneak your pup a small bite of turkey please make sure that it is totally boneless, and fully cooked. You should also be mindful of the ingredients even down to the spices you are using. Onion and garlic are prevalent in many seasoning mixes and can be toxic to pets. Bouillon cubes used for stocks and gravy are also very high in sodium which can lead to gastrointestinal issues or even put them at a risk for seizure and should also be avoided. Here is a link to foods to avoid giving to your pet, make sure you check all labels & ingredients before letting your pup have a taste. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets | ASPCA
For many of us, things can get very busy during this time of year. Time flies as the days get shorter and the to-do lists get longer, so give yourself permission to make life a little easier.
The Doggie Bus has entered the chat! This amazing service provides safe and reliable rides for your pets, perfect for their grooming appointments! You can learn more by visiting www.doggie-bus.com, visit their Instagram page @doggiebusri, or reach out directly to Leslie@doggie-bus.com for any questions or to schedule! We can help coordinate pick up and drop offs so your bestie doesn't miss their appointment!
Did you know that November is Senior Pet month? This is just one of the reasons we chose our Senior VP (Vibes Provider) Pickle as our Employee of the Month!
Pickle is the sweetest, happiest dude and the perfect spokesdog for this special month at 13 years old! . He always brings the good vibes wherever he goes. He works hard at local libraries, listening intently while children read to him. (Check out https://windwalkerpettherapy.org/programs-children-youth.html for more info on this program and others!)
This increases their confidence as they learn, because Pickle doesn't mind one bit if they have to read at a slower pace, he is just happy to be included. Pickle is enrolled in our Fear Free Membership program, because believe it or not, he has never had a professional grooming! His mom has always managed his needs at home, but as he has gotten older his needs have changed. Pickle's biggest challenge has been having his face worked on, but after building trust with Samantha, you can see that he is making amazing progress, look at this glowup!
He insisted that he had to make a serious face in his photo so that everyone knows he takes his position very seriously, but he always comes in excited to get to “work” and we are so proud of the progress he has made in just a few months. He is living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks, especially if you have the right snacks handy!
We see a lot of senior dogs around here, so choosing just one to highlight was not easy! We always prioritize their comfort & safety over a perfect haircut, and offer a variety of accommodations to meet their needs. Our one on one, quiet environment where we have the freedom to give them breaks, tables that go very low to the ground with cushioned, non-slip mats, plus services like therapeutic soaks to relax and relieve sore, stiff joints all make us the perfect fit for your friends with frosted faces.
And hey, speaking of seniors, if you happen to see Samantha on November 26th, be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!
Let's wrap up with some other important dates to remember:
November 9th 1-4pm Underdogs Grooming first birthday party!
Extended Hours: Open 11/26 to make sure everyone looks great for gatherings!
Closed 11/27 and 11/28 for Thanksgiving
Closed 12/24 through 1/1 and reopening on 1/2
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe November!
It’s already October?!
September flew by so fast!
Samantha & Kayle had a great time at the New England Groom Expo, learned a lot and came home with new knowledge, products and tools that are already being put to good use! Make sure you’re following us on Facebook & Instagram (UnderdogsRI) to see the highlights! Speaking of social media, this month we have rolled out a new “Employee of the Month” program!
October is Squirrel Month (Yes, really!) and we can't think of anyone who is more committed to that cause than our buddy Regent. Regent is a 2 year old Welsh Springer Spaniel and he is VERY smart and passionate about makng everyone aware of any squirrels in the area. His parents do a great job putting that drive to good use, training him to do nose work. When choosing a dog it's so important to understand what they were made to do and to be prepared to provide the appropriate training, enrichment and exercise for them. We know he is an absolute champion in his field because not one squirrel has dared to enter the premises. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, Regent!
Look at this guy, up before the sun on the lookout!
As promised, scheduling for 2026 is now open to for existing clients only!
We strongly encourage you to book ahead, especially if you are seeking weekend appointments! We will be sending out our updated Policies page soon as well, please make sure to read & sign, as we have made some changes to our rescheduling, pickup, drop-off & cancelation policies that are important to be aware of when booking.
In other news, it’s already been a year since Samantha got the keys to what was formerly Christian Jewelers into the lush and welcoming dog spa that it is now!
There were a lot of long days and late nights, and there’s no way we would have been able to open for business in one month without the help of our friends & family. Being able to look around the space we work in every day and see the evidence of an amazing community effort is such a blessing. To those of you who helped us get here, those of you who keep showing up and those of you who are just joining us, thank you for putting your trust and faith in us, you’ll never know how much we appreciate you!
However we would like to try and show our appreciation for your support during our first year, so we are hosting a “Birthday Party”. We hope that you’ll join us on Sunday, November 9th, from 1pm-4pm. And yes, of course your dogs are invited! We just ask that they stay on leash just in case anyone gets a little overwhelmed and doesn’t feel like socializing. Drinks & treats for humans & dogs alike will be provided! We will post more information on Facebook soon, so stay tuned and make sure you’re in our Facebook group “Underdogs Community”.
While we’re on the topic of our Facebook group, this month we will be conducting an online Halloween Costume Paw-ty! We want to see your dogs in their Halloween costumes (but only if they’re happy to participate, please do not force your pups into outfits that they don’t want to wear!) We will post instructions in the Facebook group this week on how to participate, and we may even offer up a prize for the best dressed!
Looking for some in person Halloween fun? 9 Twenty Cafe & Balloons By Kay are hosting a Trunk or Treat event on 10/25 starting at 6pm. Sadly, we are unable to participate this year, because as you all know, Saturdays are very busy days around here! It is sure to be a fun time and maybe next year we will be able to get in on the fun!
Just a few Halloween safety tips to remember:
● This seems like a pretty basic one but we have to say it: Don’t give your dogs candy. Everyone knows about chocolate, but many candies contain other ingredients that can make your pup sick, like Xylitol, and definitely no raisins! (Does anyone still give out raisins? Please say no). Make sure you keep your stash out of reach!
● Some dogs are social butterflies who would love to walk the neighborhood with you, or greet new friends who come to the door every few minutes, even if they are dressed a little differently than they’re used to. For other dogs, the constant door knocking/doorbell ringing, door opening, strangers wearing things they’re not used to seeing, it can be pretty stressful and scary. Be honest with yourself about who your dog is and what their threshold for this kind of evening might be like. You have our permission to turn off the porch light and cuddle up on the couch for a cozy movie night if that protects the peace in your household! One of our favorite solutions is to simply put the dog in her crate, turn on some white noise and set up outside. This way, there’s no doorbell ringing and no open door for an adventurous type to attempt a run at.
● Lots of pets get lost on Halloween so make sure that they’re appropriately leashed, secured, and wearing their tags just in case. If you’re going out, a little glow stick necklace or a flashing tag will help with keeping them visible and safe!
Wishing you all a fun and safe evening, however you choose to spend it!
Finally, we have rolled out a few new Fear Free Membership Packages. These are perfect for the dogs that need a little more practice learning (or unlearning) the process of grooming in ways that integrate positive reinforcement training to help them truly enjoy their time with us!
Read more about these packages here on our website!
Wishing everyone a happy fall and looking forward to seeing you soon!
First Newsletter
Hello Underdogs Family!
Starting now, we will be sending out monthly newsletters!
As the summer season draws to a close we want to check in and talk about what’s going on at Underdogs for the upcoming Fall & Winter season.
Many of you go getters have already booked your holiday appointments and we love that! Now is the perfect time to double check those dates to ensure they will still work for you. If you haven't yet, this is your official reminder that it's time!
Of course, we always do our best to accommodate our clients, but as we get closer to those busy days, we anticipate that last minute scheduling and/or rescheduling will be very difficult.
This is also a great time to check the information using our portal to ensure that you and your dog's information is correct and up-to-date.
We would like to remind everyone that this is prime time for fleas & ticks. We know it seems counterintuitive and many of us consider putting a pause on our flea & tick preventative as the weather turns colder. However, this is the season where those pests start getting desperate for a place to stay warm, so until the temperature has dropped and remained below freezing for 3 days *minimum*, we need to stay vigilant with those preventatives & giving your pup (and yourself!) a good looking over after outside time. One of our favorite at-home “hacks” is to keep a lint roller in your car or near the door of your home and simply give your dog a once over with it. This neat trick doesn't apply if your dog has a longer coat, so use good judgment when considering this tactic! Regarding preventatives, we prefer that you discuss the best options for your pets with their veterinarian.
In September we will be welcoming a new Administrative Assistant to our team. Adrienne is Pet CPR Certified and well versed in Fear Free methodologies. We are very excited to have her help in managing all of our administrative processes, and we’re confident you and your pups will adore her!
In other news, we will be closed 9/24-9/29. We are attending the New England Grooming Show in Springfield, MA. This is a great opportunity to check out new products, watch grooming competitions, and network with industry professionals, but we are most excited about the education (nerds)! Every day is filled with seminars taught by experts in the field and we are so excited to soak up all the information we possibly can. Our industry is always evolving, as are the animals we care for. We feel it's our responsibility to stay as informed as we possibly can in order to keep providing the high quality of care our clients deserve. During this time we will be unable to answer calls and messages but of course we will catch up when we return. Make sure you're following us on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok to see all the wild shenanigans we get into!
In October, Lincoln Shopping Center puts on a Trunk or Treat event. Make sure to check out our October newsletter for more details about what’s sure to be a night of spooky fun for humans and dogs alike!
Wishing you all a happy September,
The Team at Underdogs Grooming