Well, it is true we can say it is like a marathon in flip-flops to take your dog to the groomer. You place a phone call, tie your dog into your car, drive through the town and then make them wait as they look at you with those deceived eyes. And the ride home? Damped nose on the window, hair everywhere, and the slight air of wet dog despair. There the dog groomer comes in like a silent savior. The groomer arrives directly to your door, sets up his office in the van and does all the work as you take your coffee and relax. None of the above, no traffic, no hair tumbleweeds on the back seat, no guilt.

Dogs also appear to like it as well. Salons may be overpowering them with the yell of dogs, dryers, and new odors of the place, and the sheer noise of a dozen dogs together. To nervous dogs, this is as though it is a rock concert without earplugs. Within a mobile grooming van, however, it is peaceful. Only a groomer, a dog and no sensory overload. Others who used to crawl under the bed when the bath time was mentioned now come right up to the van as though it was theirs and time to get in the bath. I have even watched a bulldog fall asleep in the middle of the blow dry. No worry, no theatre–simply calmness and merry balls.

To the owners, it is the convenience of gold. You are also allowed to work, clean the kitchen or even sleep as your dog is being groomed a few feet away. The vans are full-service,–hot water, professional equipment, fancy shampoos, the works. It is as though a high end salon is coming to your driveway. And it is something reassuring to be close. Look through the window and you can watch your groomer going about his business with attention, talking to your dog, perhaps even humming. It’s personal. You are not placing your pet in the dark, you are also a part of the process even though you are not there.

There is a special type of a person mobile groomers are. Patient, skilful, and normally covered with a fine coat of fur. They work with all types of personality–nervous terriers, opinionated poodles, wiggly labs and yet they make them look photo-ready. They also remember things: what shampoo makes your dog a happy dog and what treats to use as bribes and what ear to clean with extra care. Others even develop life time friendships with their customers. They will forget your birthday, before you can forget the birthday of your dog. Such a relationship is not something that could be created in a large salon, but rather through concern and regularity in a smaller, more friendly way.

And the result? A dog that is smelling good, is cute and behaves as though they were fresh out of vacation. You open the door and they run in wagging their tails evidently proud of their new appearance. You save some time during your day, your dog enjoys a stress-free time and everybody is happy. It is easy, brilliant and unobtrusively radical. The real best ideas indeed do turn on four wheels, and have a faint scent of lavender shampoo.