Sarah Lowe
Study Type: Adult and Community
Study Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Studied: Animal Care
Dog lover Sarah plans to open own dog grooming salon one day
Sarah Lowe ‘loves everything about dogs’ so when she spotted Derby College Group’s Level 2 City and Guilds Dog Grooming course advertised on social media she decided to apply.
A trained hairdresser, Sarah, 40, still does hairdressing but also wants to pursue a career as a dog groomer.
She said: “I really enjoyed the college course. The group of students I was with were lovely and I didn’t feel out of place as a mature student.
“The lecturers were lovely too – approachable and easy to get along with – and I found the course content informative. There was also the added bonus of a canine first aid course.”
After completing the level 2 with a Merit, Sarah, from Draycott, began volunteering at a local dog grooming salon.
She was then invited to stay on one day a week to further her training and learn more about different breeds of dogs and their temperaments.
She added: “My 17-week course at Broomfield Hall was so informative and I’ve been able to incorporate what I learned on it into my work. It has helped enormously and given me confidence. I’d definitely recommend it.”
Sarah’s work entails washing and drying dogs, clipping their nails, removing hair from pads, using clippers and learning specific breed cuts including hand stripping.
She added: “The best part of the job is being around the dogs and seeing the difference a pamper can make. I still do hairdressing but want to pursue dog grooming as a career too.
“My eventual aim is to set up my own dog grooming salon once I’ve gained enough experience.”
Sarah loves all dogs but cocker spaniels are her favourite breed. She has two of her own – six-year-old Jarvis and new puppy Peppa.
I really enjoyed the college course. The group of students I was with were lovely and I didn’t feel out of place as a mature student. "The lecturers were lovely too – approachable and easy to get along with – and I found the course content informative. There was also the added bonus of a canine first aid course.