Although it sometimes requires a lot of work and patience, local groomer Liz Washington loves every minute of her work grooming dogs and cats of all persuasions at Middleburg Animal Hospital.

Well and widely known for her patience and ability to establish a truly special relationship with unruly animals, Liz grew up in Middleburg's Windy Hill.

"My grandfather cooked at The Greek's, the restaurant that was owned by Mr. Dimos before it became The Coach Stop," she explained. "Five generations of my family lived in our Windy Hill house."

Liz's very loving and patient mother always allowed her children to bring home stray or hurt animals for tender, loving care and, according to Liz, pets were always a part of their family.

A 1973 graduate of Loudoun County High School, Liz thought she wanted to be an executive assistant until she realized the required dress code for such a position was not what she wanted to do.

"That was it," she said emphatically, "I knew then I wanted to do something else.

Although a lucky happenstance ensured that another career would be possible, and that all her business classes did not go to waste. For 25 years, Liz has assisted Pastor Herman Nelson at the Shiloh Baptist Church as Church Clerk.

"I use all my skills there," she said.

One day, Liz took a dog that had been shot to the vet. At that time, Dr. John Holland owned Middleburg Animal Hospital and when he observed how well Liz calmed the hurt dog, he asked if she would like to help him as a kennel assistant part time.

"I was excited to help him," Liz emphasized. "I had always loved animals, but I never imagined I could have a profession with animals."

Liz took such good care of the boarding animals that Dr. Holland asked her to work for him full time and taught her skills to assist him as a vet/tech assistant.

"He taught me so much and so well," Liz remembered.

When Dr. Donaldson purchased the business, Liz simply transitioned to assist her. She had learned a bit about how to do baths and cuts from Callie Norton, who was one of the groomers who had worked there, and when Dr.'s Love and McKim took over the business, they asked her if she would like to do all the grooming.

"I said I'd like to try," Liz answered. "I had watched the groomers closely and Callie Norton had taught me a lot. It went well and here I am, many, many years later, grooming as a professional."

"There are challenges with certain animals," Liz explained, but I have a lot of experience with different personalities."

Although cats can require extra special attention, Liz insists she loves every animal who visits her. Whether they are Cockers or Springers, toys or standards, they leave looking like they are ready for the show ring.

A Mastiff was a memorable client, not only because he weighed 180 pounds, but because Liz decided the easiest way to groom him was in the indoor run, where she would have hot and cold running water and he would have the room to relax and stop worrying. Even though it meant she would have to remove her shoes, socks, and then cover herself so she wouldn't be soaked during the bath.

Special care is a hallmark of Liz's work, whether it is hand drying for a pet who doesn't like to be caged, or simply a calm, quiet hand for an animal that may have had a bad previous experience.

"Although I've groomed many pets over the years, I never tire of helping a dog or cat look and feel their very best. I love what I do."

To schedule a grooming appointment with Liz at Middleburg Animal Hospital, please telephone 540 687 6144.