At Cherished Pets Parlour, grooming isn’t just about fluffy cuts and fresh coats – it’s about connection, care, and early intervention.
Owner Daniela Silva has been grooming dogs for nearly two decades across two continents, starting her career in the UK before relocating to Australia.
She now operates her home-based salon from Eagle Heights, where loyal customers regularly travel from as far as Beaudesert, Pimpama and even Mullumbimby—more than an hour away.
“Some of my clients I’ve known since they got their puppies, and now their kids are turning ten,” she said.
“You build real relationships not only with the pets, but with their families.”
Daniela says every dog is different in temperament, but all of them end up leaving happier with a clean coat.
“I’ve probably had two dogs in my career that actually stayed still and enjoyed the whole groom,” she laughed.
“Most are like, ‘give me my paw back!’ But when you take a dog from being matted and uncomfortable to looking and feeling great, it’s really rewarding.”
Daniela said many dog owners still underestimate the importance of professional grooming, especially for short-haired breeds.
“People think their smooth coat dog doesn’t need grooming, but those dogs shed,” she said.
“Regular de-shedding means less fur on your furniture and in your home and gives them a healthier coat.”
While the satisfaction of a clean, happy pet is a perk, she says the job is more layered than most people assume, with groomers playing a key role in early health detection.
“A good groomer checks ears, nails, skin, and even teeth,” she said.
“I’ve picked up ear infections, allergies, mats that make dogs limp – things owners didn’t know to look for.”
She stresses that while certification is valuable, it’s no substitute for hands-on experience.
“You can’t learn grooming properly through videos alone,” she said.
“It’s about how you handle the dog, how you read their body language, and how you make them comfortable. That takes time and instinct.”
Though Daniela has taken breaks for family and a back injury, she’s recently returned to grooming larger dogs, saying her back has recovered and the demand is still strong.
“This is my stress-free zone,” she said.
“It’s lovely when a dog comes in uncomfortable and leaves feeling clean, healthy, and happy.”
For Daniela, it’s not just about the cut – it’s about care, connection, and catching things early, one paw at a time.
