Fairy Tails Dog Salon

Fairy Tails Dog Salon is Sam's grooming salon at Narangba, north of Brisbane, and a good share of her regulars are small and curly. Reviewers name Cavoodles, a Westie and a Cocker Spaniel among the dogs she looks after, with families booking full grooms and fitting baths in between. One owner of a young Cavoodle credits Sam's advice on which products to use with keeping matting under control while the puppy coat grew out, and several have been coming back for years.

What comes up in nearly every review is how dogs behave around her. Anxious and shy dogs, including some who have struggled at other salons, are described as settled here, helped by a calm room, an unrushed pace and a few treats along the way. Owners use words like kind, compassionate and patient, and mention that she has fitted them in without fuss when needed. It suits nervous dogs, puppies due a first groom and doodle crosses on a regular maintenance schedule.