Sam The Grooming Man Dog Grooming

Sam The Grooming Man works from a shop in Wynyard on Tasmania's north-west coast, and the jobs his customers describe tend to be the hard ones. A Maremma that had not seen a groomer since the previous October came back white and free of mats. A badly matted senior cat was left far more comfortable. A pair of travellers' dogs, a Frenchie and a mini dachshund caked in red mud from the tulip farm, were fitted in for a warm bath the same afternoon. Styled clips get a mention too, including a summer teddy bear cut on a Cavalier King Charles.

Kindness is the word feedback keeps circling back to — going out of his way for people passing through town, and taking care with animals that are old, matted or unsettled. Reviewers describe pets that clearly like him and results that hold up. It suits owners dealing with a matted coat, larger breeds, senior animals, and anyone who needs help at short notice.