**MAC KID DISCOUNT for Everyone, PLUS Military, Law Enforcement, First Responder and Teacher DISCOUNTS INSIDE ** Eliza is our big 'ole fluff ball Pyrenees mix. She is the sweetest mutt I know, and everyone, every dog-lover, falls prey to her furry-face-of-cute-splosion doom. She has even converted quite a few terrified non-dog-lovers over to the furry side (including our own children). But, there's just one thing about Eliza that is not so lovable... ok, two. One, she's GIGANTIC. Which means over-exuberance results in crying toddlers lying face-planted in the grass, and difficulty navigating indoor spaces when she's occupying the same room as you. And two, she's FURRY. Which means giant, white woolly tumbleweeds all over the house. We have actually altered our furniture and carpet buying habits for the purposes of camouflaging the actual amount of fur in our house, measured in tonnage. Thanks to this, our neighbors still respect us.
Living with a dog like this, without going insane, requires a decent groomer. And I sincerely mean, RE-quires. I once tried to save some cash by purchasing a recommended dog-grooming clipper. How hard can it be, really? I ended up burning out the motor in one go, while causing Eliza to look like the first sheep the farmboy ever practiced on. It was pitiful y'all.
So when Eliza's spring "shed" started to rain down upon us this year, I had to find a professional groomer. How so very lucky that we found Tonya Lammons, who was, at the time, working out of a vet clinic. I scheduled the appointment, brought Eliza to get her summer hairdid and was pleasantly surprised when Tonya offered to photograph Eliza for me after her grooming session for only $5 extra. Of course, I said yes! What a fun bonus. Then I went on my merry way and awaited a text to let me know it was time to pick her up.
Later on that day, when I returned to retrieve a fresh, clean and clipped Eliza, the lady at the front desk handed me a photo and said "Here's your baby!!" I looked at the picture, smiled and pushed it back to her. "That's not my dog," I said. The lady looked at me like I abandoned a baby on their doorstep. "Yes it is," she said, pushing the photo back to me. I took another look. It was my dog. Only she now looked like the cutest, most schmoopiest labrador puppy. Want to see?
After Eliza was groomed by Tonya for the first time, I did not even recognize her. Yes. This is the same dog as in the cover picture for this article!
Shaggy Chic Grooming by Tonya
Tonya recently opened her own boutique grooming and photography salon in Alabaster, located in the shopping mall behind the Rite Aid on 119. Features of the new salon include a do-it-yourself dog wash area, gated areas where friendly pups can hang out while they wait, and a drive-through drop off for when you are in a hurry. Tonya offers standard grooming services, as well as specialty treatments such as the "furminator" treatment. Eliza got this treatment just before walking with Shaggy Chic in the Alabaster Christmas parade. It has really helped keep the fur down in the house while she has her long winter coat. It has been a couple weeks and she still feels silky soft too.
**Special discounts for services** 10% discount for law enforcement, first responders and military. 5% for teachers. Mac Kid discount below (keep reading!).
Tonya's assistant, Jessica, washes this sweet beagle in the do-it-yourself wash area. For just $10-$15, with price depending on size, you can wash your dog yourself.
Tonya Lammons, owner of Shaggy Chic and fellow mom of two human babies, gives Eliza a big hug after getting her ready for the Alabaster Christmas parade. Eliza looked so much like the cat in Put Me in the Zoo, with her colorful spots! She certainly got a lot of attention from the crowd!
Shaggy Chic Pet Photography
** MAC KID DISCOUNT ** Get a FREE photo session and one FREE photo when you mention Macaroni Kid when scheduling your appointment.
After your pup is all fresh and clean, Tonya will take holiday themed pictures of your fur babies for you to treasure forever. She only charges $5 per printed picture! Personally, I think that is crazy. She will even take a picture of you, or your child, with your dog. There are so many adorable pictures on the Shaggy Chic Facebook page. I visit all the time just for my daily dose of cuteness. Here are some of our favorites from her Christmas Facebook album. 
Love this picture of McKenzie and Pucca.
Look at those eyes...sweet Lucy.
I just can't get over those teeth on Tonka and Cookie makes a cute reindeer!
Sleepy Harper the Great Dane puppy. Awwwww.
Bella in a box makes a sweet Christmas present!
Now don't you feel all warm and fuzzy? I sure do!
----------------------
Like this article? Macaroni Kid South Birmingham is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and things to do with kids in the South Birmingham region. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, seasonal guides and more. We proudly serve families in downtown Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Pelham, Oak Mountain area, Helena and Alabaster. Sign up for our newsletter and never miss another awesome event again! Subscribe here for FREE at https://sbirmingham.macaronikid.com/subscribe
