Bentley & Bear Holistic Dog and Cat Grooming

06/04/2026

I hope the Easter Bunny visited you all this weekend, he came to see me in the form of a quiet bit of learning 🐰🤍

My laptop was set up to do my tax return but I love a challenge and took it upon myself to also complete
this short and bonus free of charge course on modern rabbit care, from Atticus Academy of Animals and it felt like such a gentle reminder of something I come back to time and time again…
how important it is to really notice the animal in front of you. 🤍

Rabbits have such subtle ways of communicating.
They don’t always show discomfort in obvious ways, and what can look like calmness can sometimes be the opposite.

A rabbit who is very still isn’t always relaxed — sometimes they’re simply unsure, or trying to stay safe.

What I found particularly interesting was the balance between understanding rabbits as they are naturally, and who they are as pets.

Domesticated rabbits may live in our homes, but their instincts are still very much rooted in being prey animals. That means their communication can be quiet, understated, and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

And that’s where my role gently comes in.

Not to push through a groom,
but to observe, adjust, and respond.

To notice the small changes — a shift in posture, a moment of tension — and allow that to guide how I handle and support them.

Because even in a grooming environment, they deserve to feel as safe and understood as possible.

It’s something I carry into all of my work…
but rabbits really do remind you just how softly animals can speak.

And how important it is that we listen. 🤍

06/04/2026

04/04/2026

When your dog “isn’t listening”… what if they actually can’t?

Sensitive dogs brace. Driven dogs push.

Neither are being difficult – they’re adapting. 🤍

Read that again… which one is yours?

04/04/2026

Some lovely courses on here at really affordable prices — the rabbit course is even free this Easter 🐰

Knowledge is such a powerful part of caring for those who can’t talk, and it’s so important to keep learning and evolving for the animals in our care. If you’re looking to expand your skills or dip into something new, this is a brilliant place to start.

Definitely worth giving them a follow and taking a look 👀

It's the day we have all been waiting for!

The Atticus Academy of Animals website is officially open.

We’ve built this space for you, for the guardians who want better information, for the practitioners who want deeper understanding, and for the community who believes animals deserve more than the old stories we were taught.

Come explore, learn, and grow with us.
This is just the beginning.

31/03/2026

A little update from me 🤍

I am now pretty much fully booked until the end of May (thank you so much — I really don’t take that lightly).

To protect the calm, one-to-one environment I work so hard to maintain, I’m now closing my books to new dog clients for the time being.

I will continue to support my existing dog clients with their bespoke, holistic grooming plans, and I’m always happy to refer new enquiries to local groomers I know and trust.

I’ll also be gradually shifting my focus more towards holistic cat grooming, which is an area I feel particularly passionate about.

I’m not leaving dog grooming — I simply don’t have enough hours in the day anymore and need to create a little more breathing space to enable me to give the best service possible - your pets deserve nothing less.

Thank you as always for your understanding and support.✨

30/03/2026

I have had so many enquires about booking in with me this weekend - I will get back to everyone today in-between grooming.

Currently at the vets with my woofers waiting for their vaccinations.
Thank you for your patience
Caroline 😸

27/03/2026

Athena the Ragdoll 🤍

Athena came in for a dry groom today, along with a gentle belly and hygiene clip to keep her comfortable and clean.

She had two small knots tucked away under her front legs — a really common spot, and one that can become uncomfortable quickly if left. These were carefully removed as part of her groom, leaving her much more at ease.

✨ So why might a cat need a belly or hygiene clip?

Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but some are particularly… hairy 🤍
And even with the best intentions, there are areas they simply can’t maintain as effectively — especially in longer coats.

A belly clip can help:
• Prevent matting in hard-to-reach areas
• Reduce friction and pulling under the legs and underneath
• Keep the coat more manageable between grooms

A hygiene clip can help:
• Keep the sanitary area clean and comfortable
• Reduce the risk of urine or faecal build-up in the coat
• Support cats who may be less able to groom themselves fully (due to age, weight, or discomfort)

Athena took everything in her stride today, and we kept things calm, gentle, and respectful of her comfort throughout 🤍
A thorough dry groom can make a real difference — especially for coats like hers.

26/03/2026

Can’t handle the cuteness! 🥹

Kuri has found parts of grooming a little overwhelming, but her family have been putting in the work at home — building positive associations and confidence.

And now we’re starting to see the difference…
small steps, big wins 💗



📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/

24/03/2026

🐾 A small but important shift in the veterinary world…

Good morning everyone,

As I sit waiting for my car windscreen to be replaced 🥴 I’ve been catching up on a bit of pet industry news — and came across something that will affect all of us as pet owners.

I thought I’d share a simple overview.

Caroline 🤍

⸻

So you may start to hear about some changes happening within veterinary care in the UK.

These come from a review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) — an independent organisation that looks at whether businesses are working fairly and transparently for customers.

The aim isn’t to criticise individual vets, but to gently improve clarity and consistency across the industry as a whole.

⸻

💷 More clarity around costs
One of the main aims is to help owners better understand pricing.

Practices will be encouraged to make common costs more visible — so things feel clearer before decisions need to be made.

⸻

🏥 Clearer information about practices
Some veterinary clinics are part of larger groups, even if they appear independent.

Going forward, this will be more transparent, so you have a fuller picture when choosing a practice.

⸻

💊 Consistency with prescription charges
There will be more guidance around prescription fees, helping to reduce variation and give owners clearer options when it comes to medication.

⸻

🔍 Easier comparisons
A comparison-style tool is expected in the future, allowing owners to look at services, pricing and practical details like opening hours.

⸻

🐶 A focus on fairness across the industry
There will also be increased oversight at business level — helping to support consistency and maintain high standards of care.

⸻

🌿 A gentle perspective from me…

I’m fortunate to work alongside some lovely vets through referrals, and I see how much care, skill and emotional investment goes into what they do.

These changes aren’t about blame — they’re simply about helping owners feel a little more informed and supported when navigating their pet’s care.

⸻

As always, if you’re ever unsure about anything relating to your pet’s care, it’s absolutely okay to ask questions and take the time you need to understand your options 🤍

24/03/2026

🐍 Adders 🐍
Now that spring is finally here, we have started to notice an increase in calls regarding adder bites.

The adder (Vipera berus berus) is the only venomous snake native to the UK, and is also found across northern Europe. It is a protected species in the UK. Adders are most commonly, but not exclusively, found on dry, sandy heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorlands and woodland edges. The clinical signs of an adder bite can include rapid and progressive swelling around the bite site, pain, lethargy, vomiting, bruising, bleeding and collapse.

What should you do if your pet has been bitten by an adder?
❌Do not panic.
❌Do not interfere with the bite.
❌Do not apply a tourniquet.
❌Do not attempt to touch or catch the snake.
❌Do not kill the snake – it is a protected species.
❌If practical, carry your dog to your car and go to your veterinary surgeon - do not delay seeking advice even if your pet is well as things can change quickly.

Adders are not aggressive and generally only bite when provoked. They hibernate in the winter and as a result most bites occur in the summer. Pets are frequently bitten on the leg, head or neck. If your pet has been bitten by an adder (even if you did not see the snake or are not sure what happened) – contact your vet immediately. Your vet will examine your pet to determine the location of the bite and extent of the swelling.

Veterinary professionals can call us any time on 02073 055 055 if required for assistance with managing cases of adder bites. We also hold a list of antivenom stockists across the UK. Please note that antivenom is not indicated in all cases.

19/03/2026

I’m really sorry, but I’m not feeling well today and need to take a day to rest and recover.
All appointments scheduled for today will be postponed — please keep an eye on your messages as I’ll be in touch directly.
Thank you so much for your understanding 🤍