The first time I brought my dog here, it wasn't even my dog, but a stray my husband rescued from the streets. I'd never dealt with a long haired dog, never had experience with groomers, was completely clueless in this department. I called Bargain Barks in a panic because the day after my husband found this dog we were set to leave town and I didn't want to leave the pet sitter with a frightened, dirty mop.
I tried to describe the dog over the phone as best I could, but "long hair", "very dirty" were my only vocabulary words at that time. I don't think the poor groomers were expecting to get a matted, greasy, dirty mop dropped off for a shave. They were very kind and understanding (might've been my deer in headlights "please take this thing" look) and worked incredible magic on this dog. When I brought her home, my husband joked and said they probably gave up on the mop and just replaced it with a new dog.
I also realized the dog had been covered in ticks. I had no idea--I never would have taken her had I known, but they must have been hiding under the matted fur. Only little bites remained, but the groomers didn't glare, complain, or hate on me for dropping this mess on them. They gave me all kinds of helpful info and contacts for vets, spay and neuter, etc. and I don't even think they charged me extra to remove the matted fur, though normally they do. Since then, I've been "stuck" with this pooch and won't take her anywhere else because they always do an awesome job.