Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Pet Arabia’s groomers recently received a brush up on their special skills and were taught the top haircut and styling trends for 2020 by master groomer Gabriel Feitosa; proving yet again why they stay a cut above the rest in Bahrain’s grooming sector.
The kingdom’s popular animal haven invited the talented Brazilian, who has won countless awards for his grooming expertise, judged numerous competitions and travels around the world teaching his art form, to conduct a four-day workshop at the Budaiya branch.
Pet Arabia owner Abdulrahman Alkhan and his team were thrilled to have such a renowned professional as Gabriel sharing his 13 years of experience in the cut and care industry.
Abdulrahman, an avid animal enthusiast who provides his clients with only the best in quality toys, clothes, nutritious food and treats, accessories and grooming products, said: “I wanted to make sure that our pet grooming procedures were up to the highest international standards and I wanted the team to learn about the latest haircuts and trends.
“When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, overall, that is very important to us at Pet Arabia. We are very strict about these things and it’s always good to check and get that audited from time to time. There is no one better to do that than Gabriel. He has excellent experience, is an award winner and a judge in dog shows. We were so happy to have him.”
Gabriel has been passionate about dogs and grooming since he was 12. It all started in a small town outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil where he used to take his sister’s dog to the groomers. He adored it so much that he asked the groomer at the shop to let him bathe the dog and he would still pay for it. In time, he began working in the shop after school. Then at 16, he moved out to work in one of the most prestigious kennels in South America, Hampton Court Kennels, learning and developing show grooming skills and specialty techniques.
He worked there for three years as the coordinator of education and a teacher at Unipet Brazil, developing and instructing new groomers.
In his free time, he worked with Johnny Duarte, an internationally awarded animal photographer, preparing dogs for more than 35 ad campaigns including music videos, TV, magazines, pet product packaging, and reference Books.
He also prepared show dogs for top breeders and eventually was contacted by Paul Flores, one of the top Bichon-Frise breeders, offering him a position as a groomer and handler at his Kennel in the US. He worked there for two and a half years, learning grooming and handling skills. He is now half breeder of some blood lines.
During his time at the Kennel, he won awards across North and South America. He then got married and moved to San Diego where he started working for Leel Michelle’s signature grooming shop and pet boutique. Eventually, they began to co-own Bow Wow Beauty Shoppe and Gabriel Feitosa Grooming Salon, a vintage dog bakery, boutique and salon.
People drive hours upon hours to get their pooches snipped and styled by Gabriel who continues to make headlines in the competition and judging circuit.
In Bahrain, he first observed Pet Arabia’s team in action and was impressed. He said: “Pet Arabia’s grooming services are exceptional. They are already very capable professionals. It’s hard when you have to teach someone who doesn’t have the basic skills. Half of my visit here then would have been spent on teaching them the basic and foundation but they have the foundation; I just showed them the flash.
“I noticed that part is still very new here, such as hair dye for dogs which are actually vegan, not toxic and 100 per cent safe for animal skin. By the time the trends hit the market in Bahrain, Pet Arabia will be 10 steps ahead of everyone! I already think they are a million steps ahead. I know a lot of groomers that travel around the globe and nobody has come to this part yet to teach. Education is very important and I think Pet Arabia is innovative in that area.”
Some of the trends that were taught included Asian Fusion, also referred to as Asian Freestyle. That is when pets are transformed into a cute toy or teddy bear character. Another trend is breed transformation, where a Yorkie can be made to look like a Westie. Gabriel also taught them how to do cording which is a technique in which dog coats are separated patiently into dreadlocks.
He had many other tips and tricks up his sleeve and armed the team with all the knowledge they needed to stay ahead.
Gabriel also advises pet owners to seek professional grooming assistance.
He said: “Grooming can keep your dog away from the vet. There are dogs that if they don’t get groomed, they can die. It’s a necessity. Short haired dogs need it too. All dogs do.”
Ideally, Gabriel says dogs should see a professional groomer once a month. “Great hygiene keeps the dog away from the vet,” he added. “Also, dogs like looking good and I believe I can bring out the best in every dog.
“When I deliver the dog to the client, the best moment for me is to see how happy the client is and I know from that moment forward they will have their best day.”
Pet owners interested in getting their furry friends looking fabulous can check out the different branches in Budaiya, Amwaj Islands, Riffa, Um Al Hassam and Zallaq. The chain also has a store in Saar Mall.
For more information, visit www.petarabia.com or follow on Instagram @petarabia
