The Story Behind Goose and Lettuce 🐾
Goose and Lettuce started with two dog lovers, a college grooming course, and absolutely no intention of going into business together!
We first met while studying dog grooming at college, when we were partnered up for our very first practical session. We soon discovered that we lived just 20 minutes away from each other, and what started as college partners quickly grew into something much more. We were both determined to keep business and our relationship separate, but after discovering just how well we worked together, sharing the same drive, ambition and dream of running our own business, it wasn't long before we realised we made a pretty great team.
And so, Goose and Lettuce Dog Salon was born!
Meet the real Goose and Lettuce gang
Of course, no story about us would be complete without introducing the two very important ladies behind the name: Luna and Harper!
Luna is our lovely Labrador, whose excitement and enthusiasm for life are impossible to miss. In fact, when she's particularly excited, she has a habit of honking like a goose! Harper, our German Shepherd, is a character in her own right. Despite being a German Shepherd, she has always had a slightly questionable approach to being a guard dog, often getting spooked by the most random things. She's been affectionately described as being about as useful a guard dog as a wet lettuce.
One dog honking like a goose, one very easily startled German Shepherd, and one dog walk later - Goose and Lettuce was born!
When Luna and Harper first came together, they both had a serious case of only-child syndrome and weren't entirely convinced about sharing the spotlight. Fast-forward to today, and they've become as close as sisters. Like any siblings, they have their own personalities and little quirks, but their bond is something really special. They're a huge part of our lives, our story and the inspiration behind everything we've built.
A love of dogs that goes way back
For Danielle, life with dogs started from the very beginning - her first laugh was even at a dog! Growing up surrounded by six dogs and showing her German Shepherd, animals have always been a huge part of her world. That lifelong passion led her to study animal physiotherapy at university before going on to train in dog grooming, combining her love of animals with a desire to understand their needs and help them feel their best.
Josh spent much of his childhood dreaming of having dogs of his own, and when he moved out of the city eight years ago, he finally welcomed Harper into his life. Before finding his way into the world of dog grooming, Josh spent 14 years working as a chef. Although a very different industry, that experience taught him plenty about hard work, attention to detail and taking pride in what he does -skills he now brings to every dog who comes through our doors.
Our paths into the dog world may have looked a little different, but we share the same love for animals, the same commitment to doing things properly and the same dream of building a business we could truly call our own.
More than just grooming and walking
At Goose and Lettuce, we believe dogs are family, and that's exactly how we treat them. Whether they're visiting us for a groom, joining us for a walk or receiving a little extra care through our drop-in services, we want every dog to feel safe, comfortable and loved.
We know that every dog is different. Some can't wait to make new friends, some need a little extra reassurance, and others have their own funny little ways of doing things. Living with Luna and Harper has certainly taught us that no two dogs are alike! We love getting to know each dog's individual personality, building trust over time and creating positive experiences tailored to their needs.
We're both Level 2 and Level 3 City & Guilds qualified in dog grooming, and Danielle is also qualified in dog walking. We're fully insured for our dog grooming, dog walking and drop-in services, so you can feel confident that your four-legged family members are in caring and capable hands.
For us, this business has never just been about making dogs look beautiful or getting them out for a walk. It's about the relationships we build, the trust you place in us and the joy of spending our days doing something we genuinely love.
From our family to yours 💚
Goose and Lettuce is the result of an unexpected meeting, a shared ambition, a lot of hard work and two dogs whose personalities gave us a name we wouldn't change for the world.
We're incredibly proud of what we've built together, and we feel very lucky to spend our days surrounded by dogs and doing something we're passionate about. Thank you for being here, supporting our little business and trusting us with your much-loved family members.
We can't wait to get to know you and your dogs, make plenty of new memories and welcome you into the Goose and Lettuce family.
Lots of love,
Danielle, Josh, Luna & Harper
The Goose and Lettuce family 🐾
Who You Might See At The Salon🐾
Meet Shirley...
Shirley is Danielle’s mum and an extra pair of very capable hands here at Goose and Lettuce! Helping out with dog walking and drop-in visits, she brings a lifetime of experience and a whole lot of love for our four-legged friends.
Having had dogs her entire life, she’s one of those people who has probably forgotten more about dogs than we’ll ever learn! When she’s not helping us out, she’s kept company by her two girls, Maple, an Irish Setter, and Willow, a Cocker Spaniel, who keep life interesting in their own ways.
Shirley also runs our other family business, GD & SA Garnham, alongside Danielle’s brother Nick and his partner Rachael, who are also based on site. They’re joined by their Collie, Bonnie, who is very much part of the extended Goose and Lettuce family!
We’re lucky to have such a lovely, dog-loving family around us, and it means Goose and Lettuce really is a family affair. 💚🐶
