Groomer Sofy Clayton traveled long road to her Waseca home

“I was so scared! My English was very poor–just basic,” says Waseca veterinary clinic groomer Sofy Clayton, describing her early years in southern Minnesota. “I watched a lot of TV; I took some classes, and I always carried a dictionary with me. But it was a very scary time. If I had to go to the doctor, how do I tell him what is wrong?”

The many dog owners who bring their pets to Clayton on a daily basis would say Clayton’s English is just fine, now, since she has had many chances to improve her skills since leaving her home city of Bogota, Colombia, in South America. No one has trouble understanding the information she shares, though she will speak a few affectionate words to the dogs in her native language.   “My role as a professional groomer goes beyond grooming,” she says. “It involves ensuring the comfort, safety and happiness for our furry clients.” 

Clayton’s days as the sole groomer at the clinic are long ones. “I start my day at 7:45 a.m. and finish at roughly 5:30 p.m.  I am pretty much busy all year. Some days are slow because some of my clients canceled their appointments,” she says, mentioning the reason is often because the animal is sick or a schedule has changed. Clayton said she can groom four or five dogs in a day, depending on breed. “When I started, I used to do more big dogs. Today I have few from the past. I cut down on grooming big dogs, because it is hard on your knees and back.”

Another part of the job Clayton finds difficult is “turning down new clients because I can’t fit them into my schedule. And when the doctors have to put the dogs to sleep, it is a hard time to let them go.” But there are favorite parts of the job as well. “Something I really love  is when the dogs come for their grooming appointments and they jump in my arms and give me kisses!” Clayton says. “ My clients enjoy that moment too!” 

Prior to the clinic, Clayton worked in the Twin Cities with a partner, where she gained experience beyond the basics: “ I learned how to handle dogs with poor behavior. Dogs with skin infections or ear infections. All kinds of issues,” she said.  “I am not a doctor, but the doctors and the staff support me.” 

Clayton obtained her college degree in animal science and administration in Bogota. She applied for a work visa and came to the United States where she worked for a farmer in Owatonna for a year, improving her English in the process. After her six-month ‘internship’ in the Cities perfecting her dog grooming skills, Clayton moved to Waseca where she has lived since 2002. 

When she’s not working, Clayton says she enjoys spending time cooking (“I combine American food and Colombian”) and working out at Snap Fitness. She and Bill--her husband of twenty-three years–travel to Colombia for three weeks every year to visit with family and friends. 

“I never expected to be a groomer,” Clayton said. “The Waseca Vet Clinic had all the equipment and room, but no groomer. In fact Doctor Carey (Prigge) offered me the opportunity to work here. I’ve been here eighteen years now! I am very thankful and blessed for the doctors and staff at the Waseca Vet Clinic for supporting me. They are doing an amazing job. A special, huge thank you for them from my family and from the bottom of my heart.”  Clayton is also extremely grateful to the Waseca community: “Thank you to all my clients for supporting and trusting me!”