Sudsy Shenanigans for You… and Your Dog! 🍀🐾 A St. Patrick’s Day Story from Gridley’s

St. Patrick’s Day always brings a little extra fun into the shop. There’s something about the season that calls for cheerful scents, bright displays, and a touch of playful mischief — what we like to call Sudsy Shenanigans.

This year, however, the shenanigans have expanded beyond bath and body treats for people… and are now for dogs too.

From Cat Lover to Dog Mom

If you’ve been visiting Gridley’s for a while, you probably know that I’ve been a lifelong cat lover. Dogs were always appreciated from a distance — until 2023.

That year I welcomed my very first dog, Willoughby, into my life. Willoughby is a Dutch Sheepdog who is equal parts sweet, affectionate, and mischievous when the opportunity arises. He also has an athletic side and absolutely lives for his weekly Agility training sessions.

Like many active dogs, he also manages to find plenty of opportunities to get dirty.

Meet Willoughby — sweet, loving, and just mischievous enough to keep things interesting.

The Search for the Right Grooming Products

Over the years, customers have often asked if Gridley’s carries dog shampoos and conditioners. As a soap maker, I naturally wondered if it was something I should create myself.

Several years ago at a soap makers conference, I attended a workshop specifically about dog grooming formulations. What I learned was fascinating — and also very humbling.

Dog skin and coat care is quite specialized, and creating effective grooming products requires careful formulation and a deep understanding of coat types and skin sensitivities.

After that workshop, I decided this was not an area I wanted to approach casually. If Gridley’s was going to offer dog grooming products, they would have to meet the same high standards as everything else in the shop.

Discovering Mad Dogs

Last year, someone recommended a Canadian brand called Mad Dogs for Willoughby.

After trying the products myself, I was genuinely impressed with the results. The formulas worked beautifully and left his coat clean, soft, and easy to manage.

For the first time since opening Gridley’s, I considered bringing another company’s products into the shop.

We’re now proud to carry Mad Dogs grooming products, including:

• Shampoos

• Conditioner

• Detangling lotion

• Grooming sprays

Mad Dogs grooming products now available at Gridley’s.

A Canadian Brand with Heart

Mad Dogs is a proudly Canadian company with a mission that goes beyond grooming.

They partner with the Autism Society of Laval to create a win-win adapted work environment. Their products are packaged through socio-professional workshops at Bioferme Laval, an organic farm in Quebec that provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities.

It’s a program that supports skill-building, dignity, and community — values we’re proud to support at Gridley’s.

A Canadian brand making a meaningful difference.

The Gridley’s Twist: Custom Dog Scents

Of course, we couldn’t bring in dog grooming products without adding a little Gridley’s magic.

When you purchase a Mad Dogs product, you can choose from a selection of Mad Dogs dog-friendly scents and we’ll customize it for you.

• In-store: Visit our Perfume Bar and our staff will scent your product on the spot.

• Online: Simply choose your scent when placing your order and we’ll prepare it for you before shipping.

Because honestly… why should humans have all the fun?

Willoughby modelling fall wear.  Jacket by Pet Valu, Sexy Man Scent by Mad Dogs.

Sudsy Shenanigans for Everyone

So this St. Patrick’s Day season, our Sudsy Shenanigans aren’t just for people anymore.

Whether you're shopping for yourself, your home, or your four-legged friend, we hope you’ll stop by the shop or browse online and explore this wonderful new line.

Willoughby certainly approves — though he might argue that the best part of bath day is still the post-bath treats.

Willoughby approves of Mad Dogs… especially when treats follow bath time.

Willoughby living his best life.

Warmly,
Michele
Owner, Gridley’s Creative Bath & Body