Behind the Scenes with Natascha from Barks & Bubbles
- johannabaur01
- Oct 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 15
If you’ve ever met Natascha Van der Eecken, founder of Barks & Bubbles in Blaschette, you’ve probably noticed right away: her gentleness, kindness, and genuine love for animals. Talking with her is a moment of calm and authenticity, she listens, she understands, and she treats your dogs with the same tenderness she gives her own.
At Barks & Bubbles, grooming sessions take place in an atmosphere of trust and serenity, helping dogs feel safe and their owners leave reassured. It’s no coincidence that her salon became the first “Fear Free Certified” grooming salon in Luxembourg.
💚 And because Natascha loves to share, she’s offering our readers the chance to win a free grooming session (value €60) as part of our special giveaway! Details on how to participate can be found at the end of the interview.
Keep reading to discover her story, her vision of grooming, and the gentle philosophy that guides everything she does.
She’s exactly the kind of professional you’ll discover and support through Pet Pro Booking.
About Your Work
What inspired you to work with animals?
From a very young age, I was drawn to animals: their gentleness, intelligence, and unconditional love. When I was ten, I received the best gift in the world: my very own dog! She was a West Highland White Terrier named Loona. I grew up with her and knew from then on that my life would never feel complete without dogs.
How long have you been working in this field, and what do you love most about it?
I’ve been working as a groomer for almost six years. I love interacting with dogs, talking to them, seeing their funny reactions, helping them relax when they’re nervous, and sharing cuddles. We welcome all breeds, big and small, which makes my work wonderfully varied. I love bringing out each dog’s natural beauty.
Since my background is in clinical psychology, I also really enjoy talking with clients, who are sometimes more stressed than their dogs, or simply being there to listen while their pets are being groomed.
What makes Barks & Bubbles special?
It’s the warm welcome for both our four-legged clients and their humans. We do our best to listen carefully, respect owners’ wishes, and offer professional advice. And, of course, we’re proud to be the first Fear Free Certified groomer in Luxembourg, which means we do everything possible to make grooming a pleasant and stress-free experience for the animal.
Which types of animals or cases are closest to your heart?
Senior dogs. They require a gentle touch, but helping an older dog look and feel refreshed is incredibly rewarding.
How do you build trust and reduce stress for animals and their owners?
Owners are welcome to stay during grooming sessions to comfort their dogs. We use soothing music, treats, and massage techniques to help dogs relax. Speaking to them in a calm, reassuring tone is essential and staying relaxed ourselves, because dogs mirror our emotions and pick up on our energy.
Grooming Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know
What do you wish more pet owners knew or did for their pets?
Start introducing grooming early in your dog’s life, and take time to brush regularly and thoroughly at home. We know time can be limited, that’s why Barks & Bubbles also offers brushing-only appointments.
If your dog struggles with grooming, for example due to deep anxiety, we recommend working with a canine behaviorist to make future sessions more positive.
What are the most common grooming mistakes pet owners make?
Many people think they’re brushing properly, but often they don’t brush deep enough, they only go over the surface while mats form close to the skin.
Another common mistake is shaving dogs short in summer, thinking it helps them stay cool. In reality, their fur protects them from the heat.
And that’s exactly why we’re here, to guide and advise you!
How can pet owners best prepare themselves and their dogs for a grooming session?
Choose a time of day when your dog is calm (for example, after a walk) and when you’re not in a rush. Make sure your dog has a chance to relieve itself before the appointment.
What advice would you give someone looking for a good groomer?
Ask for recommendations from other dog owners and, if possible, visit the salon to observe how they work. Look for qualified professionals with solid training and experience. You’ll soon be able to find them easily on Pet Pro Booking, launching soon!
About You
Do you have pets? Tell us about them!
I currently have three dogs: Dolce (Australian Shepherd, 11), Baila (Labrador, 10), and Loovi (Papillon, 10). I love how different their personalities are, yet they live together in harmony.
Dolce is incredibly smart and affectionate, a real shadow. Baila is a foodie who loves water and cuddles. Loovi is a big dog in a small body, always making me laugh with her mischievous energy. I also have a dwarf rabbit, Sniffle, who gets regular grooming sessions as well! They’re my babies, and I’d do anything for them! That’s why I want to offer the best possible care to other people’s pets too.
From left to right: Baila, Loovi, Dolce Can you share a moment that reminded you why you love your job?
Every time a dog jumps off the grooming table feeling lighter and happier, sometimes literally bouncing with joy, I’m reminded how meaningful my work is. Seeing their owners’ smiles makes me feel fulfilled and proud.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working with animals?
I love spending time with my own dogs, taking them out, playing mind stimulating games, and just being together. I also enjoy time with my family or going out for a drink with friends.
What’s something most people don’t know about the grooming profession?
That it requires a huge amount of patience! It’s physically demanding and involves a lot of cleaning, too. But when you’re passionate, it’s all worth it.
If you weren’t a groomer, what would you do?
I completed several training programs to become a groomer, but I also hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. I love listening to people and comforting them, but my passion for animals wins every time. If I had to start over, I’d probably become a veterinarian.
🎁 A Special Gift for Our Readers
Would you like to share a special offer or tip with our readers this month?
We’re offering a free one-hour grooming session (value €60) to one lucky winner!
To enter:
The giveaway ends on October 31!
About Barks & Bubbles (Doggy’s Dream Villa S.à r.l.)
Address:
7, Im Herbstfeld
7390 Blaschette
Website:
Social Media:
🐶 🐱 For Dogs (and soon Cats!)
Services:
Grooming (currently for dogs only, cats coming soon)
Products:
Dog accessories (collars, harnesses, leashes, treats, toys, beds, care products, etc.)
For:
All dog breeds
