According the Seattle Times yesterday, when singer Rihanna checked in to the Alexis Hotel with a red toy poodle named Oliver, she asked where she could get her dog groomed. A hotel employee recommended Kristi’s Grooming Co. on Capitol Hill, which reportedly stayed open late to accommodate the singer. Rihanna was apparently pleased with the recommendation — she left the hotel employee a personal thank-you note on his desk.

We contacted Kristi’s Grooming and spoke to Kristi herself who happens to be an AKC judge and former dog handler. Experience she said, is helpful in giving precise cuts to dogs. We asked how it all went down and what kind of client Oliver was and here’s what she had to say:

I had the best groomer I have come from my other store to do the grooming for Rihanna. Her assistant brought Oliver over around 5pm which is short notice for a full service considering we close at 6pm but we like to accommodate people when we can. Rihanna gave her assistant very specific instructions over the phone which is helpful - he received what we call a teddy bear cut. She also asked us to brush his teeth but we suggested he didn’t need it done right now. She was slightly disappointed but we really don’t like to take people’s money for services not required. Oliver was really cute and very well behaved. We finished around 6:15pm. We were really happy to provide the service for Rihanna and Oliver.