My parent’s adopted my first dog, Missy, when I was eight years old. She was a little black poodle mix and my sidekick for 14 years. During those years she helped me learn how to care for, train, and groom dogs. I’ve always had a connection with animals. Even as young at 4 years old I would have cats in my lap that the owners swore were afraid of children. I had many pets as a child that included dogs, cats, small animals, and birds.

When I turned 10 I started learning dog training via 4-H (I also showed guinea pigs!). This began my love of training and behavior in animals. To this day I absorb as much information as I can from books, articles, and others in the animal world to help me better understand these beloved family members we have.

I’ve been involved with animal rescue since 2006. Most of that time my partner and I were a foster home for mostly dogs, but also rabbits, rats, and cats. We lived in a high kill area of Ohio at the height of our fostering years and successfully fostered and adopted out over 100 dogs! Often these pups were not well socialized and needed help to gain confidence and trust in people. All of those dogs taught me invaluable things about training and behavior. Mostly they taught me that almost any pet can learn to trust again if you give them the time, patience, and love.

When my partner and I lived in Wisconsin, starting in 2010, I had the chance to be a groomer’s apprentice! Jen, my mentor, taught me so much! She showed me how to gently groom dogs and cats with kindness and respect while also making them look adorable. I absolutely loved working with her and doing so sparked my passion for grooming! If we hadn’t moved again I believe we would still be working together.

Now I want to show the pets that come to my spa the same kind, patient, and gentle grooming that I was taught. I practice humanity over vanity and I promise that your pet’s well-being will always come first at my spa.