Get to know us

It all started in 2007 with Dragons Den – that’s when I met Dave Hachey and it was my job to help entrepreneurs like Dave with his pitch to the Dragons. With my love for dogs, we became friends and knowing what Dave wanted to do, it did not take me long to get involved with his innovation and his business goals. Fast forward 16 years and umpteen dog grooming and handling, as well as coat and skin care related courses later... I am still as excited today about what I do as I was back then.

Strange as it may sound, I find combing out mats truly relaxing – it must be the years of washing, brushing, de-tangling, and de-burring those horse manes and tails and then bathing these magnificent equines to be sparkling clean a challenge that must always be met.  Our new bathing stalls at K9 Pet Spa together with the shampoos I use allow me to really get those coats looking their best. 

For a really good cleansing bath nothing beats the fresh smelling Vetrolin Bath Ultra Hydrating Conditioning shampoo – I use it for just about every dog I bath.  For the dogs with sensitive skin or skin issues, my go to is Soos Pets’ Natural Hypoallergenic Shampoo and their corresponding Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner.   Then there’s the absolutely awesome Marshmello – the no silicone, sulfate-free shampoo!  Its smooth, creamy richness rinses perfectly clean! It is by far THE best for those soft curly coats that tend to mat easily. This shampoo made with real marshmallow root is awesome for your dog’s skin and it smells delicious, like its name!

So, bring on the dogs …. big, small, young or old, natural coats and clipper/scissor cut styled dogs and I’ll bath and groom them!  There’s no better feeling than finishing a groom on a Miniature Schnauzer and getting those “eyebrows” spot on, achieving that nice and tight muzzle on a Portie, or watching that Golden Retriever or Aussie Shepherd walk out the door and see their coat and tail flowing in the wind. 

Depending on the day, if you don’t see me at the shop then you know, I am at the barn with the horses!

In my career, I have worked with various dog breeds, from Doodles to Yorkies, and I’ve developed a deep understanding of each of their unique grooming needs. Over the years I have been able to hone my skills in pet styling, ensuring that each dog leaves the salon looking and feeling their absolute best. I mostly use Soos Pets’ Hypoallergenic shampoo to bath the dogs I groom but I also have other favorite lines that I use from time to time.  My favorite dogs to groom are Yorkies! but also Westies, and any small breeds….that said, there also are some very special Doodles (and Std Poodles!) that I love grooming!

My passion for the job extends beyond grooming. While I strongly believe in educating pet parents on the importance of regular grooming and proper pet care and I love taking the time to explain different grooming techniques and products that can help my clients maintain their dog’s coat and skin health, I also believe in continuous learning for myself – I am a certified pet esthetician.

Over my years of experience and dedication, I have built a loyal customer base being a trusted name in the community where I had my shop – some of my Bolton clients still come to me in Waterloo! I treat every dog as if they are my own, providing individualized care and attention. I do this in a gentle manner with lots of patience so that even the most nervous and anxious dogs relax and trust me.

When I’m not grooming, you can find me spending time with my husband and my own furry family members.

My love for animals is not just a job, but a true calling.

The shampoos I use are high quality shampoos such as Soos and Tropiclean to ensure a healthy skin and coat. These products are made with high quality, natural ingredients and do not contain any harsh chemicals or artificial components. They leave your dog’s coat clean, soft and smelling great. About smelling great …. I just love love love when a shampoo leaves the dogs with their unique unmistakable clean, fresh smell!

I must say my favourite breeds are German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Airedales. Something about them steals my heart.
When not grooming at the shop, I enjoy spending time with my own dogs (Lolly and Presley) and my daughter. Together, we enjoy fishing and walks with the dogs.

Dog Grooming is a wonderful and rewarding career, I can’t see myself doing anything else!

Grooming is a form of art! It’s like sculpting; emphasizing the best features in your dog! I achieve this with lots of patience, with the use of only healthy, all natural, and high quality shampoos and conditioners, with lots of love, and an eagerness to continue learning and honing my skills every day I come to work!

My first ever job at age 15 was at a small family-owned pet store where I was able to expand my knowledge and work closely with different types of pets and pet related brands in retail. From there I continued to work in pet retail, where I developed a keen interest in pet nutrition, and discovered just how important the quality of the ingredients in our pet foods impact the overall health of our furry friends. I took those lessons close to heart. And, as a devoted pet owner, I was able to take home what I had learned every day to help my animals live the happiest lives, and also share it with others!

In my high school years, the dilemma of choosing a career to settle on where I could make my dream of working with animals a reality was something I literally spent hours, upon hours researching. But the problem was ……. I loved everything! So, I stayed for 2 extra years past my graduation, not because I had to, but because I wanted to and I took every possible course that I thought could be useful or relevant in building my future. Whether it was agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine …. I wanted to do it all! At the end, I went to school to become a veterinary technician which led me to a job at a boarding kennel, where I learned a lot about canine behavior and where I got to meet so many spectacular dog breeds.

As my career research continued, I eventually stumbled upon Pets Beautiful School of Styling and it was there that my grooming journey began, and where I came to discover that there here was my third criteria for my dream job! Being able to use my creative side! So here I am …. dog grooming!

It has always been my undying love, fascination, and fervent curiosity of our planet’s amazing creatures that has guided me down such a rewarding and satisfying career path! I look forward to meeting and getting to know each and every dog I work with, with the goal in mind of making each of their grooming session a happy and positive experience for them!