| Why did we open this business? One Saturday, my husband and I took the dogs to the lake, and they went swimming in a mud hole. So I had two 100 lb dogs that were filthy and they stank! I called their regular groomer, but she didn’t have anything open for a month and a half. We called the large stores – all booked. In all, we tried 18 different groomers, and no one could take us for at least a month. When we were sitting there with two mud-covered puppies, and no groomers available, we were so frustrated! We ended up taking them to the car wash and spraying them down. We would have gladly paid someone to clean up our furry messes, which is why our business was formed. Before starting the salon, I wanted to make sure I could keep up with grooming, bathing, kenneling, and running a business. I found a grooming school near me, and I immediately started my course on pet grooming. I loved it! It was part artistic flair, part science, and part running a business. I learned so much, so I decided to make it a go! This is what I have always wanted to do – work with animals, own my own business, and work in my community. And to be able to take care of my own dogs (saving hundreds of dollars!). I have loved and cared for MANY different types of animals over 40 years. I’ve had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, hedgehogs, lizards, snakes, a flying squirrel, and a parrot. I went to undergrad to get a degree in Biology. After finishing a Bachelors Degree, I taught Biology on the Mexican border for 10 years, where I received a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. When I moved back to Ohio to pursue my PhD, I worked full time coordinating a University of Akron Biology Lab, including all the animals that I researched to share with my students – Beta splendens (Siamese fighting fish) and Procambarus clarkii (Louisiana crayfish). I taught my students about animal behavior! Perfect for working with boarding and grooming dogs! When I finished my Doctorate In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, I went to work in several schools leading teachers in teaching with technology. |