How long have you been grooming for?

I have been grooming for 17 years now.

When did you realize you wanted to be a groomer?

I realized I wanted to pursue a career in grooming the first day I was hired. A business acquaintances wife owned a grooming shop and was looking to hire a new groomer. I decided to make a huge career change and here I am loving everyday I go to work. Each day it is important to me that every groom is perfect, every dog is happy, and every customer is 100% completely satisfied. That is my passion, that is what I love about being a groomer.

What other jobs did you have been being a groomer?

Before I became a groomer, I graduated Canadore College in Business Marketing. I worked a 12 year career in transportation logistics as a planner and then worked my way up to assistant office manager.

What grooming training do you have?

As mentioned before, I made a huge career change. When an acquaintance asked me if I would be interested in coming to the grooming shop to see if I was interested I said “okay, lets see”. The first day I went in I met the Head Groomer, she was amazing. She said to me “I would rather train someone from the beginning the correct way then correct the wrong ways you have been taught”. And from then on I spent months sitting with the most talented groomer. She taught me step by step, slowly and made sure everything was perfect before we moved on to the next step. And with any career, you never stop learning.

What are your favourite types of grooms?

Honestly, I don’t think I have a favourite. That’s what I love about my career. Every groom is different.

What current pets do you have?

We have lots of fur babies at our hobby farm. The almighty guard dog “Chewy”, our chihuahua, then we have “Roxy” our German Shepherd who loves life and people, good old “Chip” our 23-year-old cat who runs the house and we are “his” people. He still has his wits and jumps around like a kitten. Outside, we have four chickens – Pheonix, Penguin, Edna and Fred the rooster. In the pasture, we have two horses – Jet my big boy and Tyee my little man.

What was your first childhood pet?

My first pet was a dog. My parents had a lab when I was born but when I was around 10 years old they got me a dog. Charlie Brown was a little mix of everything, all that mattered was I loved him so much for 16 years. I grew up with guinea pigs, hamsters, a litter trained rabbit who snuggled with you on the couch watching TV, cats and horses.

What is your favourite way to relax after work?

Everyday after work and dinner, I go down to the barn and spend time with my horses. Its my peaceful sanctuary.

What is your favourite thing about working for Touch?

I am so fortunate to wake up everyday and love going to work. Not just because of what I do, but also because of the people I work with. We have such an amazing group and always many laughs.