I have over 14 years of experience with dog and cat grooming as well as a lifelong involvement with dog training in the areas of agility, obedience, and fly-ball, and a desire to someday show in conformation. When I am not busy at the salon, I continue honing my education and skills through regular attendance of grooming trade shows and pet seminars across the country.
 
My love for animals began when I was 8 years old when I got my first pet, a Dachshund named Nick. After that, my passion began to grow out of control. At age 10, I rescued a stray cat named Thomas. A year later, I adopted Allie, a cat that my family and I had nursed back to health who was suffering both from a gunshot wound and pneumonia. I then discovered a new love...horses! Growing up, I would spend all of my free time riding and learning all that I could about them. I would not get an opportunity to own my own horses until many years later.
 
Luckily, my parents were very understanding and supportive of my obsession with all things furry. We have had a long list of very special critters over the years; Filbert, Muffin, Brandy, Shannon, Hooch, Bailey, Dixie and Bur Rabbit, just to name a few. During high school, I raised and showed Dutch, Rex and Mini Rex rabbits. It was a hobby that I enjoyed immensely. I met lots of wonderful people and made many friendships while involved with rabbits. When I decided to move into my first apartment, I realized that I would have to give up my rabbit hobby. Shortly before moving to Northern Kentucky, I gave my entire breeding stock of 33 rabbits to a local 4H child to get her started with the hobby I had enjoyed so much.
 
I moved to Kentucky with my two horses, Sugar and Sunny, and my Siberian Husky, Shasta. I attended NKU for one year and realized college was not for me, and came back to my first love...dogs! After some extensive research, I decided to attend the Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. The Nash Academy is one of the most reputable and recognized grooming schools in the nation. I graduated at the top of my class after completing six months of rigorous training. I then returned to the Northern Kentucky area to begin my career as a professional dog groomer. I worked at three local grooming salons over the course of six years. I then decided it was time to pursue the idea of owning my own business.
 
Suzanne and I opened Your Best Friend Pet Salon in 2004; it had been a lifelong dream of mine to own my own business. I had known since I was a child that I wanted to work with animals. My whole path in life led to this. I couldn't be happier!
 
I share my home with my husband, Mark, our 6 dogs (Shasta, RC, Rocket, Flash, Amelia, and the recently rescued Acme), and our 2 cats (Morris and Hercules). In my free time, I like to walk the dogs, play with the dogs... basically doing all things involving dogs. I also enjoy skiing, scrapbooking, traveling, gardening, taking pictures, and reading.
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