About the pet stylist...

My name is Tammy Ellis.  I am a professional pet stylist and I'm very blessed to be able to work at a job I love, working with animals every day.

 

I am a graduate of Weber State University (Social Work/Communications, 1999), and Arizona Pet Grooming School (2003).  From there I decided I wanted to be the best pet stylist that I could be, and have persued knowledge through various outlets to perfect my skills.

 

I have learned from some of the top stylists in the United States.  Jodi Murphy, Melissa Verplank (Author of, "Notes from the Grooming Table"), Chris Pawlosky, Pam Lauritzen, and many more.

I am one of about 10 National Certified Master Groomers in Utah, through the National Dog Groomers Assoc. of America.  This took a lot of determination, study, and understanding of AKC breed standards, breed conformation and grooming, and of course, skin and coat types.  There was a total of 700 questions, with 4 written exams, and 4 practical hands-on grooming exams.

 

Each year I attend pet styling seminars focused on breed profile, AKC breed standard, skin and coat care, caring and maintenance of grooming tools, etc.

I am a member of both the National Dog Groomers Assoc. of America (NDGAA), and International Society of Canine Cosmetology (ISCC).  It is through both of these voluntary certifying organizations that I have learned quite a bit about skin and coat, and how to properly groom a dog to flaunt its good points.

 

As a child growing up in California, I would watch our neighbor groom my very best friend, my Shetland Sheepdog.  She would dry him in a plastic crate with a heated dryer.  I remember asking her, "Isn't he hot?  Isn't it too hot in there for him?"  I was only 8 or 9 years old at the time and it still bothers me, and is one of many reasons I never cage dry any dog.

 

I believe that grooming doesn't have to be a stressful event for your pet.  My grooming is very routine-oriented, which dogs adapt to very well.  Give me a try, I will do all I can to make your pet look and feel its best.