About Me

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I'm a certified Riding Master and Instructor with over 40 years of experience in the equestrian world. Until 2021, I owned and operated a full-care horse boarding and training facility in Oregon, but after a change in marital status, I decided to close that chapter and explore a new path—one that still involved animals but in a fresh, exciting way.

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Alongside my work with horses, I spent 15 years breeding and raising long-legged Jack Russells and Poodles, always grooming my own dogs and honing my skills through self-teaching. Grooming had always fascinated me, so I decided to pursue it professionally, trading my riding boots for street shoes. After researching accredited programs, I found two top-tier schools in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and chose the best of the two—Merryfield School of Pet Grooming—where I completed an intensive nine-month program, earning my certification as a professional dog groomer.

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I graduated in April 2023 and moved to Tennessee, inspired by a longtime high school friend who had settled in the Stoney Creek area six years earlier. I quickly fell in love with the landscape, the community, and the sense of home this region offered. It felt like the perfect place to semi-retire and establish the next phase of my journey.

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Building "Up the Creek" Dog Grooming

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When I first arrived, I started a small mobile nail trimming service for dogs and cats while searching for a shop space to launch a full grooming business. Finding the right location proved challenging, and with the tight housing market, I opted to rent a cozy home in Stoney Creek where I could run my business comfortably.

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In September 2025 I purchased a home just off Hwy 91 on Liberty Hollow and continue to provide the community full service grooming at this location.

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Now, Up the Creek Dog Grooming & Pedicure for Pets provides breed-specific styling, coat maintenance, and hygiene services right from my home-based grooming studio. My mobile nail trimming service remains a key part of my offerings, giving pet owners the convenience of professional care wherever they need it.

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Expanding Convenience for Clients

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Recently, I’ve integrated dog grooming software into my business, providing automated appointment reminders to help clients stay on track with their pet’s care.

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This system simplifies scheduling and ensures pet owners have flexible options for booking and paying for services.

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Future Plans

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Looking ahead, I plan to expand my services to include doggy daycare and occasional overnight stays, creating a safe and welcoming space for pets while their owners are away.

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