Kelli has always had an affinity for all animals, however a true love of dogs led her to turn her passion into a career. She was offered the opportunity to learn the art of dog grooming and become certified as a professional pet stylist with a national pet company. Kelli went on to sharpen her skills and further her breed knowledge while working under a Certified Master Groomer. She has been grooming professionally for 13 years and landed at Pooches Paradise in 2013.

Kelli has had an auspicious career path since joining the Pooches Pack. She has been cross-trained for multiple positions including pet care technician, Level 3 daycare staff, front desk concierge and full-time groomer. Kelli conceptualized and has grown Pooches professional grooming program from its inception.

Kelli’s goal is to provide a personalized experience with every pet and create a relaxed and “at home” atmosphere where the dogs will truly enjoy their spa time. While she enjoys all facets of grooming, Kelli places a high priority on her ability to work with each dog and gain their trust. (She especially loves the fact the dogs don’t laugh at her when she sings to them!)

When she isn’t busy grooming dogs, Kelli enjoys going to the park with her 3 dogs, Dexter, Zora and Delta. She also loves to spend time at the lake fishing and relaxing in the peace of nature.

Growing up on a farm in Gardner, Kansas, is where Lauren’s passion for animals, especially horses, originated. This passion led her to compete in horse shows and rodeos from childhood and up into her teen years. She was very active in her local 4-H Equestrian Team and CYA (Christian Youth Rodeo Association). Lauren had a growing interest in horse training and behavior and was given her own horse to train at the age of 12. Horse training was definitely a family calling, as both Lauren’s mother and aunt were professional horse trainers. Lauren volunteered at an Arabian horse farm and helped to train the horses all through middle school.

Lauren’s family moved to Louisberg, Kansas while she was in high school, where she discovered another talent and field of interest-art. She began taking every art class offered at school, and some twice-just for fun! After graduation, Lauren held a couple of jobs and she became very unhappy, as she wasn’t working with animals. She began working in the grooming department of a large pet retailer as a bather. She became fascinated with grooming and would assist and watch the groomers. This cultivated into her career choice – being a dog groomer.

Lauren began searching for a trade school to learn how to become a professional dog groomer. She was successful in her search and attended and graduated from Epec, The Grooming Project. Lauren gives credit and appreciation to the program and teachers describing the whole experience as, “amazing.” She is very happy with her choice of career, as it allows her to live her dream-her love of dogs, and the art of grooming.

When Lauren is not grooming dogs, she enjoys everything about the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. She is also a part of a local performance troupe called The Infernal Fire Grind Circus. She performs professionally with fire props, for example a hula hoop, and breathing fire. She has been honing these skills for nearly 6 years.