About
FunkyPuppy is a creative and traditional pet styling blog based in Albuquerque, NM that chronicles my journey from “traditional pet groomer” to Certified Master Canine Cosmetologist. I try to offer tips and guides for other groomers that want to experiment with Creative/Advanced Grooming or just want to see what other groomers are doing. I also try to offer informative articles for pet owners who care about their pet’s health and appearance.
My grooming education continues every day. I got my start at a PetSmart in Las Vegas, NV, took a year off when I had my son, then moved to a PetSmart in Abq, NM. My fledgling desire to experiment with Creative grooming eventually had me leaving the world of Corporate Grooming and accepting a position with Enchantment Pet Resort and Spa. It was a beautiful facility with high-end clientele, but unfortunately not very interested in Creative Grooming. I am now proud to say that I found a salon that allowed me to test the waters and advertise Color Accents… the positive response has been mind blowing! It turns out that Albuquerque needed a bit of color in it’s life!
I am not a perfect stylist, nor am I anywhere near my goals as an industry-recognized ISCC-certified Master Groomer. I maintain a membership with the International Society of Canine Cosmetology and attend their workshops. I am a contributing member of petgroomerforums.com (and often post my work for critiques there) and poodleforum.com. I attend local AKC dog shows and carefully photo-document breeds as they are not only groomed but MODIFIED to fit their breed standard. I also attend out of state seminars and courses, paying out of pocket to further my education and career. I hope to soon begin the certification process with ISCC.
I would like my blog to be used as an educational tool for Pet Parents and newbie bathers/groomers, as well as those professionals graduating from “pet groomer” to Creative Stylist. I hope this blog will offer valuable tips on using Color creatively, and also help others not make some of the mistakes I have… and, of course, many articles will be meant for the amusement of my fellow pet groomers. I am also using my blog as a through-the-years album of my trials and successes, and especially to mark my improvements. I am NOT a natural. Every technique I’ve picked up is hard won and backed with hours of research. I’m here to help others without the God Given Gift of Grooming.
At the end of the day, I am a long-time blogger who would like to combine her passion for the written word with her passion for her career. Grooming is a skill, one that is ever-changing and highly detailed, and every dog is another opportunity to create Art on a Moving Canvas. I hope you enjoy my haphazard journey from Corporate PetStylist to Lifestyle and Creative Stylist and finally, to Master-Certified Canine Cosmetologist. I won’t know it all until I’m dead, and even then, I’ll still have much to learn.
