About

I’ve been grooming dogs for over 35 years, but my career almost ended before it began. At the end of my apprenticeship, a car accident cost me the use of my left hand, and I thought I had lost my dream. But my love for dogs was stronger. I spent three years strengthening and relearning my craft from scratch, transforming my limitation into my greatest strength: a gentler, more patient, and deeply tender touch.

I live with C-PTSD, and this allows me to work extremely well with anxious dogs. I naturally prioritize a calm, low-stress atmosphere. I manage noise levels, use gentle handling, and create a predictable, reassuring routine for each dog, which is especially vital for anxious or sensitive pets.

Having mastered European scissoring techniques, I find great pleasure in sculpting in hair and using my scissors to take a dog’s cuteness to the highest level. My true passion has always been the art of the groom.

What drives me is connection. There’s nothing like seeing a client’s smile when they’re reunited with their freshened-up pup, or the joy of a shy, nervous dog transforming into a tail-wagging, face-licking, trusting friend who can’t wait to see me. My greatest accomplishment is when a client tells me their furry child goes crazy with happiness at the words, “You want to see Shadoe?”

That joy, that trust, that connection—it’s why I do what I do.