FROM GRACE SENN, OWNER OF CAMP GRACE: "In 1984 when we moved to Oklahoma, I went out looking for a job. I applied for a job at a vet office and also at a pet store/grooming shop. Only two applications, that’s all I put in. That night I got a call back from Canine Corner and was hired to start that Monday - it was the summer of 1985."

"It wasn’t long until I was working on the grooming side of the shop in addition to retail sales. First just to clean up and take dogs in and out but pretty soon I was bathing a few dogs on Saturday. Before I knew it, I was bathing dogs five days a week. I watched the groomers all those years. Watched what length of blades they used, learned grooming patterns of different breeds, and watched how they dealt with every situation that arose while grooming dogs. I learned it wasn’t always fun. I learned it could be messy. It got hot. It was not a glamorous job. Despite all that I loved it."

"None of the “mess” stuff mattered, it was just part of what I did. What mattered was the puppies. Connecting with them, helping them to feel better and to look beautiful. I learned grooming the old school way. I watched for many years and gradually began doing more and more actual grooming. I learned it is always about the dog. I have had dog parents ask me to do things I knew would hurt or stress the dogs out. For instance, de-matting a very matted dog. It is always better to clip the dogs short and start again. Hair will grow back. We will not put a dog through pain just so they can stay fluffy."