Born and raised on a farm in Navan, Ontario, Michelle’s deep love of animals developed at an early age and she set her sights on living a life with dogs at the center of it. She began grooming professionally in 2009 while pursuing an education at Algonquin College (2012 graduate) to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. She spent 6+ years operating Diggin’ the Dog Grooming Studio in Toronto’s Upper Beaches and continuing to advance her skills as an RVT in small animal hospital settings. Later, she would refine her skills and obtain Canine Master Stylist certification through Canadian Professional Pet Stylists’ series of written and practical tests with emphasis on learning CKC breed standards. She takes special interest in learning breed profiles, including handstripping, and entering grooming competitions whenever the time permits — the critiques from the accomplished judges make it worthwhile and drive her to continue to learn.

Now, Michelle lives in L’Amable, Ontario, and has taken her services to the road offering mobile grooming & RVT services in/around Bancroft with her custom converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. The van is equipped to groom dogs just as one would in a salon — it includes a washing station, K-9 II Dryer, (great for blowing out undercoat), adjustable grooming table, air-conditioning and heating, exhaust fan, etc. The best part about it is that it is all powered by a lithium ion battery bank/inverter and carries its own hot water and waste water — no need to hook up to clients’ hydro nor water supply and it leaves no mess behind.

When Michelle isn’t grooming, she works as a Registered Veterinary Technician at Southeastern Ontario Spay/Neuter Clinic. She enjoys time outside (especially canoe tripping!) with her dogs Bevel & Halibut.