OUR TEAM | Yellow Dog Grooming

GENTLE TOUCH PHILOSOPHY

CLEAN DOG, TIDY DOG,

HAPPY DOG, YELLOW DOG!

Meet the Yellow Dog team

Vicky Toon, Owner & Founder

Like you, I have a dog, in fact I have two, Wilson, a Labradoodle, and Fezziwig, my Old English Sheepdog. I love my dogs and I want them to be happy, healthy, clean, and tidy. Keeping your dog clean, brushed, and groomed is a big part of ownership. As well, keeping Wilson and Fezziwig clean was a big part of keeping my home clean, smelling nice, my clothes clean and relatively free of dog hair and my bed clean. Keeping my dogs fresh and cuddly is important to me because there are few things I enjoy more

than a snuggle with a soft, sweet smelling dog.

Yellow Dog Grooming grew out of a lifelong love I have for dogs and the relativity new love I have for Ancaster (where we now live and work). I noticed that there was not a local place for the dog owners of Ancaster to bring their dogs to for a good all-over deep down clean, a hearty brush out, and a tidy haircut. I was looking for a warm and inviting place within our community where Ancaster‘s dogs and their owners would enjoy visiting, while keeping their dog's skin and coat in tip top condition. Where dogs got individual attention and love. I didn’t want a groomer that worked under time pressures and quotas as many do in

the big box stores. So, I have started one myself. Yellow Dog Grooming is the culmination of extensive of training, schooling and planning to make my vision a reality, and this is only the start.

Thanks to many people and businesses within the community we have created a space that is ideal for the custom care that is required for all Yellow Dog clients.

It truly is a beautiful place to bring the four-legged members of your family, and know that they will be treated with skillful hands and a big heart, in a clean, safe and welcoming environment.

A bit about me...

I attended Pampered Paws Grooming School in Yorkville and Best Friends & Raina’s Grooming School in St. Catherines.
I am a licenced Bather of Achievement as awarded by the National Groomers Association of Canada.
I am a Certified Companion Animal Specialist as presented by PIJAC Canada.
I have certification in Pet First Aid from St. John Ambulance.

I have one husband, two children, two dogs and two cats. Before I started Yellow Dog I was Managing Director of an Environmental Equipment Manufacturer and Supplier.

I enjoy hiking with my dogs, reading, yoga and hanging out with my family.

Melissa Misener - Groomer

I was born and raised on a family poultry farm, so from a very young age I connected with, and had a great love of animals. I had a pony, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and of course dogs.

My family dog was an Australian Shepherd that I showed in Jr. Handling. While going to college I had a part time job at at Pets Hotel.

I found a job as a bather & worked my way up to position of pet groomer after significant training at grooming academy. I feel so lucky to go to work each day & by making dogs feel great & feel loved. I am very happy to have found a grooming position with Yellow Dog

Grooming - Ancaster.

I currently have 3 dogs, Snoopy a Bichon, Maple a Foxhound cross & Willow a Husky I rescued from Alberta. I enjoy going for walks with my fur-babies & hanging out with family and friends. I am married to my husband Chris and we have a beautiful daughter Luna.

Bec - Groomer

At the age of sixteen, like most of you I got my first job. I worked in a small town pet store in Thompson, Manitoba. After my shift I would

stay behind and watch the groomer work her magic and BOOM! I was instantly inspired

from that point. I was taught how to groom and my compassionate and calm nature was a perfect fit. Quickly I gained some of the skills

I still use till this day.

Here we are now, 20 years later! I spent the bulk of my career working at pet stores, boarding facilities, vet clinics, and then finally

owning my own business. I owned and operated that for 5 years before deciding I needed a big change! I sold everything and came to Ontario, where I met my now partner of 3 years and we adopted our dream dog. The most handsome french bulldog you ever did see named Vinny.

Soon after settling into Ontario life, I got lucky enough to land a job at Yellow Dog Grooming.

Margaret Mann - Groomer

I live in Brantford with my beasties. Cali my dog and Jinn, Tajio and Hannah my cats. I adore dogs -each and every one that crosses my path. This is a big part of why I work with them.

It all started for me when I was about 12 and tried to clip my poodle with my Dad’s electric shaver. Fast forward to my late teens when I began working as a dog bather, and then apprenticed as a groomer. I went on to groom in various salons in Ontario and B.C. I paused to raise my family and then came back to grooming.

Now, I’m in Ancaster at Yellow Dog Grooming and I am thrilled to be here. I look forward to meeting you and all of your wonderful dogs.

Emily Livingstone - Groomer

Growing up I always knew I wanted to work with animals. For so long I didn’t know what career I wanted. My first job was at a pet store when I was in high school like most of us, it just wasn’t for me.

I then came across Yellow Dog Grooming. I started as a bather and after a few months I was given the position of lead bather which then sparked my interest of going even further. So I decided to get my diploma in pet grooming.

During the schooling process I groomed my friend’s dogs for practice. Luckily I was then given the opportunity to be an assistant groomer! Which I did for about 7 months.

I am now a groomer at Yellow Dog! I couldn’t have done it without the other amazing groomers there. They have inspired me and took the time to teach me the ways around grooming.

I’m beyond grateful to be apart of the Yellow Dog team and excited to continue my passion for this career!

Sarah Hejno - Groomer

Throughout high school, I always knew that working with animals was a must for my future career. I contemplated jobs in the vet clinic, and worked in one, but never found my place there.

After high school, I was offered a chance to be fully trained by a very experienced groomer, who owned her own shop nearby. I took the job, knowing I would gain good experience working with animals, and found my love and passion for grooming! I learned many of my skills by doing hands on work and shadowing, but wanted to further my education; so I completed a course on animal behaviour and grooming fundamentals.

A few years went by and my boss ended up closing the shop and retiring, so I looked for more opportunities to continue grooming, and found Yellow Dog! Since then, I've learned so much from my fellow groomers, and I am so thankful for this wonderful new environment. I look forward to each one of my groom pups, and cherish the smile on their face after a wonderful day at the spa!

Jaime Fowler - Groomer

Like many of us at Yellow Dog, I began my career as a part-time dog bather at 16 years old, and haven’t looked back, after over 10 years of grooming. I acquired my initial training in a corporate setting and expanded my grooming knowledge and techniques so as to prepare me to branch off independently in private mobile grooming.

Working for, and by myself, taught me a lot about my strengths as a groomer, but something was missing... and that was being in a group of other crazy dog-loving folks. As someone who craves an energetic and positive atmosphere, I am beyond thrilled to be part of the Yellow Dog team!

Compassion, joy, and patience are key elements that I bring to pampering your pups like they are my own. These same qualities have extended themselves into a second

career - counselling for children, youth, and families. Balancing these two passions have been nothing short of rewarding and fulfilling.

When I make time to unwind I enjoy goofing off with my husband Zach, making memories with family and friends, knitting, crafting, wine-ing, or learning something new.

Jobs at Yellow Dog

Full Time Experienced Groomer Required.

Are you a skilled, experienced dog and cat groomer? Are you looking for a new adventure?

If you are then Yellow Dog is looking for you.

Yellow Dog is a grooming shop located in beautiful Ancaster, Ontario... and we are dreaming big.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and

attributes for a full-time competitive salaried position

based on experience.

People with a caring and patient nature
As always, must be a team player
Must be skilled in breed specific trims
Hand scissoring skills that are off the charts
Kindness and compassion
Dog and cat handling skills
Must be available to work weekends
Reliability and punctuality
Drivers licence is an asset
Dedicated and loyal

If this sounds like you please send your resume with cover letter letter to vicky@yellowdoggrooming.com

Thank You.

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

― Abraham Lincoln

Part Time Bather Required.

Expanding grooming studio in beautiful Ancaster, Ontario seeks part-time bather.

Closed Sundays & Mondays (Saturdays are a must). The ideal candidate would desire a long term position with continued growth in the grooming field with a focus on safety, quality, care and compassion.

Animal handling experience in a professional setting is required. Previous bathing or veterinary experience required. Must be detail oriented, have a positive outlook and be excited to learn grooming procedures. Must love

dogs and cats.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

Opening and/or closing of shop.
Interact professionally & effectively with all professional contacts with a focus on company interests.
Perform basic grooming services on dogs that include but are not limited to brushing, bathing, ear and teeth cleaning, trimming nails.
Assist in generating and developing the Yellow Dog business.
Assist in booking appointments and performing follow up emails, texts or phone calls.
Independently prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks within established timeliness.
Ensure studio cleanliness and safety by sweeping, mopping etc on a regular basis.
Heavy lifting may be required at times.
Drivers licence is an asset.

Please email your resume to vicky@yellowdoggrooming.com

Thank you.

“Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in the shaft of winter sunlight”.

- John Grogan