Meet The Groomers
Kim Rathbun- Owner/Groomer Kim's Dogs: Bailey- Papillion, Toby- Chocolate Lab Pup
When you walk into Happy Dog and meet Kim you will know your dog is in good hands. She always has the best interest of your dog at heart, and always produces a beautiful & precise finish. Kim started grooming in the Detroit area. She wanted a career she could take with her anywhere, and one that embraced her love for dogs. Knowing her husband would eventually get transferred she started grooming school as soon as possible. She has been grooming ever since and started her career in 2001. When Kim's husband got a new job at the DNR in Marquette they moved to the U.P. from Lower Michigan. She started Happy Dog Grooming Salon in May 2003 after she was offered the opportunity to open a grooming salon inside of a kennel facility. Kim & her husband Kevin are owned by Bailey a Papillion (Sadly they lost their beloved Ben in the Fall of 2013), and now a new chocolate puppy named Toby. You'll often have the opportunity to greet them when they come to work with their mom! Kim really enjoys getting to know each and every dog and owner, and her favorite part of the job? The reveal! "When owners tell their dogs how cute they look, that's the best thing!" |
Rick Custard-Associate Dog Groomer Rick's Dogs: Rico- Mutt, Morzy- Aussie/Sheltie
Often the first concern one may have is that their dog "isn't good with/doesn't like men" but that fear will vanish the minute you and your dog meet him.
Yes, he's a big guy so you might be surprised to know that Rick is Vegan & an Animal welfare advocate. He understands the importance and benefits of being patient with the dogs in his care. A "Yooper by choice" since 2003, Rick hails from NE Texas and grew up on a farm with lots of animals including dogs. He has a natural and calming way with them, a unique trait that seems to have been passed down from his grandpa. He lives in MQT with his wife (also named Kim) and their 2 dogs, S'Morzy & Rico Suave. Happy Dog owner Kim trained Rick for several hundred hours over a two year span and he is now a very skilled Associate Groomer at Happy Dog with his experience beginning in 2009. He is known for turning no dog away despite the challenges of each dog's personality, age, medical or physical challeneges. He loves them all and especially helping them transform into fresh and HAPPY dogs. P.S. Ask Rick about dog training as he is also an educated and experienced dog trainer as well as a vital part of TacoMo Dog Training. |
