Community Highlights: Meet Michelle McCartney of Aussie & Friends Mobile Dog Grooming, LLC.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle McCartney.

Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our story began when I decided it was time to pursue a more rewarding career. After 25 years in real estate, I felt drained. I was on call 24/7, working nights and weekends, and traveling frequently. One day, our mobile dog groomer canceled, saying the van had broken down and they would either have to wait until the next appointment or bring all five dogs in. My son, Cal, said, “Hey, you’ve been talking about wanting a more fulfilling job. Why not change your career? You’re the dog whisperer, Mom! Everyone in Fort Collins has dogs; you should become a dog groomer!”

There was just one problem: I didn’t know how to groom dogs! Cal discovered two grooming schools nearby with only three in the state, encouraging me to reach out to them. When he asked if I had called, I dismissed the idea as crazy. But as I reflected, I realized my love for dogs and my patience could make this a reality. So, I decided to call the schools. To my disappointment, they were booked for over a year. Just when my excitement grew, I was quickly let down. I inquired about a waiting list, only to be told none existed. I jokingly asked to take my name in case anyone got hit by a bus. I know, I know, not funny.

A few days before Christmas, I received a phone call. One of the students couldn’t pay the deposit. I couldn’t believe it! I asked the woman if she could give me 20 minutes to think about this life-changing decision before she called anyone else. I decided to take the biggest chance of my life! This was crazy! I was scared, nervous, excited, all the things! I was 43 years old, making a career change and quite a drastic one at that!. My friends and family supported me; some people thought it was crazy and that I shouldn’t do it. But I decided, you only live once.

And the rest is history! We have successfully groomed hundreds of dogs, including some that were turned away from other salons. We’ve educated pet owners about grooming needs, saved dogs’ lives, and even saved human lives. Yes, I have saved dogs’ lives! One such example is Oscar, a grooming client who was deaf and blind and went missing for 72 hours in January. I saw the Facebook post about him being lost and went out searching for him. Fortunately, I found him in an irrigation canal about a little over a mile from home.

Another story is about a dog named Bo. His owner didn’t answer the door for their grooming appointment, so I called for a wellness check. And although it was a heartbreaking situation—the owner had passed away—I was able to rescue Bo and help him find a new, loving home. The NOCO Humane Society even featured his uplifting story in their annual calendar.

We have rehomed nine dogs, worked with and donated to the NOCO Humane Society, held fundraising events to raise money for the community, and, most importantly, provided peace of mind to pet parents knowing their furry companions are safe and loved.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the toughest challenges I face is learning to say no. I get so many calls from people who are eager for their dogs to be groomed, and my heart goes out to them. I truly want to accommodate everyone, but the reality is that not all requests fall within my service area. I know how stressful it can be for clients preparing for vacations, desperately needing to get their furry friends groomed before they head out. And then there are those who call other places and told they are booked for weeks. I often receive heartfelt requests for dogs that have just been rescued or those who’ve had unfortunate incidents, like encounters with a skunk. It’s hard to turn anyone away, knowing how much their pets need care, but I’m doing my best to manage these demands.

The biggest challenge I face is seeing dogs’ grooming needs neglected deeply affects me. I am dedicated to educating pet owners about their pets’ specific grooming requirements. Common issues like long, overgrown nails, matted fur, dental care needs, and obesity are all too common. I want to inspire pet parents to remember that annual vet visits are essential for our furry companions’ wellbeing. Many veterinary offices provide wellness plans that cover spay/neuter services, annual dental care, wellness exams, and vaccinations for a low monthly fee.

Finally, scheduling presents my greatest challenge. As a mobile groomer, arranging appointments for dogs in the same area can be complex. It requires thoughtful planning to minimize driving distances and to space out appointments, ensuring that each dog receives the individual attention they deserve, rather than grooming multiple full grooms in succession.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Aussie & Friends Mobile Dog Grooming provides grooming services to your doorstep, but we don’t stop there. We also provide pet sitting, drop-ins, and walking services.

I have a heartfelt passion for grooming large breed dogs, a service that isn’t widely offered by mobile groomers. In Fort Collins, I’m proud to be one of the few who cater specifically to these gentle giants. After all, big dogs need love and care just like any other pet! I find joy in grooming beloved breeds such as Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, St. Bernards, and Newfoundlands.

In the community, I’ve gained a reputation as the dog whisperer, especially for my ability to work with dogs that struggle with extreme fear and anxiety. I understand the challenges faced by both pets and their owners, especially with dogs that may require sedation for nail trims. It’s a tough situation that can be both daunting and costly, and I am here to help ease that burden.

I also feel a deep sense of responsibility when it comes to rehoming dogs. I’ve helped find loving new homes for eight, no wait, now nine dogs (including Lexi) whose owners have passed away or can no longer care for them, ensuring they receive the love and stability they deserve in their next chapter. I recently took in Lexi, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever whose owner could no longer care for her. She is now a part of our family, thriving with her new brothers and sisters, including Callie, Shamoo, Bernie, Aspen, Penelope, and Maisie, while joyfully discovering her backyard.

I am genuinely proud to say that we are more than just dog groomers; we strive to give back to our community. For the past four years, we’ve groomed all the dogs and cats at the NOCO Humane Society Annual Gala. We’ve also participated in fundraisers, raising over $3,500 last year for wildlife organizations. Additionally, we assist in finding homes for dogs whose owners can no longer care for them and volunteer our time to help locate missing dogs in our area. Our passion for animals is truly extraordinary—it’s our mission to be a voice for dogs.

If you were to ask our clients what they value most about Aussie & Friends, they would tell you it’s our sincere love for animals that makes a difference.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I value most in my work as a pet groomer is my patience and care with animals. I truly understand how important it is to remain calm and attentive since every dog has unique needs and personalities. I have the privilege of grooming dogs with special needs, including those who are deaf or blind, senior dogs facing various ailments, many of whom are unable to stand, and those experiencing dementia. I also work with first-time dogs who are older and may be anxious about the process, as well as rescue dogs who have spent their entire lives in cages. Each of these dogs deserves patience, understanding, and gentle care, and I strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment for them during their grooming experience. The best compliment I’ve received regarding pet sitting is, “We didn’t worry at all while away on vacation”. That speaks volumes.

Moreover, I find great joy in connecting with my clients. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to engage in conversations with them; it allows me to learn more about their lives. Building these personal connections is not just rewarding for me, but it also helps create a more comfortable experience for their pets. Throughout my experiences in pet grooming and pet sitting, I’ve had the privilege of building many meaningful friendships with my clients over the years. It’s heartwarming to connect with the pets and their owners, creating bonds beyond just services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aussieandfriendsdoggrooming.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aussieandfriendsdoggrooming/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aussieandfriendsdoggrooming