PTI,Mary Kniskern, KPA-CTP, PTI, Owner/Groomer
I love what I do. It is my heartfet belief that every dog and cat who comes through my doors should be treated with the same compassion, love, and attention I give my own pets. The emotional well-being of every pet who visits Sonny’s Spaw is my top priority, no matter what.
I have been fortunate to train under some of the best groomers in Washington state, with special training in specific breed standards, as well as being a graduate of Masers Academy of Fine Grooming. I also specialize in anxious and difficult dogs.
I have created the type of environment I would feel comfortable leaving my own dogs to be groomed in. I do this job because I love it. Your four-legged babies, while with me, will be given all the love and affection they would be given in your homes. I am excited to make new friends with your pets and you!
In April 2022, I graduated with honors from the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training & Behavior. In March, 2024 I received my PetTech Teaching Instructor License.
Michele Feris, Groomer/Manage-in-Training
I have been grooming dogs going on two years, I was a bather before that. I have always loved dogs, and working with them all day long is truly a gift. I never realized there is much more to dogs besides ‘eat, play, potty, and sleep’! I am beyond blessed and excited to be able to continue learning and perfecting my skills with Mary at Sonny’s Spaw.
My favorite dog I’ve ever groomed is an older Newfoundland named Otis. He has hip problems and doesn’t like to stand for too long so we go really slow and take lots of breaks. Awhile back I was going through a tough time and although being around SO much cuteness at work all day was helpful, some days were still hard. One of those hard days, I was bathing Otis and I had uncontrollable tears running down my face. He saw my tears, stood up all on his own, reached over and kissed my whole face over and over until my tears were gone. In that moment, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Brandi Taylor, Groomer
Originally from Enid OK, I started out washing dogs at age 15 and became an actual groomer at age 21 – that was 20 quick years ago! I’m very happy to be here and to be part of the Sonny’s Spaw team.
One time a lady brought a little pom mix she had just adopted. The poor guy had been living under a car in the streets of California for some time. His fur was completely matted and coated in oil stains. After I gave him a bath and haircut, he pranced around the salon like a brand new man. You could tell he was very thankful.
###
All groomers are Fear Free Certified and PetTech certified in CPR and first aid.