Sonny’s Crew
Mary, founder of Sonny’s Spaw, believes every dog in her care should be given the same love and concern her own pets receive. She started her career in 2006 as a Kennel Technician and Service Dog Trainer. In 2011 she started working at a high end Grooming Salon in Bellevue WA. In 2013 she attended Masers Grooming Academy, fast tracking through the program and beginning her grooming career. Mary graduated from Karen Pryor Academy in 2022 and applies the skills she learned as a positive reinforcement dog trainer to the grooming environment. For years Mary worked in various salons while dreaming of one day owning her own. She wanted to create her own policies that put the needs of the dogs first, above everything else, including profits. That dream was realized when she opened Sonny’s Spaw in July of 2016. Sonny’s Spaw, voted number one grooming salon 2019-2024, is built on Sonny’s Promise: never do to any dog what she wouldn’t do to Sonny. Since 2016, Mary and her team have kept that promise.
Mary is engaged to be married and has relocated to the South Bay CA, bringing that same promise right to your doorstep. Mary has branched into the world of mobile grooming and looks forward to making new four legged friends here in CA. She left Washington, and her beloved clients, in the capable hands of her amazing team, all of whom are committed to Sonny’s Promise. She hopes to one day help educate groomers on canine behavior in the grooming environment.
Mary
Owner and Founder
My name is Michele and I have been a dedicated member of Sonny's Spaw for four years. When I first met Mary in 2019, I had just began my grooming career in Seattle. I immediately fell in love with grooming. Listening to Mary talk about her experiences at Sonny's Spaw, I dreamed of training and working alongside her. One day, I jokingly said, "I wish I could just move to Sequim and work for you!" To my surprise she replied, "Well maybe you should!" I began making plans right away. I have always had a deep love for dogs, as they show genuine, unconditional love. Since joining Sonny's Spaw, I have received extensive training to understand how dogs communicate their needs. The best part of my job is getting to prioritize the dogs needs and help those who are scared become comfortable and accepting about getting groomed. Grooming has become my passion and my art. I get so much joy from making dogs look beautiful and helping them to be happy while doing it.
Michele
Manager in Sequim
When I was a child I dreamed of being a Veterinarian. Animals have always been a passion of mine. While my life did not take that route I was blessed with an amazing opportunity from Mary at Sonny’s Spaw to bathe dogs. When she offered me an opportunity to go to school for grooming dogs I did not hesitate. I get to work with dogs in a different way now. I'm also deeply fulfilled by the bond I form with each dog and their 2 legged. There's something truly special about earning a dog's trust, watching them relax in my care, and sending them home feeling fresh, confident, and adored. Dogs bring so much joy, loyalty, and love into our lives, and I feel grateful to be able to play a small part in their care and well-being. I am incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days surrounded by them. Our family just adopted 2 kittens and a new puppy from local rescues. I hope to instill my love and passion for animals into my four children.
Jessica
Groomer in Sequim
My name is Shayna and I have worked for Sonny’s Spaw for 2 ½ years. Growing up my dog was my best friend. I have always had a passion for working with dogs and it was hard to get that experience without already having the experience. When Mary opened her Self-Wash she gave me the opportunity to get the experience I had been looking for. I have worked with children, elderly, and have many years in customer service but I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I was able to learn about dog body language, grooming, and get some good practice. I took an opportunity to work at a dog rescue and learn new things about dog behavior, medical knowledge, and training but again I wasn’t where I wanted to be. After Mary made plans for her move to San Jose that meant there would be a space for a new groomer. I was so excited to come back and become a full time groomer. As I learn more I find it so fun to be creative and use the knowledge I’ve gained from Mary and the girls. I have created bonds with my dogs and get to teach puppies how to trust me and the grooming process. The most rewarding part of my job is building trust with dogs that have previously had a bad experience or are brand new. It feels so good when they feel safe and trust me to take care of them.