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Stephanie Burford, Precious Paws Pet Grooming

About Me
Stephanie

Owner / Manager of Precious Paws

Ever since I was young I have loved animals. I wanted to be a vet as a little girl, and often thought that I would like to cut hair. (I never thought it would be dog hair rather than humans!) I had many breeds of dog growing up, and it was my Cocker Spaniel Willow that inspired me to become a Dog Groomer.

I studied for two years at Shuttleworth College in Bedfordshire and gained a City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced in Dog Grooming. I passed my writing exam with distinctions and also passed three practical exams.

Prior to studying to be a dog groomer I worked for Wood Green Animal Shelter for nearly ten years learning the important skills linked to dog handling and understanding body language.

Whilst at Wood Green I attended many courses and I found these to be a great asset during my day to day work with the dogs. I have had experience of dog grooming since 2005 and experience of working with dogs as a career since 2001.

My dogs are part of my family; they are like my own children. Your pet would be treated kindly, lovingly and as an individual.

Qualifications:

Level 2 Dog Grooming from Shuttleworth College

Level 3 Advanced Dog Grooming from Shuttleworth College

Pets:

2 pugs called Pluto and Archie

A Springer Spaniel called Pip

Lucy, Precious Paws Dog Grooming

About Me
Lucy

Dog Groomer

When I was in school my passion was dance and it was the one subject that I ever really looked forward to. After completing my A-Levels and gaining an A* in it I ended up going straight into work as a waitress. After quickly discovering that I didn’t enjoy that I tried finding another career that perhaps I was more suited to. So in September 2017 I started work at a children’s nursery training as an apprentice to get my Level 3 in Childcare. However, once again I found that I wasn’t as suited to it as I thought I would be and so I decided to go to an open day at the College of Animal Welfare in Godmanchester and found the Dog Grooming Course.

I applied in April 2018, began my training in May, and became a fully qualified Level 2 Dog Groomer in June. I fully believe that this was the best decision I have ever made. I started working for Steph and Precious Paws in October 2018 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve always been such a dog person and I love that I get to work around them every day. Anyone who knows me, knows that my dog Ralph is my best friend. I completed my Level 3 in Dog Grooming in 2021.

 

Qualifications:

Completed Level 2 and 3 Dog Grooming from The College of Animal Welfare

Pets:

A Fox Terrier called Ralph

A cat called Albert

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About Me

Erin

 

Dog Grooming Apprentice

 

When I was younger I never really knew what I wanted to be when I was older, all I knew was that I had a huge interest in animals, especially dogs. I have grown up with dogs and they were a massive part of my childhood. All of my pets have all been an important part of my family and I could not imagine a home without a one.

 

I passed my GCSE’s in June 2022 and successfully got the grades I needed. Throughout my last year of school I was planning on doing an A-level degree in Sport as that is something else that I am passionate about. However, I soon decided that school was not for me anymore and I wanted to try something new that I haven’t tried before. I wanted to find a different way of learning new skills and decided I would love to do a City & Guilds apprenticeship in level 2 dog grooming as that has always been my dream to be able to work with dogs. I started working for Steph in September 2022 and I have enjoyed everything about working in the salon so far. I have since passed my City & Guilds level 2 apprenticeship with Precious Paws and am currently doing a City & Guilds level 3 dog grooming course to gain enough knowledge so hopefully I can set up my own business one day.

 

Pets:

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Ron

A French Bulldog called Bella

A cat called Lola

A horse called Ted

A Hamster called Monty

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About Me

Amelia

 

Dog Groomer

 

I worked in a veterinary practice for 4 years as a receptionist which I loved and this led me to realise I wanted to achieve a long lasting career in animal care; in particular, dog grooming. I always grew up around animals - chickens, rabbits and dogs to name a few, so it’s safe to say I have always been an animal lover. I have already achieved a merit in my City and Guilds Level 2 Dog Grooming qualification and I am currently doing a City & Guilds level 3 in dog grooming 

 

Qualifications:

Completed City & Guilds Level 2 Dog Grooming from The College of West Anglia

Working towards City & Guilds Level 3 Dog Grooming 

Pets:

A Lhasa Apso called Oreo

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About Me

Kelis

 

Dog Groomer

 

I just love the end result of a groom - when the pups have been pampered and are waiting for pick-up, seeing everyone’s happy reactions is so fulfilling! I joined the Precious Paws team in January 2023 and have learned so much from Steph and Lucy! Working with all your lovely pets is truly the best, a hobby and a job all in one! When I first started I was primarily bathing and drying, however I have since then increased my skills and worked up to clipping and scissoring. I have been working with animals since I was 15, and share my home with three pooches myself, so have lots of hands on experience. Along with having completed a BSc in Animal Behavior for which helps with recognizing when your pets are feeling truly relaxed with their bath massages, or when they may need a little extra support to feel their best! I have also completed a Practical Pet First Aid Certificate, although the whole team is always on hand to help out!.

 

Pets:

A Lurcher called Tobi

A Sheltie x Collie called Brynn

A Long-coated Chihuahua called Bleu

A Cat called Felix

A Snake called Winston

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About Me

Charlene

Dog Groomer

I have always wanted to work with dogs. When I left school I wanted to go in the army to be a dog handler but because of my hearing I couldn’t. A year later I met my husband and we have two beautiful children together, which led me into working in childcare. After 3 years working at a nursery I became a childminder running my own business for 9 years. 

We then got our dog Roxie which led me into thinking about working with dogs, which had always be my passion and now our children are older I can follow my dream job. 

I did a Level 2 Dog Grooming Qualification for a year at the College of West Anglia, then went on to do a 4 month Level 3 Qualification with IPET at a salon. 

Newly qualified, I am looking forward to working alongside Stephanie and the team in Precious Paws Pet Grooming Salon.  

 

Qualifications:

Completed City & Guilds Level 2 Dog Grooming at College of West Anglia

Working towards Level 3 Dog Grooming

Pets: 

4x Pomeranians called Roxie, Frankie , Prince and Honey 

3x Cats Called Mickey, Joe and Darcey 

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About Me

Rhiannon

 

Grooming Assistant

 

I am currently in my first year of sixth form studying Btec Science, Art and Health and Social. Precious Paws is my first part time job and I feel really lucky that Stephanie gave me the opportunity to work at the salon, as I have always had a massive passion for dogs since growing up with them all my life. I work Saturdays and whilst being at the Salon I have learnt a variety of different skills. I have always loved animals so being able to learn about their behaviours is really interesting and has been a great opportunity for me.

 

Pets:

2x German Shepherds called Misty and Amaya

A Rottweiler called Kodi

2x Cats called Saphy and Bubbles

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About Me

Jazz

 

Grooming Assistant

 

Last year, when I was in year 10, I was very passionate about becoming a veterinary nurse, so for my work experience I chose to go to a pet grooming salon and came to Precious Paws. I have grown up always living with dogs so I felt this was a good placement for my work experience. From this 2 week work experience, Stephanie offered me a part time job. 

I am currently in year 11 doing my GCSE’s and working at the weekends here has taught me many things about the care for animals and all their different needs. I really enjoy working here at Precious Paws because of the many skills you are able to learn as well being part of the team. I feel very lucky to work here.

 

Pets:

A Cocker Spaniel called Loki

A Sprocker called Arya

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