A Journey of Growth and Community
Since 2006, the Whole Pet Grooming Academy (WPGA) has been a testament to resilience, creativity, and dedication. It all began with The Doggie Bag and Day Spaw, blending a boutique dog bakery with professional grooming services in Milford, New Hampshire. Over the years, WPGA has expanded, evolved, and blossomed into an internationally recognized educational institution, shaping the careers of talented groomers and professionals around the world.
The journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Through each transition, from building out new locations to creating a fully online learning platform, one constant has remained: the incredible support from family, friends, and colleagues who believed in this dream.
WPGA’s success is a love story — for animals, education, and the people who helped make it happen. From the unwavering support of my parents, who have worked tirelessly through every buildout, to my husband, who has stood by my side through every risk-filled business move, this journey has been about more than just business. It has been about community and the relationships built along the way.
Our team of educators, apprentices, and students form the heart of WPGA. Their dedication to excellence and passion for grooming has created a thriving network of professionals. Together, we have built something truly special, an educational foundation that will continue to serve the next generation of groomers and pet stylists.
Timeline of Key People and Contributions
2006: Megan S.
Megan was the first genuinely talented groomer I had the honor of mentoring. Watching her bloom into the brilliant professional she is today has been one of my greatest joys. She took over the Petborough Boutique and transformed it into the thriving Dogs on Depot, our very first approved apprenticeship site. Megan has been by my side as a supporter and dress coordinator at countless speaking engagements, ensuring I always looked my best. Her growth has been extraordinary, and I’m endlessly proud of her.2007: Latifa Meena
Latifa is a friend I didn’t know lived so close. Who would’ve thought that we’d find each other in New Hampshire years apart in different states? Latifa has been a constant source of inspiration from her years of travel to NH for her animal communication sessions to becoming WPGA's first online educator. In 2016, she helped build the foundation of our first online flagship diploma program, the Professional Animal Communicator course. Her unwavering support and friendship have been priceless.2007: Andrea B.
What can I say about Andrea? She’s the creative, artistic force who brought joy to our journey. We’ve traveled across many states together, and she’s been there through it all – the work, the fun, and the adventures that shaped our journey. I’ll always treasure the life we shared and the moments that brought lightness and laughter to what could’ve been overwhelming times, as well as someone who was a huge part of the WPGA dream, vision and launch.2011: Olivia G.
Olivia came to me as a young woman with big dreams, endless drive, and a passion for animals. Mentoring her was such a rewarding experience. When she took over the Doggie Bag and Day Spaw, she kept the heart of the business alive and has continued to make it thrive. She’s proof that dedication and passion can lead to success, and I’m happy to see her carrying on that legacy.2013: Katie H.
Katie has been my rock. Steady, committed, and always by my side, she and I have been through it all—from grooming competitions to the early days of WPGA’s launch. She’s been a floor educator, partner, and faithful friend. Her commitment to the craft, her students, and the school has been unmatched. I’m excited to see where she goes next, knowing she’s made an enormous impact already.2015: Abby and Moe - Evolution Shears
Meeting Abby and Moe was a turning point. At Intergroom, thanks to Katie, I was introduced to Evolution Shears – a game-changer for the industry and my grooming career. Their scissors became an integral part of my work, but more than that, they became an essential part of my trade show experience. They brought me on board to present and shared invaluable scissor knowledge. Our shared love for the craft has made working together a true pleasure and a fantastic working and personal relationship.2016: Rachel P.
Rachel started as one of our scholar alumni, and from the very beginning, she impressed me with her dedication and talent. She became a fantastic floor educator and eventually purchased the Paw Spaw, renaming it the Peterborough Paw Spa. Though she is missed dearly, knowing she’s carrying on what we built together is fulfilling. Her journey has been remarkable; I know she’ll continue inspiring others.2018: Cindy B.
Cindy, another scholar alumni in 2018, became essential to WPGA’s journey. She boldly moved to Portsmouth from Connecticut during one of our most extensive growth phases, showing incredible dedication and commitment to being a part of something larger. Cindy’s energy and enthusiasm helped fuel that expansion, and her contributions have been invaluable to the academy's continued success. Her willingness to embrace new challenges and support WPGA’s vision has been a true gift, and I’m so grateful for her impact.2019: Chrissy Neumyer Smith
Chrissy and I first connected through legislation work in Concord, but little did I know how deeply she would become involved with WPGA. Her work developing the Master Groomer Behavior Specialist program was transformative for our academy. Now, as our Dean of Academics, Chrissy has become a cornerstone of WPGA. She has been essential to our growth, from behind the scenes with our learning systems to trade show travel. Her passion for higher education is unmatched. I can’t imagine this journey without her by my side.2021: Jennifer Thurston
Jennifer’s journey with WPGA began as a scholar alumni, and she soon became a valued stylist employee. Over the years, her caring nature and dedication have made her the perfect person to step into the role of Dean of Students. She’s always thinking of how best to support our scholars, ensuring they have the education and guidance they need. Oh, and did I mention she’s an amazing baker? Jennifer brings so much warmth to WPGA, and I’m so lucky to have her as a friend in this role.
Why I Did This
From the very beginning, I’ve been driven by a deep love for animals and an even stronger passion for education. When I started my journey in 1993, working at boarding kennels in Louisville, KY, and later as a bather at a pet salon, I couldn’t have imagined where that path would take me. Grooming was my way of working through college, and while it provided stability, I always knew it wasn’t enough for me.
After transitioning to the horse racing industry, a move to New Hampshire brought me back to grooming. But the state of the salons I encountered was disheartening—dirty, poorly managed, and without the proper education needed to elevate the profession. I knew something had to change, and that’s when the idea for WPGA was born. I wanted to create a space where groomers could develop their skills and do so in an environment that valued education, professionalism, and care.
As someone who loves to teach and constantly learn, I knew I wanted to create an academy—one that would provide the best training and support for future groomers and stylists. That dream turned into the Whole Pet Grooming Academy, and it’s been one of the most extraordinary adventures of my life.
Milestone Years
Phase 1: 2006-2013
2006: The Doggie Bag and Day Spaw opened, offering a boutique dog bakery and grooming services in Milford, NH.
2007-2013: Voted Best of Souhegan Valley.
Met Latifa Meena, future educator for WPGA, and connected with future groomers and professionals.
Sale of The Doggie Bag to a new owner, marking the transition to new leadership.
Phase 2: 2013-2018
2013: Dara's Paw Spaw opened, expanding grooming services.
2015: The Whole Pet Grooming Academy (WPGA) was founded, after three years of development, becoming a licensed post-secondary career school.
2017: Petborough Boutique, a second location for Dara’s Paw Spaw, was launched.
Period of growth as WPGA was established as a leading institution for pet grooming education.
Two locations were sold to graduates, who later became mentors for WPGA’s apprenticeship program.
Phase 3: 2018-2023
A major facility build-out in Portsmouth, NH, with 8 grooming stations and a seminar room.
Adapted during COVID-19, continuing operations with a smaller, but determined team.
The online campus rapidly expanded, offering globally recognized diploma programs and self-guided courses.
Phase 4: 2023-Present
Transitioned to a collegiate learning platform to accommodate the growing student body.
Appointed a Dean of Students and a Dean of Academics.
Fully online presence with a flourishing apprenticeship community of mentors supporting future groomers and stylists.
