Jeanette Embree, Award Winning Master Groomer and Salon Owner
Jeanette is the owner and sole proprietor of A Royal Touch. She is an Nationally Certified Master Groomer (NCMG). This means she has completed Written and Practical Exams and been judged by an international certifying body. Testing included grooming a variety of breeds and grueling written exams including but not limited to Breed Identification, Health, Anatomy, Breed History, Skin Problems, Infestations and much more. In an unregulated industry like ours it is very important to seek out groomers with certificates on the wall. Because you don’t NEED them to work in the industry, the pet professionals that have them have gone above and beyond to earn them and are deserving of recognition and respect. Nationally Certified Master Groomers have a superior dedication to advancing the credibility and accountability of those working in our field. Jeanette has been grooming for twenty years! Jeanette obtained her NCMG qualification in 1998 from the National Dog Groomers Association of America, and is also a member of IPG (International Professional Groomers Inc) See website here http://www.ipgicmg.com/
Competitive Grooming wins (yup, the ribbons and medals on the wall) include Poodles, Wheaten Terriers and Mixed Breed Teddy Bears. Jeanette has been grooming since 1994, and her favorite grooms include Teddy Bear trims, breed clips and patterns. Her very favorite breeds are Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Papillon, Eskimo and Sheltie. Jeanette has been a published columnist for the K-9 Chronicles in Edmonton and was a regular guest on QR77 Radio’s Pet Show with Robert Church. Most recently Jeanette had an article published in the 2016 edition of the Canadian Dogs Annual Magazine! http://cdndogs.ca/ Look for her Grooming Demonstrations on Television’s “PetGuys”. Other Career highlights include being one of the founding members and Past President of the Alberta Dog Groomers’ Association. Jeanette can also be seen volunteering by invitation at many Humane Society fundraisers. Her love of dogs has led her to own one of the longest thriving independent grooming salons in Calgary. Running an apprenticeship program has helped Jeanette remain motivated to continuously upgrade her skills. Groomers have come from as far as Vancouver to Toronto to train with her and there are many successful groomers and business owners Canada wide that have had their humble beginnings at A Royal Touch!
Jeanette is a Lieutenant Navy in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves and is semi retired from Grooming. She is on contract with the DND and is available Saturdays and afternoons Tuesdays and Thursdays to select clientele. Please book well in advance.
Sarah McKinnon, Senior Pet Stylist and Salon Manager
After working accounting for a food distribution company for a few years, Sarah McKinnon decided there must be a way she could pursue her true passion in life, which has always been to work with animals. After a few short positions at a pet store, and a dog daycare, she decided there must be a way she could do something more hands on with the animals, so decided to focus on a career in dog grooming.
She started as a bather in March 2012 and realized grooming was her true calling. She obtained her certification in 2014, and learns more and more everyday. I am so proud to have appointed her as salon manager in July of 2017! In her spare time she likes to go hiking in the mountains with her whippet mix and siberian husky. She also loves to play lots of video games on the weekend. Her favorite places are Banff national park and Kananaskis, Nosehill and anywhere along a river. She loves to cycle, and rides her bike to work most of the time in the summer!
Gillian Embree
Gillian has been around Dog Grooming her whole life…literally. When she was an infant clients would come in and have a wee visit and pluck her out of her playpen and snuggle her while Mom (Jeanette, see above) groomed their dogs.
Fast-Forward, and Gillian is a Leading Seaman in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves and is finishing her business degree. Gillian is our Grooming Assistant. She bathes, dries, helps out with reception, and thank heavens, gets us coffee She is with us Saturdays when not deployed with the Navy Reserves..
Dawn McDonald started out at A Royal Touch Pooch Parlour as our Saturday receptionist. Soon after she was assisting our groomers, now she is part of our team as a Junior Pet Stylist. We are so proud to welcome Dawn to the Royal Touch Family!
Hello my name is Dawn and I’m one of team at A Royal Touch Pooch Parlour. It is my passion to help make your pooches look their best for you, and be happy and healthy! I’m learning the best techniques from the wonderful ladies here to give your puppies the best for years to come. My goal is to be certified and showcase my skills for years to come on all puppies that come through our door. When I’m not working with your dogs, I’m at home with my family and my own fur baby. I love to read and craft, and am obsessed with doggy bling, so prepare for all the ribbons!
