Meet Your Groomers
Owner/Groomer
Tracy Young Cook
I graduated from Murphy HS in 1989, I then moved to PA with family to attend college until 1992. My mom wanted me to take over her businesses someday but it’s not what I wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to work with animals since growing up on a farm. After college I moved with my sister in Chicago and started working for a Grooming and Boarding facility. After a year of learning all aspects of the facility besides being able to groom a dog the owner at the time asked if I wanted to go to grooming school and so my career began.
In 1993 I attended Midwest Dog Grooming Academy and learned how to groom.
Over the years I competed in all groups mostly Non-Sporting and Terriers. I got certified by the National Dog Groomer’s Association In Sporting, Non-Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Herding Groups.
I attended as many seminars as I could find to educate myself on Health, Food, Skin Conditions, Anatomy but mostly the changing breed cuts in the different groups.
In 2014 I moved back to Murphy to take care of my parents. I decided to do what I love and opened Lovin Care Grooming and Boarding.
I’m thankful the business has done well and we keep growing every year.
Groomer
Dondi Thomas
Boarding manager
Groomer
From chef pants to smocks, I began my working career in culinary arts but always know I wanted to work with animals. After years of managing restaurants, I finally caught my chance with Lovin Care Pet Grooming and Boarding to pursue my dreams of working with dogs. I have 6 dogs of my own at home and so many dogs I now consider family that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know during my time here so far. I was always told growing up to find something you love to do, and it will never seem like work. It couldn’t be truer. I’ve been with Lovin Care for more than 3 years now and will continue to expand my knowledge and experience in grooming and really all aspects of the doggie world. I specialize in working with shy, skittish, or just unsure babies. I treat every dog that comes into my care as if they were my own, putting their health, safety and comfort before all else..
Owner/Groomer
Mekalia Stephens
I was born and raised in Cartersville, GA. I moved to Savannah, GA for about 5 years and then moved to Blairsville, GA in 2021. I have 2 black female pugs, Echo and Delta who are 100% spoiled rotten! When I’m not working or hanging out with my girls, I am probably at our favorite local distillery. I have always had a creative mind and strong love for all animals but especially dogs. While living in Savannah I got a part time job as a bather for Woof Gang of Savannah. Woof Gang was the first job where I actually looked forward to work everyday. After about a year of working there my salon manager came to me with an opportunity. We needed to hire 2 more groomers and instead of hiring out she asked me if I would be interested in learning how to groom. I immediately said YES PLEASE! I had always thought grooming was SO fascinating to watch but never thought I would have the opportunity to do it. My salon manager was Savannah’s #1 groomer for 7 years in a row at the time and she took me right under her wing and started teaching me how to groom. Now here I am today 5 years later and loving every minute of it!
Groomer
Joanne White
I started grooming for a pet store in New England. I them apprenticed under master show groomer Nancy Olsen who had show poodles. Then apprenticed under Dotting Marshall who was a master terrier groomer. Showing several breeds i moved up to grooming show dogs. From the Kommondor to Yorkshire Terriers to become a master show groomer. Bought my first grooming shop in the early 1980's. I then moved to Florida where the dog shows were year round. I opened my own grooming shop in Sarasota Fl . After living in Florida for 20 plus years The Mountains Were Calling. I have been grooming here in Murphy for 3 years now and Love It!.