A' Lord Dog Grooming Since 1985

I began my grooming journey at just 15 years old, but my interest started much earlier. My mentor, Nada Fehr Cagle, was originally my dog obedience instructor. One day, she asked if I’d like to accompany her to groom a dog. Excited by the invitation, I gladly joined her—and quickly realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

However, convincing people to let a 12-year-old groom their pets was a challenge. So, I took a different approach: whenever I found a stray dog running around town, I’d bring it home, groom it, and then let it go. Imagine the surprise on the faces of pet owners when their dogs returned, freshly groomed! It turned out to be excellent practice, and they got a free grooming in the process.

By the time I turned 15, I had enough practice to start grooming dogs for others, all while still learning from Nada. A year later, at 16, I began working as a groomer in a veterinary clinic, where Dr. Jackson became my mentor in animal health. (Then was Eastside veterinarian clinic,  now Fairbury veterinarian Hospital)Around that time, I was also fortunate to meet another mentor, the late Caroline Asper, who was renowned for showing and grooming poodles. Caroline was known for her meticulous attention to detail—she believed every hair had to be perfectly in place. She would only groom one or two dogs a day, something I didn’t fully appreciate until I grew older.

At the time, I groomed between five to ten dogs a day. But eventually, I realized how exhausting and physically demanding this was. Now, I understand Caroline’s approach; taking the time to work with one or two dogs a day results in happier dogs and a less stressful experience. Today, I’m a one-on-one groomer, focusing on quality over quantity. Grooming is not just a job for me—it’s a craft, one I learned through years of dedication and from the valuable mentors who shaped my journey.

Relocation Update

 I recently relocated from Fairbury, Illinois, to Athens, Alabama, as of September 2023. While my cell number (815) 419-5884 still has the Illinois area code, it’s the same number I’ve kept for years due to my long-standing business. For local calls in Alabama, you can also reach me at my home number

 (256) 998-8172.

Thank you, and I look forward in meeting new A' Lord clients! 

Size Limit:
I specialize in grooming small dogs only and currently accept dogs under 30 pounds, with no exceptions.

Pricing:

• Full Grooming – Starting at $60
  Note: Prices may increase based on coat condition (e.g., matting) and any special needs (e.g., senior dogs requiring additional time and care).
• Doodles – Starting at $80
  Please note that due to the unique grooming requirements of doodle breeds, prices start higher and may increase based on coat condition and special needs.

No-Show & No-Call Policy:
A no-show or no-call results in a full charge for the missed appointment. This fee must be paid before scheduling the next appointment. This policy helps ensure my time is respected, as last-minute cancellations directly impact my ability to make a living. Payment options include:

• Credit Card (4% convenience fee)
• Venmo or Zelle

Basic Services

• Nail Trim: $20
• Anal Gland Expression: $25
• Bath + Nails + Anal Gland Expression: $40

Full Grooming Packages

• Full Groom (includes Bath, Nail Trim, and Anal Gland Expression): Starting at $60

Additional Fees

• Special Needs Dogs: +$40 (added to the original grooming price)
• Matted Dogs: +$30 (added to the grooming price, waiver required for a short shave)
  • Dematting Option: If you prefer brushing out mats instead of a shave, there is a $40 per hour charge, with a signed waiver required

• Flea Treatment: +$80 (added to the grooming price, with a signed waiver required)

 With over 15 years of experience as a veterinary assistant and veterinary technician, I bring a wealth of knowledge in animal healthcare to my grooming services. I have also served as a dog breeder consultant for 35 years, specializing in canine reproductive health. Additionally, I am a certified dog trainer since 1982 and an American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator. This combination of hands-on veterinary, breeding, and training expertise allows me to offer comprehensive, attentive, and informed care for every dog I groom. 

Dog Grooming

• Specializing in grooming for dogs under 30 pounds
• Personalized, one-on-one grooming sessions for a stress-free experience

Dog Training

•  Basic Obedience Training: Teaching essential commands and behaviors for well-mannered, responsive dogs 
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator

Dog Breeding

• A' Lord Miniature Schnauzer: Dedicated breeder of quality Miniature Schnauzers

Dog Breeder Consulting

• Canine Reproductive Services: Includes progesterone testing, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, collection, and artificial insemination (AI)
• Over 35 years of experience guiding breeders in reproductive health and breeding best practices