General Info

Jill-Professional Pet Groomer My name is Jill Karpik, I'm also known as "Shaggy" from long time friends and customers. I have to admit that from an early age I used to watch my father try to home groom our afghan Pasha. Every couple of months I used to observe him shave that poor dog. At about the age of 13 yrs. old I started shaving down and "so called" groomed our poodles Cleo and Zorba. I was a kid and didn't have any training but in all, my family and neighbors seemed to be very happy. Through the years, my family saw that I had a real artistic talent. Of course, several immediate family members are artists of some sorts. A portrait artist, an art gallery business owner, a published poet, an actress, just to name a few inherited talents. So with my extreme love for animals and myself noticing my artistic capabilities, I knew from an early age what I wanted to do for the rest of my life In 1986 I attended and graduated with a certificate of completion from the Merryfield Academy of Animal Technicians and Professional Pet Groomers located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Which is an accredited pet grooming school with the National Dog Groomers Association of America. I wanted to make a difference working in the animal world. Throughout the years I have gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience in the animal world. Most of my experience and studies are in the continuing education of professional pet grooming, skin disorders, animal behavior, and obedience training. In 2006, I completed the Red Cross Pet First Aid class amongst other seminars and continuing educational classes I attended. I have managed pet stores, owned my own professional pet grooming salon, the Shaggy Dog for 10 yrs. in the Lake Norman area, and have been a finishing groomer in an award winning pet salon in Sunrise, Florida. Animal Crackers Pet Spa and Resort, Inc. opened in 2004 and we have been having alot of fun with our new clients and our 4 legged friends! We are an award winning salon right here in Yadkin County. In 2008 we were awarded "Best Pet Groomer" in the Reader's Choice Awards sponsored by the Elkin Tribune. In 2008 and 2009 we won another Reader's Choice Awards by the Yadkin Ripple. A HUGE thanks to all that have their confidence and trust in us. Shelbie, our daughter has been part of our pet team for a few years now. Soon, she will attend a very highly acclaimed grooming school. Shelbie is a natural with the animals. She helps out part time playing, feeding and watering our 4 legged furry friends. We want to thank our customers and actually, we are quite flattered that our customers ask for Shelbie when they come to visit with their pets. We are very proud of her so look out Yadkin County, our future pet stylist is in training! Amy our oldest daughter has been working with us since 1996. She is our late night care giver. Amy makes sure everyone is tucked in for the night and does our last potty walk of the night for our K-9 kids. Our overnight guests look forward to Amy caring for them, she likes to spoil them with extra treats!