MEET THE TEAM:
Maddy - Groomer and Owner of The Pooch Place
Hi, I'm Maddy. I have loved dogs and all animals since I was a young child, I have always known I wanted to work with them in one way or another. My first dog, Floyd (Boston terrier, my mascot, my heart and soul) inspired me to set up my own business and cater to anxious dogs. I sadly lost him in January 2026. I now have my second Bostie, Birdie, who we adopted at 10 months old, who brings me so much joy and laughs every single day.
I like gardening at my allotment, painting, watching scary films or true crime podcast, and going on walks with my boyfriend and dog.
When I started dog grooming at college, it came as a huge shock that most dogs wouldn't be happy to come in and be groomed. I hadn't considered that as much as I adored them all, they don't understand the loud noises and sensations that happen during grooming. I felt that I could relate to them, not liking strange or unexpected noises, or going to new places myself.
I have made it my mission to befriend every dog (and their owner) that comes into my salon. I have chosen a calm, quiet place with ample parking to make sure their initial impression isn't scary, and I always do everything in my power to make sure the dogs leave having had a calm experience.
I will ALWAYS take the dogs opinion into account, practicing humanity over vanity every single time. This may mean a groom is cut short if a dog is too panicky, or if they aren't responding well to me or the salon. It may also mean that a dog gets clipped short if they have too many tangles, or left long if they don't tolerate the clippers. I understand that each dog must choose their groomer, and I will be totally honest if I feel they may want to try somebody else.
My regulars become like a big doggy extended family to me, I love each and every one of them.
Picture taken by Hazel Dean Photography
Birdie - Salon and quality control manager
Hi I'm Birdie, I am a Boston Terrier. In my spare time I like destroying sticks, zooming around like a mad dog and giving people the saddest puppy eyes imaginable to trick them into giving me treats. I especially love rope and squeaky toys! I come into work most days but hang out in my own office (play room) in the back office. If a very friendly dog comes in, sometimes I'm allowed out to play after a groom if the other dogs owners have said its okay. I am very quiet during the groom, but when dogs get picked up I like to sometimes make my presence known with odd gremlin noises (because clearly all humans must want to meet me)
