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Melissa Verplank, Author


  • Verplank has almost 30 years experience in the pet industry. Her mastery of grooming techniques has won her numerous awards on a national & international level. She has run multiple businesses including a fleet of mobile units, a salon that grew into the Paragon School of Pet Grooming, a luxury, all suite boarding facility called Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa and White Dog Enterprises which created the award winning book, ‘Notes From the Grooming Table’. She was a member of GroomTeam USA, later the Team Coordinator and sat on the Board of Directors. Ms. Verplank is an industry speaker, author, two time Cardinal Crystal Achievement winner and contest grooming judge.

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05/21/2009

Memorial Day 2009

Hi Everybody!  Marc and I are loading up the horses and getting ready for our annual Memorial Day trail ride. We head to a great spot north of our home in Michigan and spend the weekend getting saddle sores and smokey clothes from sitting around the campfire every night. Marc has mastered cooking over an open fire; his Dutch oven baking is the best!
 
This Memorial Day is extra meaningful for me because of what it represents. To me Memorial Day is about giving thanks and honoring everyone that has given of themselves to protect our country.  Our country is based on hard work and sacrifice and regardless of what the press says America is still a great place!  As a business owner I understand all of the hard work and sacrifice that goes into building a business. Throughout my career I have been blessed with many great employees who have sweated and sacrificed with me, through all the ups and downs of growing my businesses. 
 
One of the most difficult sacrifices that I have had to live through was shutting down the “hands on” portion of my training programs last year at my school, The Paragon School of Pet Grooming.  It had a major impact on me, my family, my employees, clients and students. But now, the sacrifices and hard work have paid off. The State of Michigan notified me a few weeks ago that they have backed off on their interpretation of a rule prohibiting certain types of schools from charging for work done by students. This is fantastic news! Not only can people now train for a new career in the pet industry and earn great money doing it, but we can also offer discounted grooming services to local pet owners in the community!  With all the economic challenges out there, I feel fortunate that we can help the community in so many ways!  Have a safe Memorial Day and thank a veteran!
 
Happy Trimming!
 
Melissa

Posted at 10:30 AM in Miscellaneous |

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Comments

Hi Melissa,

I haven't seen you for a couple of years, will you be coming back to Utah soon?

I enjoyed your blog, I read all of it. I agree, despite what our news media says, this is a great country! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for grooming with us, and your knowledge as well.

Tammy (aka "SpikeyTheYorkie") in Utah

Posted by: Tammy E. | 08/19/2009 at 06:19 PM

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