Rachel Diller, NCMG, CFMG

Hi everyone! I have been involved with animals since I can remember. It started with what I could sneak into my room at a young age (lizards, fish, frogs, chinchillas, birds – you name it, I’ve probably owned it!). Working in the pet industry has been such a pleasure. I’ve worked for Joe Markham, owner of the Kong Company. Mentored under George Alston, who was one of the top handlers for AKC conformation events. Trained under Danelle German, at the only school in the world for Cat Grooming, NCGIA. Managed several premiere boarding kennels, some holding well over 180 dogs and 40 cats. Worked with prestigious dog trainers, volunteered my time with many AKC All Breed Clubs, have been on the board of Colorado Professional Pet Groomers Association and Rocky Mountain Mastiff Fancier’s group. I am a National Certified Master Groomer and a Certified Master Feline Groomer. Competing and staying current with industry trends is at the top of my list. I have close friends in every breed and have mentored under them to become the skilled groomer I am today. It has been a wonderful unfolding of experiences.

I own/exhibit/breed English Mastiffs. I have also owned/shown/whelped Afghan Hounds. They are a tricky breed for sure! I am a huge advocate of health testing and proper rearing of dogs and what they produce down the line. Unless they are in an approved show home, all of my puppies go home on a limited registration and are spayed & neutered. I won Best Bred By Exhibitor at the Rocky Mountain Cluster of dog shows in February of 2006 with Moose (Ch. Magnum’s Playing With Fire). I also won Best Bred By Exhibitor, Winners Dog and Best of Winners with Jersey’s brother, Boss (Ch. Magnum’s One Ton Speedwagon) in February of 2004. Since those shows, both dogs have passed, but have left behind a legacy of winning puppies and I can’t wait to see them grow up!

Christie Henriksen, NCMG – Uptown Pups

Christie has booth space here at The Poodle Shop. She came to us from The Wag Shop, in downtown Denver. She only does salon style grooming which is something that newer clients all seem to want. That dog is her only appt in that time frame, she does them straight thru. This is perfect for dogs who are very young, very old or very scared. Some dogs who have had past trauma or injuries and need that ‘extra’ care, will find Christie to be the perfect groomer for their new experience! She is an accomplished National Certified Master Groomer and also attends competitions. Do you have a terrier? She loves to hand strip. Do you have a cat? She’ll send you to Rachel.

Christie, her husband, Blake and their dog Kodiak live here in Littleton now. Kodiak was shown to his AKC championship by Christie while they lived in Michigan. She also assisted a handler who showed Pomeranians. Now, they are loving the Colorado life and continue to spoil Kodiak as they see fit! You can see more of Christie on her website at www.christiehenriksen.blogspot.com

Julia Kalmbach, Pit Crew

Well, it is definitely a family affair with the animals. I’m Rachel’s aunt and have worked with Rachel for several years. I acquired my grooming skills through on the job training venues as well as professional clinics. The Poodle Shop pet clientele is a privilege to groom and care for. I believe that every pet that comes through the door is an opportunity to get to know a unique individual and challenges me to deliver exceptional results.

My education and career path in graphic arts and marketing has been a huge asset. I’ve worked for several international corporations as well as having started numerous businesses of my own.

Travel for me has always been one of “my happy places”. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel the world, recently returning from Turkey, a beautiful place! Trekked to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal with yaks and Tibetan Mastiffs as well as summitted Mount Kilimanjaro followed by a wildlife photo safari in the Serengeti of Tanzania Africa.

My Siamese cats Starbuck and Chegah keep me well entertained with their antics. I appreciate all they offer me in return for their love and amusement.

Alexis Soller, Pit Crew

My background is in the medical field, having received training for X Ray and assisted Physicians in their care of patients. This is how I met Rachel. We share a mutual friend, Cindy Riegel. In fact, Julia used to play tennis with her AND she used to bring her pets to Rachel at a previous boarding kennel. All before Rachel knew they were friends. Small world, I’d say. So, Rachel and I have become great friends too. She recruited me to assist with daily tasks at her shop and from there, was molded into an excellent cat grooming assistant. Sometimes, I end up on a counter. Our code word is “Run”. Rachel never lets me influence her decision to make cats look absolutely stunning and wow each and every new client.
Oh, the places you’ll go… Such a weird development in our lives. I own an English Mastiff, who I adore. Bet you’ll never guess how that happened.

Jaclyn Cagle, Pit Crew

Jackie is Rachel’s sister. She has been helping with the Mastiffs since the first litter and it was all downhill after that! She is an accomplished Jr Handler, showing English Springer Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Boxers and of course Mastiffs. She was the #1 Mastiff Jr Handler in this region in 2006-7. She was able to get a rescue English Springer Spaniel, Henry, for Jr Showmanship in 2008. He came from the east coast. His pedigree was so phenomenal that instead of neutering him, she trained and completed his AKC Championship on top of her main goal with him for Juniors. (Don’t worry, Rescue was aware and approved until he was done J) Henry is now a pet and resides with Jackie. She has been trained to handle a number of daily tasks at the shop involving client relationships, breed handling & knowledge, grooming, bathing, cat grooming & assisting and pet care.