Hair Of The Dog

Michelle Jolicoeur / Groomer-Owner

I was born and raised in Calgary, a love of animals starting at an early age. My initial desire was to be a farmer, just so I could be close to animals; I grew up with rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and fish. My 9th birthday party was about going to the Calgary Humane Society to give money and food to the shelter instead of gifts. During the Christmas season of 1999 I had the privilege to help and witness the birth of 9 puppies from Jessie, our neighbour’s dog. From that moment, dogs have been in my life and one of those puppies, Majiq, came home to our family. Majiq is a Dalmatian X Border Collie, a smart, playful dog with a great loyalty to our family.

My first job was at Petland, I was in heaven with all those animals! I took over the animal birthday party celebrations, this is where I would visit the children’s homes with some animals and give educational talks on each one. I later moved on to PetCeterea and learned all I could about a variety of products available.

In 2003, my dearest and best friend came into my life, my dog Neo (named after Neo in the Matrix). Neo is a Cairn X Schnauzer. Some people say a dog can change your life, I know this is very true, Neo helped me get through some tough times and he strengthened my desire to be with & care for dogs on a regular basis.

I spent a year as a kennel technician in 2005, at Country Club Pet Resort. It was an experience of a life-time and one I truly enjoyed and learned from.

During 2006, I attended grooming school at My Pets Beauty Salon. The owner, Shirley Jones, soon became my mentor as well as a good friend. Her positive attitude and caring nature towards the dogs was a very rewarding experience for me. Becoming a professional groomer required lots of hard work, patience, and with a strong desire to learn I soon fell in love with this profession and dreamed of owning my own shop one day. I continued to learn through a variety of books, courses, and from my fellow groomers. A few years and a couple groom shops later, the opportunity to own my own dog grooming shop came into my life. It was through these experiences, hard work and a supportive family, along with a strong desire to continually learn, my dream has come to life.

ALL dogs that come to Hair of the Dog are treated just like my dearest friend. I will wash them, groom them and make sure they look their best for you, but most of all I will care and love them while they are here for their visit.

It is with great pleasure and pride that I am able provide this service and care for YOUR best friend.

Michelle Jolicoeur,
Owner, Hair of the Dog

Certificates / education:

Certified Professional Groomer
Pet first Aid certificate
Pet care technician program Certificate -American Boarding Kennels Association
Pet and Animal care course – Olds College


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Meaghan Connelly, Groomer

Meaghan was born and raised in Ontario, along with her sister and 3 brothers. There were always dogs in this big family and Meaghan’s love of animals began at an early age. She earned a degree in child education but soon realized her true passion was to be working with dogs.

In 2005 she moved to Calgary, and started her pursue her desire to work with dogs. She was hired on at a local doggie daycare, where Michelle was working as a groomer. Meaghan connected with Michelle through their love of dogs and desire to care for them to the best of their abilities.

Meaghan’s passion for a more hands on relationship with our furry friends lead her to work with Michelle at Hair of the Dog in 2009, as a bath-brusher. In 2010 Meaghan enrolled in grooming school and began working full time as a groomer in June 2011.

Michelle says “Meaghan is excellent with her creative talents and her attention to detail makes her a strong and valuable member of the grooming team at Hair of the Dog.”

Meaghan enjoys her 2 ‘fur babies’, Mo a Brussels-Griffin and Kalia an Icelandic Sheepdog. They come to work with her everyday and help Neo supervise the salon.

Meaghans’ best advise for dog owners is research your breed and find out how much grooming attention that breed needs.


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Neo

Hi, my name is Neo and I am a Cairn X Schnauzer. I come to work with my Mom (Michelle) everyday to help keep order at the salon. My duties include; greeting my fellow four-legged friends, napping and eating treats (it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it).

I have completed Beginner Agility and my certificate is hanging in the shop for all to see! I have also participated in 2 pet first aid courses, as a practice dog. Being bandaged and dressed in gauze really doesn’t bother me, as my Mom likes me wearing the latest fashions, so I’m a good sport with things like that.

For all you lady dogs out there I am spoken for; my beautiful girlfriend Mo, a Brussels Griffin, has been in my life for about 2 years now. I also have a big sister, Majiq, she’s a 10-year old gorgeous Border-Collie-Dalmatian mix, and we play and wrestle every weekend.

I’m a bit of a rebellious teen, so I am currently enrolled in some intense obedience training (I call it school) and I am learning so much. I really do shine during my classes; you could call me the teacher’s pet!

I look forward to meeting you!


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Bean and Rupert

Bean and Rupert are Pom-chi. Bean joined our family in August 2009and Rupert in July 2010.

Bean is the lady of the shop. She provides sweet hellos to all her furry friends that come to visit for the day and will give you kisses all day, if you let her!

Rupert is our high-energy little boy. He is curious and mischievous. He maybe the smallest in the shop but he’s a big dog at heart and enjoys hanging out with the big boys!


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