Canine Clipper

Gabrielle Blake

Dogs have always been an important part of Gabbye's life.  Growing up, she was surrounded by them and recognized the meaningful roles they played in the lives of their owners.  Because of this kinship she felt with her dogs, she was lead to pursue a career in which she could offer dogs something in return for the unconditional love they had always shown to her. Gabbye attended grooming school and began grooming dogs professionally in 2005.  "I enjoy grooming and feel that this process can be a very therapeutic and healthy part of a dog's routine," she says.  Gabbye grooms all breeds, but has chosen to specialize in Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Golden Retrievers.  Gabbye is a strong believer in personal growth; therefore, she is now studying for her certification in therapeutic dog massage as well as joining various professional dog grooming associations. Her shih tzu/schnauzer mix, Romeo, usually accompanies her wherever she goes and is very recognizable by his mohawk!! 

DuWanda Cash

DuWanda left a 19 year career in  telecommunications to pursue her dream of working with animals.  She is a life-long animal lover and remembers growing up with dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, and fish.  When she became a groomer, she decided to focus her attention on senior dogs, taking special care to treat their aging muscles and bones with great tenderness.  "When a dog parent leaves their best friend with me," DuWanda says, " I treat that dog like my own, offering not only a grooming experience, but a spa-like treatment they will definitely enjoy."  DuWanda is mom to her 3 dogs and her 2 cats, all of which own her heart.  

Nicole Haley - Grooming Manager

Nicole has been grooming full-time for 4 years.  She has loved animals since before she could walk or talk.  She started out riding horses, and by the time she was 14, she was working cleaning stalls and doing anything else she could to be around them.  By 16, Nicole was performing in monthly horse shows and giving riding lessons to children of all ages, in particular those with physical disabilities.  In addition to the devotion she feels for her horses, her love of dogs is equally as strong.  She is known for carrying a collar, a leash, and treats with her wherever she goes, because her heart melts when she sees a stray. Her black lab, Miller, her yellow lab, Benelli, and her border collie, Roxy, are the loves of her life.  "I know the joy pets bring to people as I watch my own 3 dogs play each day," Nicole says. "I love what I do for a living, and I hope to be doing it for the rest of my life."   Nicole, too, donates all nail trimming earnings to Miss Jeanne's House Foundation.   Nicole also fills in at the front desk and is our Grooming Manager.

Halie Williams

Halie has been with Canine Clipper for 6 years, and she absolutely loves our new facility!  She has been a dog lover her entire life.  Halie is very gentle and very patient with the dogs she grooms and loves to groom all breeds. Halie says, "Grooming is the perfect career for me.  I love making all of the dogs look their best, and making their owners happy is a great feeling."  Halie is mom to 2-year-old Hunter, as well as her daschund, Daisy, and her shiba inu, Harley.  And guess what??  We'll soon have another addition to our Canine Clipper family!  Halie is expecting in August, and we can hardly wait!

Our Office Staff

Alison Sliwa

Alison is the friendly face that will greet you upon your arrival at Canine Clipper!  She handles appointment scheduling, check-in and check-out, and keeps the front desk running smoothly. 

Courtney Pettenger

Courtney is our communications and marketing guru!  She headed back to Texas in August for her senior year at Austin College and her fourth varsity season on the Lady Roos volleyball team where she was awarded the Robert T. Mason Sportsmanship Award.  She has been instrumental in setting up our office and the efficiency with which it operates.  Courtney is also involved with Miss Jeanne's House Foundation where she organizes fundraising activities and events.  Courtney is mom to little Callahan Marie who just turned 1 in July and is the light of her life. 

Our Bathers

Renae Muller

Renae is a graduate of Sheldon High School and has worked with animals since she was very young.  She is an experienced dog handler and is attending college studying veterinary medicine.   Renae runs our bathing operation like a pro and is a bundle of energy.

Melinda Weber

Melinda has worked for Canine Clipper for several years now.  Not only is she one of our bathers, she is the  bandana queen!  All of the bandanas you see on our clients have been lovingly cut by Melinda.  A truly dedicated employee, she rides her bike over five miles to and from work each day, even on rainy days!!

Holly Sarmento

Holly is the newest addition to our staff.  She is currently attending college and is enrolled in veterinary technician courses.  She is a hard worker and is a delight to be around.  We never see her without a smile on her face!

Our Kennel Assistants

 Donnie Pettenger

Donnie is our kennel manager.  In addition to his responsibilities of keeping the facilities clean and sanitary, he also makes sure all of our clients are comfortable and well cared for during their stay with us.  In addition, he performs bathing duties.  He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 2009 where he was a member of the City Championship football team!!!  Donnie attends Sacramento City College and has been very involved in Miss Jeanne's House Foundation where he volunteers his time working on special projects and fundraising activities.  He enjoys spending time with his dogs Ricky, a german shepherd/wolf hybrid, and his shiba inu, Todd.

Kyle Giesser

Kyle is a recent graduate of Pleasant Grove High School and works for us part-time as a kennel assistant.  He is also studying to pass his lineman test for SMUD.  Kyle loves greeting our clients and has definitely become attached to their dogs!  Kyle is an avid sportsman, and enjoys spending his spare time camping and fishing.

  Our Owners

The Pettenger Family

 Debbie, Courtney, Donnie, and Brandon Pettenger are long-time residents of the Elk Grove and Wilton areas.  Debbie and her late husband, Rick, built custom and production homes in Elk Grove, Wilton, and their surroundings areas for over 20 years.  Debbie is also a realtor with Real Estate Masters here in Elk Grove and has been selling properties for nearly 25 years.  In 2006, after the loss of her oldest daughter, Jeanne, Debbie and her children established the Miss Jeanne's House Foundation in memory of the 21-year-old pre-school teacher who passed away trying to save the life of 4-year-old Mikayla Tingey.  "Jeanne was such an inspiration to her family, her friends, and her students that we wanted to do something that would continue the work she loved while at the same time promoting the importance of the Arts in the schools," says Debbie.  Jeanne was a  talented artist, musician, writer, and photographer and used these mediums to reach her students, especially those living with autism.  Please visit www.missjeanneshouse.com for more information.

Life-long animal lovers and owners, Debbie and her family consider it a great honor to be working with such a highly qualified and dedicated staff.  They are also grateful for the opportunity to serve their community and truly appreciate their loyal clients.  "Not everyone can honestly say that they go to work everyday and love what they do," Debbie says, "but I am so blessed to be able to say that I do!"