MBC Media file photo
A local pet groomer showed off her skills with a first-place finish at a competition in Ottawa this past weekend.
Katie Laprade, a certified master groomer and the owner of DOGS by Kate Professional Pet Grooming, competed in the Ottawa Ontario Grooming Show at the Cohere Centre from June 19th to 21st, where she won first in her class, first in her division and best in show.
Laprade, who moved to Petawawa for her husband’s military job about a decade ago, says she’s been a competitive groomer for roughly the same length of time.
She chose to compete in the Ottawa show because it was local, and earned herself and her standard poodle Winnie some prize money and an award to showcase in the “hall of bragging” in her store’s entrance.
Laprade says the world of competitive grooming is vast, and she sees herself as more of a hobbyist taking part for fun rather than an elite-level competitor.
As proud as she is of the achievement, she says her real accomplishment is the team she’s assembled over the years for her business.
Anyone interested in employing an award-winning groomer for their furry friend can visit the DOGS by Kate Facebook page for more information.
(Steve Berard)
