About Us

About Us – South Florida Pet Grooming School

Merryfield School of Pet Grooming is one of the best South Florida Pet Grooming School. We offer day and evening programs. We have a 600 clock hour program that boils down to 4 simple elements: Speed, skill, accuracy and of course confidence. We have CMG’s as instructors with over 20 years of grooming experience. We have facilities that are excellent and administrative staff with over 35 years in the pet industry.

When we put this all together, it gives our students a wealth of information, a solid foundation and a confidence to know that when they graduate, they will have a great start in our profession. We assist in job placement, have school financing, and will help our graduates go into business for themselves. We are very excited about the Pet Grooming Industry today, it has moved into a new era.

The reason why we have all noticed this change is because people today treat their pets like their children, and rightfully so! They are our “Fur Children” and we care and adore them! When this feeling exists, it spills out into all aspects of care and we are a part of that caring process! What it means to everyone involved in the industry is, we can expect continued growth and a wonderful future. For more information about Merryfield School of Pet Grooming, please contact Gregg Docktor 1-800-361-4548

 

Michael Lamb Certified Non-Sporting, Instructor

Started his career in 1976 and was taught his skills by Professional Dog Show Handlers. Michael is a Certified Groomer from the NDGAA. He has worked extensively with well known shop owners such as Terri Di Marino, Kathy Rose (Pets of Perfection) The Loving Touch in Kendal Fl. Michael has participated in grooming competitions in Florida and has been appointed a Judge in grooming competitions in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. He has given Seminars in “Show Handling and Presenting the Well Groomed Dog”. His Miniature Poodles are currently being shown at Westminster and he has previously received Top Miniature Breeder of the Year Awards (1990) He is one of the Top Miniature Poodle Breeders in The United States with over 125 champions to his credit. His dogs are currently being shown in Spain and Japan.

Irina Pinkusevich, NCMG Instructor

Multiple Award Winner, Terrier Class, Carolina fest, 2007,Best in Show, Hershey PA, Groom Expo, 2007, National Certified Master Groomer, In apprenticeship to become a NDGAA Certifier in 2011, Ranked #1 in 2008 and 2010. Groom Team USA Member2008,2009 and 2010. World Team Champion in 2009 Multiple “Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer” Linn Carver award in 2008 and Nominated Crystal Cardinal award in 2008 and 2009 : Emigrated from the Ukraine 1989. The passion for Professional Grooming was immediate when she was introduced to the industry. She was taught by a Certified Master Groomer and from top breeders and professional handlers. She also gained tremendous insights from top grooming competitors. Pina worked for “Shear Delight” in New York City and later purchased the salon. She owned it for 10 successful years.After selling that salon she went to work for one of the most prestigious and well known salons in Manhattan, “Doggie-Do and Pussycats Too” Pina groomed many celebrities pets including Jennifer Lopez, Betsy Johnson (the well known designer) Puff Daddy, Patricia Fields and many Broadway stars.She was asked to help open “Canine Ranch” their desire for her to be involved was due to her well known talents and prior successes. Pina decided to open another business, along with her partner.

Joanne Marino, NCMG Instructor

She has spent the last 35 years pursuing her passion of working with animals. From assisting veterinarians in Pennsylvania to patrolling for the Oklahoma Animal Control, Joanne has dedicated countless hours to the welfare of animals. She began grooming in 1971 and worked in several grooming shops; improving clientele and helping other groomers launch their new business. In 1989 Joanne came to Florida with her husband and two children and by 1990 she had started her own grooming business; Happy Tails, Inc., and achieved the title of Certified Master Groomer. Happy Tails prospered for 12 years. Even though she had a fulltime job running her own, busy grooming business, Joanne’s work continued in the community. She hosted “dog washes” every weekend out of her grooming shop, where faithful clients and neighborhood friends would bring their cats, dogs, and even horses for a good, weekly scrubbin’. Joanne ran the much anticipated “Strut Your Mutt” competition for the city of Coconut Creek for 5 consecutive years. Happy Tails, Inc. served as a host for the National Dog Groomers Association for several years as well, where handfuls of hopeful groomers would gather to test their skills in hopes of achieving the Certified Master Groomer title.

In 1990 Joanne began competition grooming. She entered classes for scissor work and creative styling every year; placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in every class she ever entered. Over the years, Joanne gained the attention and respect of groomers nationwide. Joanne also made her name in the show world, where numerous dogs, ranging from Portuguese Water Dogs, Miniature and Standard Poodles, Tibetan Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Gordon Setters and Bouviers owed their championships and national rankings to her superior grooming expertise. Joanne has loved every second of developing and utilizing her flair for grooming and is always willing to share her talents and tricks with anyone willing to learn.

Gregg Docktor

Previously ran a Dog grooming school that was licensed by the “Florida State Board of Independent Post Secondary Vocational Technical Trade and Business Schools”. It ran for approximately 15 years. Gregg also had a 3 store chain of grooming shops, “Just 4 Paws” In addition, he also had a 3 store chain of Puppy stores called “Merryfield Kennels”. Today, Merryfield Motel for Pets and Day Care is a business that caters to pets which have apartment suites for dogs and cats as well as all types of dog training. We also have a complete Animal Hospital that is under lease to a Veterinarian. Gregg also owned and operated “Dr. Clayton Pet Specialties” along with his late father Norman and brother Lloyd.  This was a product line that was distributed nationally to pet stores and large box retailers. Gregg grew up in the industry; his father was responsible for more that 250 retail pet outlets called “Docktor Pet Centers”

See www.merryfieldmotel.com for further information on current business activities that Gregg Docktor is engaged in.  Mr. Docktor has been involved in the Pet industry for over 39 years at the location where the school is located.