ASHEVILLE DOG SPA DAYS, PLAY DATES, AND SLUMBER PAW-TIES! CAGE FREE
Staff Bios
Michelle Hirsch-Hart - Owner, Certified Master Groomer
Michelle Hirsch-Hart - Owner, Certified Master Groomer
Michelle Hirsch-Hart - Owner, Certified Master Groomer
Michelle was the child who cried deliriously when the animals died in the movies (“it’s not fair!!”). As an adult, she found joy working with animals when she was employed as the office manager at the Buncombe County Shelter, Friends for Animals, where she was also a licensed wildlife rehabber working with orphaned bunnies, squirrels and opossums. But as much satisfaction as it was sending happy dogs home with new owners, the other side of shelter work was unbearable to her. She went on to work at local veterinarian, Asheville Veterinary Associates. She was now sure that animals, and dogs in particular, were in her future. She wanted to a) help dogs and b) be her own boss. She left her job with the vet to attend grooming school in Greensboro. Upon her graduation, she opened Hair of The Dog Pet Salon in 1999 and changed the grooming game in Asheville forever. Since founding HoTD, Michelle has earned her Master Groomer Certification through the IPG, 2 certifications (and working on CMG) with NDGAA, and has studied Soft Touch Grooming (in fact, she was taught by the daughter of its creator!) In 2008, HoTD obtained a kennel license and became Hair of the Dog Pet Salon and Boarding, allowing Michelle to serve the dogs of our community more than ever. As someone who values continued education for both herself and her employees, she regularly attends grooming workshops, trade shows and competitions and has never tired
of learning all she can about her beloved craft. As you enter HoTD, you will see Michelle’s awards from grooming competitions over the years with dogs big and small alike. Her specialties are hand scissoring, hand stripping and breed standard trims. In 20 years of grooming, Michelle has not yet met a dog she could not make beautiful. The rest is history! Her 3 dogs, Wayah, Weasel, and Titus are regular features of the shop and do a lovely job of keeping any of us from staying bored.
Johnel Varnum - Certified Groomer
Michelle Hirsch-Hart - Owner, Certified Master Groomer
Michelle Hirsch-Hart - Owner, Certified Master Groomer
Johnel has been with us for 17 of our 22 years in business. In that time, she has acquired her certification in grooming long-legged terriers, short legged terriers, and bichons, all the while earning the love of her loyal clients and their dogs. Her greatest strength lies in her
calming, sunny energy, which helps even the most anxious dogs (and their anxious owners!)
feel at ease. Over the years, Johnel has consistently worked to further her education and expertise in grooming as a participant in several seminars and workshops, and has even thrown her hat in the competitive grooming ring a time or two! Without fail, you can find Johnel’s two dogs, Odie and Bree, snuggled together on a bed beneath her table as she works.
Brittney Donohue - Groomer
Michelle Hirsch-Hart - Owner, Certified Master Groomer
Brittney Donohue - Groomer
While Brittney has only practiced dog grooming thus far in her career, she would very likely groom farm animals if asked. As one of our many vegan/vegetarian, earth-conscious staff members, she definitely has a special love in her heart for all creatures great and small. Britt has been surrounded by animals her whole life, both at work and at home. Before she began grooming in 2008, she had been employed in a kennel and knew that working with dogs was her calling. Since then, she’s been with us making dogs gorgeous left and right! Her rescue dog Pi, ever the faithful companion, can be found sitting dutifully by Brittney’s side as she grooms.
Brooke Stoker - Groomer
Francesca "Cesca" Cavalli - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Brittney Donohue - Groomer
Brooke has always has a passion for caring for animals, ever since she was a child. She began her grooming journey in 2018, getting basic training from another local pet salon. In 2020, she made the jump to work under Michelle here at Hair of The Dog so she could further her grooming skills under a Certified Master Groomer. Although fairly new to the industry, she continues to learn and grow each and every day in order to benefit the dogs in her care. She looks forward to eventually competing with Michelle in the upcoming years. If you can't find her at HoTD, you'll probably catch her with Mipha, her Shar-pei pup, walking trails and exploring.
Salem Cody - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Francesca "Cesca" Cavalli - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Francesca "Cesca" Cavalli - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Salem has been with us on and off since 2015 and has worked with animals for eight years now. In her own words, "Dogs have saved my life and I love being able to give back to them" and that she surely does! She's our front desk manager, social media guru, personal photographer, as well as one of our overnight caretakers. The dogs take to her instantly and you will often see a pack of them following her every step for kisses, cuddles, and of course playtime. Her three dogs, Ruby, Barron, and Ember are also easy to spot among the group. Especially Ruby with her signature rainbow dyed groom job from Michelle! Salem loves all of our dogs here as her own and truly has a connection and passion for her work.
Francesca "Cesca" Cavalli - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Francesca "Cesca" Cavalli - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Francesca "Cesca" Cavalli - Receptionist and overnight caretaker
Francesca is a relative of one of our longest-standing and most loyal clients. When she moved into town, it seemed only fitting that she have a job at the place that her aunt’s dogs so enjoy spending their days. She is now a part time receptionist at HotD and spends several nights a week taking care of our boarders. This is Francesca’s first experience working with animals, but she took to it almost immediately; it’s clear she has a strong love for all animals and loves to see them happy, safe and comfortable. You will see her sweet rescue boy, Brody, often following her every step along with the rest of our pack.
Grace Penland - Bathing Assistant
Sarah Wilson - Grooming Apprentice
Sarah Wilson - Grooming Apprentice
Grace has been a hard-working bathing technician at HotD since the Spring of 2019, but has been working in the Asheville dog industry for a number of years. She takes diligent care of both the dogs and the shop, helping us keep everything clean and safe as our furry clients romp around the salon. Much like a canvas must be prepped for a painting, it’s Grace who preps dogs for grooming by bathing, drying, de-matting, and otherwise pampering them. She has quickly become a beloved constant in the shop.
Sarah Wilson - Grooming Apprentice
Sarah Wilson - Grooming Apprentice
Sarah Wilson - Grooming Apprentice
Sarah truly feels most at home surrounded by dogs, as they make her life feel the most complete. She has been working with animals for almost ten years now. She began shadowing at a local vet office, went on to kennel management, to now pursuing her dream of working in the grooming industry. She's learning under Master Groomer Michelle, and has dreams of becoming the very best one day at a time. When not at the shop, you can find her on walks with her three small spunky pups, Peanut, Butters, and Noodle. Who doesn't love dogs with food names?
Mouse - HOTD Rescue Dog
Sarah Wilson - Grooming Apprentice
Mouse - HOTD Rescue Dog
Mouse has found her fur-ever home here with us at Hair of The Dog. We were contacted by Labor of Love Rescue, about a skittish schnauzer mix who wasn't making any progress in a foster home. Mouse was previously a feral dog who ran with a pack, so they thought being surrounded by dogs would help her gain confidence. She has truly flourished here with our pack, although still very wary of human contact, but Salem and Cesca are her favorite humans if she had to pick! She's a happy girl but due to being feral for so long, she wouldn't ever be comfy in a home setting. She's nervous with eye contact and human touch still, but she loves playing/giving kisses to the other dogs, keeping toys next to her bed, and LOVES food. You will most likely find her in her favorite spot next to our water fountain, in her soft cozy bed during the day when she's not playing with the dogs. We love our shy little girl and she's now part of the family for as long as needed.
Staff Dogs
