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Founder · groomer · professional dog hair collector

Built by the kid with lizards in his pockets.

I’ve always been the one bringing animals home.

Murphy smiling in the Waggy Daddys van
Trained. Insured. Still covered in dog hair.One person from your first message through the visit.
Murphy carefully shaping a Standard Poodle’s topknot
Hi. I’m Murphy.

The animals came first.
Grooming came later.

I grew up in the Midwest feeding strays, raising tadpoles, and sneaking lizards into my pockets. I couldn’t stand the idea of something small getting hurt. I’ve always been the one bringing animals home. Then I grew up and got professional clippers.

I’ve spent years grooming dogs of all sizes and personalities. I love getting to know what makes each one tick. If a dog needs extra patience, I make room for it.

I’m trained in breed specific trims, dog anatomy, and safe handling. I watch for the small signs of discomfort, like a tight mouth or a dog leaning away. Those tell me when to pause or try a different approach. A good haircut starts with paying attention to the dog.

If your dog is scared, we slow down.

My job is to keep your dog safe and do the work as gently as I can. If something isn’t working, I’ll tell you. We can figure out the next step together.

Working in busy shops showed me how hard a packed schedule can be on dogs and the people caring for them. I wanted room to slow down when a dog needed it.

That’s why I built Waggy Daddys.

With Waggy Daddys, you talk to me and I’m the one who shows up. I want you to know who’s caring for your dog and feel comfortable asking me questions.

The house rules

The dog gets a say.

When they need space, a break, or a different approach, I listen.

01

We go at their pace.

If your dog needs a minute, they get one. Sniffing me first is a perfectly reasonable request.

02

I pay attention.

A tight mouth, a hard stare, a paw pulling away. Dogs say plenty without speaking.

03

You get the honest version.

I’ll tell you how it went, what I noticed, what it cost, and what I think would help next time.

Bigger than grooming

I want to leave this industry better.

I want this business to do some good outside my own van too. I want to help shelters get dirty dogs clean and ready for homes. I want to hire queer and neurodivergent people, pay them enough to live, and teach them a trade without treating pain and burnout like part of the job.

This started with me, a van, a stubborn streak, and a lifetime of bringing animals home. I want it to grow without losing the reason I built it. Take care of the animal. Be honest with the person. Leave the industry better than I found it.

I’m not trying to be the biggest. I’m trying to be the one your dog trusts.
Tell me about your pet
Murphy sharing a quiet moment with a spotted dog