WELCOME BACK

We would like to welcome Sophie and Boo Boo back to the Million Dollar Dog Family. Thank you so much for coming to see us again!!

Check us out in the Gaston Gazette!!

MDD would like to thank Daniel Jackson from The Gazette for the AWESOME article he wrote about us. Thank you for taking the time to come out and meet us, We really appreciate it..

Million Dollar Dog grooms pets for clients in a ‘ruff'' economy

A sign in Tara Pellegrino's Belmont office reads, "66 percent of dog owners would not give up their pet for $1 million" - a quote that inspired the name of her professional pet grooming and spa service Million Dollar Dog Inc.

Pellegrino recently added a whole list of premium spa services to her menu for those that still have money in the budget to pamper their pets, but she also realizes that most dog owners are not millionaires. And for many the current recession has been - to quote her canine friends - "ruff."

Recently a client called to cancel an appointment, saying he'd been laid off from Microsoft, she said. And many other families are spreading appointments out longer in an effort to save money. But after eight weeks without a bath and a cut, some dogs are a big mess and grooming is more expensive, she said.

So Pellegrino has approved a "Stimuwoof Plan" that caters services to meet the specifics needs of a particular dog and fit within the owner's budget.

"The Stimuwoof Plan is designed to help owners out so pets aren't ignored during this time," Pellegrino said. "At this point, the important thing is making sure these pets are provided for."

The staff is e-mailing recession coupons to clients and offering basic grooming services à la carte

to help them save money. Plus, Pellegrino is offering grooming classes and self-service bathing with assistance from her staff if clients want to go the "do-it-yourself" route.

Meanwhile for those that have the means, Million Dollar Dog offers new spa services, including milk baths, blueberry facials, pawdicures, deep conditioning, moisture wraps, mud scrubs, 30-minute walks and aromatherapy.

Pellegrino, who is certified to groom show dogs in the sporting group, left corporate marketing around the turn of the century and went into pet care. And in 2005, she turned her unfinished basement into an office that has been approved by South Point Pet Hospital in Belmont.

For Pellegrino and her staff of three, pet care is more than a job; it's a passion, she said. And that's evident from the happiness of the all-female staff - who are allowed to bring their kids to work when necessary - her clients and their dogs.

At Million Dollar Dog, pets are not crated unless they misbehave. Dogs are allowed to socialize or relax on the couch while they wait to be groomed. So dogs enjoy the visit and usually arrive with tails wagging, like Larkin, a big yellow dog that came for his fourth appointment last Friday.

"They just hang out. They play. And the owners see them walk out of here happy," Pellegrino said. "The way people handle dogs now is completely different from even when I was growing up. ... These are people's babies."

I am ready for my close up!!

Hey everybody .. I'm Kipper but i am sure most of you know that already! I am kind of a fixture here at MDD. Well i am here to tell you guys about the Awesome blueberry facial that I am getting on Friday. Its so awesome that the Gaston Gazette is coming to take pictures of me. Can you believe it me Kipper in the Gaston Gazette. I am so excited if you cant tell.
I have had a blueberry facial once before and it really helped with that straining that i get around my eyes and my mouth. The Blueberry facial smells so good that my mom cant help but give me extra kisses. So next time you come in just ask for the Delicious Blueberry facial.. And OH don't forget to look for me in the Gaston Gazette..I will be the one with the blue face..

Welcome to our Blog!!

Hey everyone Welcome to Million Dollar Dog Blog! We are so excited to now be apart of the blogging world! Well first let me tell you a little about MDD. Tara Pellegrino opened MDD in September of 2001. Tara created he business to reflect where she would want to bring her pups! MDD from the beginning has only done a small number of dogs in a day. Even as her business has grown from one groomer to two Tara has stayed true to keep her spa non Assembly line.Each Pup gets one on one personalized attention from the very moment they walk in the door. We take our time and try to create a positive, personal and loving experience. The most exciting thing about our Spa is is is kennel free! That means the pups can run around and play for the time that they are here! or if they don't want to run around they can take a nap on the nice comfy couch!!
MDD uses the latest products and state-of-the-art equipment this ultimately creates better looking haircuts! We are also proud that we only hand dry MDD has never and will never use cage dryers this is for the safety as well as for a better looking groom. We take our time, we care and we love what we do!
Continuing education is very important to the staff at MDD. The staff attends grooming seminars,workshops and receives training by the worlds top groomers. MDD understands the importance of keeping up to date with the latest tricks and trends!!
Tara is Sporting Group certified and on the fast track to becoming a Master groomer.
Melissa MDD newest groomer has been fully trained by Tara and is on her way to become Sporting group certified!!