ABC Grooming Instruction Program Student of the Month
October 2014

Krysta Ringler

Krysta Ringler lives at the Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. She works at Prometric where her full-time title is that of a Test Center Administrator. Her job is to proctor exams, such as the GRE, MCAT and the USA MLE. Although she is currently not working as a groomer, she loves animals and plans on beginning her own mobile business in the next year or two.

• What prompted you to become a pet groomer? Was there a specific event, circumstance or person who inspired you to pursue this career?

Prior to being introduced to pet grooming, I was a bather. I enjoyed the grooming aspect of the position and got asked, one day, if I wanted to learn how to groom. I fell in love. Grooming sort of fell into my lap and I have loved it ever since. Not long after being offered to be taught how to groom, I got married to a guy in the military and found out they were going to cover my education.

• What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?

The most rewarding moment was when I got the opportunity to groom a very matted Shih Tzu. He was very sweet and needed to be shaved down. Since this dog was so lovable and the owner had intentions on taking it to a shelter, I ended up taking him home and naming him Ollie.

• What has your experience been like in the ABC Grooming Instruction Program?

I sincerely loved my experience in the Grooming Instruction Program. I liked that the first part of the course work is all background information. This way, I could find out the “why.” I am the kind of learner who needs to know the method and reasoning behind the rules that apply in order to remember and understand what I am doing. I also appreciated the hands-on experience even though I already had previous hands-on knowledge.

• What grooming skill(s) or technique(s) do you want to master during the next 12 months?

Scissoring is a skill I would like to master during the next 12 months. This is something that I enjoy but would like to perfect with more practice.

• If you could style a dog or cat after a celebrity, who would it be and why?

While working with a co-worker at my previous place of employment, this very thin, tall and well-dressed woman walked by the shop. Her hair was very long and seemed to be freshly straightened. A male co-worker noticed her and mentioned to me that she resembled an Afghan hound. I found this to be very funny but, in the midst of my laughter, realized that this woman did resemble that particular dog breed. Since this woman was so put together, I would, indeed, style my dog with the intent of it being as neat as she was.