MMK9

11/11/2024

📷 Happy Veteran’s Day and Belated Marine Corps Birthday!

Yesterday, we celebrated the Marine Corps’ 249th birthday—a day my husband and I never forget. Chris likes to say he has 2 birthdays a year! Being a Marine has shaped not only who he is but also how we run our business, with values like dedication, resilience, and a commitment to others. Today, on Veterans Day, we honor all who have served and continue to serve, protecting our freedoms and helping us feel safe at home.

To our veterans, we see you, we thank you, and we are grateful beyond words. And to my husband—forever a Marine—you bring the heart, courage, and loyalty of the Corps into our facility every day 🧡

Throwback to when we were babies! 😋

11/08/2024

Meet Vinny! We had the pleasure of helping Vinny out of his old home, training him through some things and prepping him to be. the perfect companion. Playful, slightly lazy with a very bubbly personality. We have gone out to lunch with him, had him around our kids and he is truly a great member of our MMK9 Pack. However he is looking for that human to call his own. If you read the bio and are interested please feel free to reach out to Rescue One and apply. Vinny comes with free follow up training and an intro home lesson for whoever falls in love with him.

Vencenzo is an adoptable Dog - American Bully searching for a forever family near Springfield, MO. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area.

10/26/2024

This is little Oliver. He is doing so well on his second week of his day train that he got to sit in on an evaluation. 2 strangers another dog and he still retains his manners and obedience.

10/22/2024

🎃🐾 Better late than never! We just had to take a moment to give a HUGE shoutout to our amazing team for all their hard work at our very first Pet's and Pumpkins Festival in downtown Springfield! 🐶🍁 It was a fantastic event, and we couldn’t have done it without them. From setting up our booth to meeting so many wonderful people (and pups!), the day was an amazing success. We had the best time connecting with familiar faces and meeting new friends—thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, we appreciate you all! 🧡🐾

09/18/2024

Hey friends! Can you believe we’re already halfway through September? 🤯 Time is flying, and we just wanted to update you on what we've been up to! 🍁

The kids have jumped into their fall sports, which has been a whirlwind of excitement for us! Our little ones have both started gymnastics and soccer and it's been incredible to watch 🤸‍♀️⚽️ Meanwhile, Chris and I have been hard at work on some awesome new changes for both the grooming and training sides of the facility, and we can’t wait to roll them out soon 🐾✨ Beyond that, we've also been growing our MMK9 team as word of mouth and positive reviews has been bringing on new clients! We recently welcomed Nicole as our new Kennel Tech and Keanna as our new rockstar Groomer. These two have been absolute gems, and we’re beyond excited to have them on board 🙌 Oh, and mark your calendars for Oct 19th, 11am-4pm, because we’ll be at the Pets and Pumpkins event as vendors! 🎃🐕 We’d love to see all your lovely faces (and your pups!) there! This is the first time Chris and I will be a vendor at the Pets and Pumpkins festival and first time hosting a booth together in general. We'll keep you updated on our journey of brainstorming booth display ideas and activities for the event! If you have an idea for an activity, feel free to mention it below 😛

As the holiday season approaches, we just want to remind you that things fill up fast! 🗓️ Holiday grooming, training, and boarding are often those last-minute needs that can easily slip through the cracks. Take this off your to-do list early and give us a call at 417-831-5050 to secure your appointments or stay! 🎄🐶 By booking ahead, you'll guarantee your spot and enjoy peace of mind when the holiday fun kicks into gear. As always, we’re thinking of you and can’t wait to wrap up the year with lots of cheer and holiday love! 🎅🎉

Pictured here is Nana the Old English Sheepdog groomed by Amy ❤

09/16/2024

Happy Monday! Let’s Talk About P**p! 💩

It’s Monday, and we all got s**t to do (pun fully intended), but let’s not forget one *essential* task—keeping an eye on your dog’s p**p! 💩🐕 Before you start making that face, checking your dog’s p**p is one of the easiest ways to monitor their health. Here's why your dog’s business is YOUR business and what exactly you should be looking for:

1️⃣ Consistency: Firm, not too hard, not too soft—kind of like a perfect brownie… but not the kind you want to eat (hopefully)🍫
2️⃣ Color: Normal p**p should be chocolate brown. Anything from green to yellow might mean your pup’s tummy isn’t happy. Tip: If your dog's tummy isn't feeling well, feed them some cooked rice with chicken broth and boiled chicken.
3️⃣ Timing: Regular bowel movements are key. If your dog’s schedule changes (going too often or not enough), or they're going too long between bowel movements, it could be a sign of blockage, stress, or a change in diet.
4️⃣ Extras: Mucus, worms, or blood—yeah, no thanks! If you see any of these, it's definitely time for a check-in with the vet.

Why It Matters: Your dog’s p**p can give you clues about their diet, digestion, and overall health. Keeping an eye on it can help you catch any issues before they become a *big stink*! 💩🚨

While we spend time with your dogs, we'll always take a second to check your dog’s “business” during their stay and we encourage owners to monitor their pups bowel movements while at home. Trust us—your pup’s p**p has more to say than you might think! 🐾

09/11/2024

🖤 Honoring the Hero Dogs of 9/11 🖤

On this day, we pause to remember and honor the incredible dogs who played a vital role in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. These brave canines worked tirelessly in search and rescue missions, offering hope, comfort, and unwavering loyalty during one of the darkest times in our history. Here are four hero dogs whose courage and dedication touched countless lives:

1️⃣ Bretagne
Bretagne (pronounced “Brittany”) was just 2 years old when she responded to the call on 9/11. As one of the last surviving search and rescue dogs from Ground Zero, Bretagne worked for weeks alongside her handler, searching for survivors and offering comfort to first responders. Even after 9/11, Bretagne continued her service in multiple rescue missions before retiring and becoming a therapy dog 🐕💛

2️⃣ Apollo
Apollo, a German Shepherd, was one of the first K9 responders to arrive at Ground Zero with the NYPD’s K9 unit. His bravery earned him the American Kennel Club’s “ACE Award for Canine Excellence” and a place in history as one of the many canine heroes who showed exceptional courage during this tragedy 🐾🔥

3️⃣ Trakr
Trakr, a German Shepherd from Canada, made headlines when he and his handler found the last survivor buried under the debris at Ground Zero. After hours of searching, Trakr detected the faint scent of a woman trapped beneath the rubble, leading rescuers to her location. Trakr’s heroic actions earned him international recognition and highlighted the critical role that search and rescue dogs played during the rescue efforts 🦴🇨🇦

4️⃣ Riley
Riley, a Golden Retriever, specialized in locating survivors among the wreckage. He assisted in finding bodies and remains, providing closure to the families of victims. Riley’s handler noted that he not only searched tirelessly but also offered comfort to firefighters and rescue workers who were emotionally drained 🐕💙

Their loyalty, bravery, and service remind us of the incredible bond between humans and animals, even in the most challenging times 🖤🐾

09/10/2024

🛁 3 Common Dog Grooming Myths – Busted! 🐾

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about grooming. Let’s clear up some common myths so you can keep your pup looking and feeling their best!

🧴 Myth #1: “Human Shampoo is Fine for Dogs.”
Fact: Human shampoo can irritate dogs’ skin, especially for breeds like Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Doodles. Dog-specific shampoos are formulated to match their pH and keep their coat and skin healthy.

Tip: Use gentle, dog-safe shampoos with natural ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals.

💇‍♂️ Myth #2: “Dogs Don’t Need Regular Haircuts.”
Fact: Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Goldendoodles need regular trims to avoid painful mats and skin issues. Skipping haircuts can lead to serious discomfort.

Tip: Schedule grooming every 4-8 weeks depending on your dog’s coat type.

🦷 Myth #3: “Grooming is Just For Long Hair Dogs.”
Fact: Grooming is essential for health, no matter the hair length or type. Regular grooming prevents infections, keeps nails at a healthy length, and catches skin issues early.

Tip: Make grooming a regular part of your dog’s routine for overall wellness.

Grooming is expensive, we get it! We support grooming your dog at home, as long as you have the right tools, time, and patience. Like any skill, it'll take time to learn! The most important thing is that your dog stays safe, healthy, and clean. For some, professional grooming can be a big help—especially for owners who don't have the time to keep up with regular grooming, owners who might feel nervous about hurting their pets or owners who are unsure how to handle certain breeds’ unique grooming needs.

Whether you choose to groom at home or leave it to the pros, the goal is always the same: a happy, healthy pup! 🐾💖

📞 Need to book a grooming session? Call us at 417-831-5050 or direct message us to schedule your appointment!

Located on 1416 E St. Louis st Springfield, MO 65802.
Open Tuesday-Friday from 7:30am-5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am-3:30pm.

09/06/2024

Happy Friday, everyone! 🎉🐾 It’s been a busy (and furry) week over here, so we thought we’d do a little *photo dump* to share some of the fun moments we’ve had with our favorite pups! From training sessions to fresh grooms and playtimes in between, this week had it all. Enjoy the pics and the weekend!

09/02/2024

Happy Labor Day! 🎉 Let's celebrate this well-deserved holiday by treating your furry friend to the best training and grooming with mmk9 🐾 This is the perfect time of year to invest in their well-being and watch them thrive 🐶 Trust us, they'll thank you with endless love and tail wags ❤️

08/30/2024

It’s hard to find the right words, even a year later, to talk about Michael and everything he meant to us, so we're going to keep it short. There’s still this empty space where his laughter used to be, and we feel it every single day.

Michael wasn’t just the guy who trained dogs or ran a business—he was a loving son, a loyal brother, an adoring fiancé, the fun uncle.. he was our amazing friend and mentor. We miss his kindness, his way with dogs, his ability to make everyone feel like they mattered. He had this incredible way of bringing out the best in both people and pups, and our lives are better because of him.

If you knew him, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Please share a memory, a photo or a kind word, we’d love to hear it.

To Mikey and to living as fully and as intentionally as he did 🤍

08/27/2024

08/16/2024

Yesterday we were so busy but better late than never!

🎉🥳 Happy 1st Birthday to one of our most beloved pack members, Rue! 🐾💖

Rue has stolen all of our hearts with her playful spirit, sweet nature, and kind soul. She’s not just any doodle – she’s our official “Dog Ambassador,” welcoming every new pup with warmth and making them feel right at home 🐶✨

A big thank you to her amazing dog mom, Tanya Garretson, for raising such a wonderful pup and bringing Rue into our lives. We’re so grateful to have both of you as part of our family! And a special shoutout for the delicious treats Tanya brought in yesterday to celebrate Rue’s big day – the pups couldn’t get enough! 🍪🎂

Let’s all give Rue some birthday love in the comments! We love you!!🎈🎁

06/03/2024

Happy Monday MMK9 family! Can you believe we're already in June? Time is flying in 2024, and we’ve had all the fun training, grooming, and watching so many wonderful dogs grow! We are crazy grateful for every single experienced shared with our MMK9 pack and with the year halfway through, we're gearing up for some summer fun! Kicking off June, don't miss our Foundations Class for Puppies in collaboration with Quad Paws Dog Training. Limited to 8 spots so call 417-831-5050 to save your place or email [email protected]!

What to Expect:

Target Audience: Dedicated owners of puppies aged 4 months to 1 year.
Requirements: All puppies must be leashed, collared, and vaccinated. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility: We strive to make our classes accessible to everyone. If you or your puppy have any special needs, please inform us in advance so we can make necessary accommodations.
Special Features: Classes will be professionally photographed and recorded, capturing your progress and precious moments.

Program Highlights:

- Learn essential commands and behaviors.
- Personalized training approaches for different puppy needs.
- Expert guidance from two experienced dog trainers.
- Six 1-hour classes per week, including two public sessions.
- Refreshments provided, with a certificate and photo to mark your puppy’s achievements.

Reserve Your Spot:

- Location: MMK9 Facility, Springfield, MO
- Price: $300 per puppy
- Retainer: $50 to secure your spot (goes towards the class fee)
- Date & Time: June 18th, 2024 at 6:00pm

Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention, so don’t wait! To reserve your spot or for more information, contact us at 417-831-5050 or email [email protected] 🐾⭐️

06/01/2024

Have a great weekend! Looks at one of our cuties get all styled !