MMK9

01/17/2025

Just some groomers and their dogs.

01/10/2025

🌧️☀️❄️ Rain, shine, or snow, nothing stops us from taking care of our pups! 🐾

While grooming and playcare are closed for the day, we safely made it to work and are dedicating our time to ensuring the dogs currently boarding with us are warm, happy, and cared for. If you can help it, we definitely don’t recommend driving out at the moment 😅

Here’s a little peek at some of the pups enjoying their snowy adventures outside! 🐕❄️

Stay warm and safe everyone and enjoy your weekend 🐾

12/19/2024

🐾 It's that Time of Year Again! 🐾

And no, I'm not talking about Christmas haha🎄 It’s time to talk about something much more important - kennel cough!

What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is similar to a human cold or flu. It’s an upper respiratory infection that’s contagious, especially in places where dogs socialize like boarding facilities, dog parks, or training centers. While it can sound worrisome, kennel cough is typically mild, and most dogs recover quickly with minimal treatment.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?
🐾 A dry, honking cough
🐾 Sneezing or a runny nose
🐾 Mild lethargy

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, we kindly ask that you keep them home to rest until they’ve fully recovered. For the health and safety of all the dogs in our care, we will turn away any dogs showing symptoms at check-in.

With that said, we’re committed to doing everything we can to minimize the risk of kennel cough in our facility.

Here’s how we’re staying proactive:
✔️ Daily deep cleaning of all areas with veterinary-grade disinfectants.
✔️ Proper ventilation to minimize airborne germs.
✔️ Vaccination requirements to help protect every dog in our care.
✔️ Immediate action—if we notice a dog showing symptoms, they are isolated, and their owner is contacted.

If you have any questions about kennel cough, prevention, or care, we’re here to help! Together, we’ll keep your furry friends safe, happy, and healthy. 🐶💖

12/09/2024

Yesterday, while enjoying the local Christmas parade with our daughter, my husband did something so typical Chris and not surprising at all 💕 Someone shared an anonymous post about his small act of kindness in our local fb group and it just reminded me of the incredible heart he has — not only for our family but for everyone around him.

I don’t want to embarrass him (too much!), but I had to share because moments like this reflect the type of person he is. Whether he’s helping dogs live their best lives or quietly doing something kind for a stranger, he’s always thinking of how he can make things better for someone else. I’m grateful to have him as my partner in life and in our dog training and grooming community. If you’re apart of our little dog family, you’ve likely seen this compassion in action too.

Thank you to the person who shared this story — it’s a reminder to us all that even the smallest gestures can mean so much. Let’s all continue to spread kindness this holiday season!! 🎄🐾

11/28/2024

I just wanted one good photo - every mom on Thanksgiving 😂

Today, we’re taking a moment to slow down and soak in everything we’re grateful for. This year has been full of challenges and growth, but the one constant has been the love and support from this amazing community.

Working with dogs every day has taught us so much—about patience, trust, and how the smallest moments can bring the biggest joy. We’re so lucky to call this our “job,” and it’s all thanks to you!

Here’s to your day being filled with good food, happy memories, and maybe a few table scraps for your pups (no judgment here) 🐾

Tell us—what’s one thing your dog has done this year that made you extra thankful? Let’s celebrate all the little wins together.

Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving!🧡

11/23/2024

Everyone's gotta pony up to Foxie for bathroom privileges.

11/20/2024

🎄🐾 Woof woof friends! It's Levi here to remind you—HOLIDAYS are coming!

🐕‍🦺 If you’ve trained with us before, make sure to reserve your dogs boarding and play care spot now so they don’t miss out on all the tail-wagging fun while you celebrate the holidays! (Ask about how we can train your dog while they're here for their stay!)

✂️ And if you want your pup to look paw-fect (like me) for guests and those family photos, there are only a few grooming spots left for the holidays so don’t wait—call and book before it’s too late!

☎️ Dial 417-831-5050 or visit us at 1416 E St. Louis St.

Sniff you soon! 🐾✨

11/18/2024

Meet Penny: The Golden Retriever with a Heart of Gold 💛

Penny is a sweet and spunky golden retriever who recently joined our training program. Penny happens to be blind, but that’s not stopping her from learning the skills she needs to live her best life!

Our training process with Penny is all about adapting to her unique needs and focusing on clear, consistent communication. Since she can’t rely on sight, we’ll be emphasizing sound and touch to guide her through commands and everyday behaviors. Here’s what her training will look like:

🦴 Sound Cues: Penny will learn to associate verbal commands and specific sounds with actions. We'll also use tools like clickers and bells to help her navigate her environment confidently.

🐾 Touch Guidance: Gentle touches will serve as directional cues, helping Penny understand what’s being asked of her in a safe and reassuring way.

🎾 Confidence Building: Penny’s sessions will include confidence-boosting activities, like navigating obstacles and learning to explore new spaces comfortably.

We can’t wait to watch Penny thrive and show off just how smart and capable she is 💞

Have you ever worked with or known a blind dog? Share your tips or stories in the comments—we’d love to hear them! 🐕

Pictured below is Penny hanging out in the lobby and getting use to people and dogs walking in and out of the area.

11/16/2024

For those who are unaware there has been a boil water advisory released for a large portion of springfield. Being that we are in the effected area we have taken steps to make sure all dogs on the premises have fresh water. This was the first load we picked up and we have more supplies in reserve off site. Until we receive the all clear we will make sure the dogs stay well hydrated with bougie bottled water 💧 . It always pays to be proactive in these moments.

11/13/2024

Check out that glow-up 😍✨ This little cutie came in with a whole lot of fluff and left feeling fresh and happy! 🌸 Regular grooming isn’t just about looking amazing (but just look at that face!). Grooming helps prevent matting, keeps skin healthy, and makes sure our pups feel comfortable in their fur. Grooming day is self-care day for dogs too! 🐾💆‍♀️

Call 417-831-5050 to schedule a free consultation or your dog's next groom! Opened for grooming at 1416 E. St Louis st Springfield, MO 65802, Tuesday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm and Saturdays 8:30am-3pm. Email us at [email protected] or DM for any questions! 🐩

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 🖤🐾