My name is Jill Karpik, I'm also known as "Shaggy" from long time friends and customers. I have to admit that from an early age I used to watch my father try to home groom our afghan Pasha. Every couple of months I used to observe him shave that poor dog. At about the age of 13 yrs. old I started shaving down and "so called" groomed our poodles Cleo and Zorba. I was a kid and didn't have any training but in all, my family and neighbors seemed to be very happy. Through the years, my family saw that I had a real artistic talent. (Of course, several immediate family members are artists of some sorts. A portrait painter, art gallery business, published poet, actress, just to name a few inherited talents). So with my extreme love for animals and myself noticing my artistic capabilities, I knew from an early age what I wanted to do for the rest of my life

In 1986 I attended and graduated the Merryfield Academy of Animal Technicians and Professional Pet Groomers located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Which is an accredited pet grooming school with the National Dog Groomers Association of America. I wanted to make a difference working in the animal world. Throughout the years I have gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience in the animal world. Most of my experience and studies are in the continuing education of professional pet grooming, skin disorders, animal behavior, and obedience training. In 2006, I completed the Red Cross Pet First Aid class amongst other seminars and continuing educational classes I attended.

I have managed pet stores, owned my own professional pet grooming salon, the Shaggy Dog for 10 yrs. in the Lake Norman area, and have been a finishing groomer in an award winning pet salon in Sunrise, Florida.

Animal Crackers Pet Spa and Resort, Inc. opened in 2004 and we have been having alot of fun with our new clients and our 4 legged friends! We are an award winning salon right here in Yadkin County. In 2008 we were awarded "Best Pet Groomer" in the Reader's Choice Awards sponsored by the Elkin Tribune and then again in another Reader's Choice Awards by the Yadkin Ripple. A HUGE thanks to all that have their confidence and trust in us.

Tim Karpik is my husband and has been working with animals part time since 1998. In 2006, Tim decided to play with, oh excuse me, to work with the animals on a full time basis. Tim's experienced as a top notch pet bather/fluff dryer and he gets up bright and early to take care of our overnight guests needs from dreaming of their loved ones all night.

Tim and his friends have done most of the construction and finishing touches on our wonderful 5-star pet facility. I want to thank Tim for his devotion on taking care of the facility and his patience when I changed plans in the building stages. Thanks for being such a loving caring person and my hubby!

Shelbie, our daughter has been part of our pet team for a few years now. Soon, she will attend a very highly acclaimed grooming school. Shelbie is a natural with the animals. She helps out part time playing, feeding and watering of our 4 legged furry friends. We want to thank our customers and actually, we are quite flattered that our customers ask for Shelbie when they come to visit with their pets. We are very proud of her so look out Yadkin County, our future pet stylist is in training!

Amy our oldest daughter, she has been working with us since 1996. She is our late night care giver. Amy makes sure everyone is tucked in for the night and does our last potty walk of the night for our K-9 kids. Our overnight guests look forward to Amy caring for them, she likes to spoil them with extra treats!

Jill and her family wanted to build a larger facility to accommodate their 4 legged friends and to be able to relax in the country. The family purchased 9.5 acres in April 2003 and have been working hard in order to complete their new home and Animal Crackers Pet Spa and Resort.

Tim and Jill have been married since 1998 and they have put their extensive knowledge and love of animals together to build their dream..They take pride in their 5-star pet grooming and boarding facility.

As a couple, Tim and Jill are known for doing charity work as well. If you need a donation/gift certificate for a fund raiser, give Jill and Tim a call. Jill also volunteers her grooming/bathing services for free to numerous animal rescue groups. With Jill's 22+ years in the professional pet industry and Tim's 10+ years, you can count on them to make your pet's grooming/boarding experience a wonderful memory. Hugs and kisses are ALWAYS included!