About The Divine Wagg

A Little About Me & Why I Do This

Florence, Montana isn't just where I work — it's home. And every dog that comes through my door gets treated like family.

Professional dog groomer at work in a warm salon

Certified

CPG · CCSMT

Florence, Montana

My Story

From Passion to Profession

I didn't come out of grooming school doing things this way. I was trained like everyone else — two, maybe three dogs at a time, always watching the clock, always moving faster. The pressure to push through appointments was real, and for a while, I did what I was taught.

When I opened my business in Billings, everything changed. My clients started bringing in their older girls — senior dogs who needed something different. Quiet. Calm. One-on-one attention with less distraction and no rushing. Twenty years ago, that wasn't really a "thing" in grooming. But I had a big shop, and one day I had just one dog in it. I laughed at myself — and then I realized: this is exactly what dogs need.

That became my niche. When I moved to the Missoula area, I kept doing it. I became the groomer for the dog that needed that special something — whether they were blind, deaf, nervous, or coming in for their very first groom. It always comes down to taking care of the dog, not the clock.

No cages. No rushing. No stress. Just one dog, one groomer, and a whole lot of patience and love.

Certifications

Trained. Certified. Committed.

My certifications aren't just letters after my name — they represent hundreds of hours of study, practice, and dedication to the craft of professional dog grooming and canine wellness.

CPG

Certified Professional Groomer

Certified Professional Groomer

The CPG designation is awarded to groomers who demonstrate mastery of grooming techniques, breed standards, animal handling, and professional ethics. It represents the highest standard of knowledge and skill in the grooming industry. Graduate of Wizard of Paws Grooming School — Delaware.

Graduate — Wizard of Paws Grooming School, Delaware

What this means for your dog

Your dog is groomed by someone who has proven their expertise — not just practiced it.

CCSMT

Certified Canine Sports Massage Therapy

Certified Canine Sports Massage Therapist

The CCSMT certification requires specialized training in canine anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic massage techniques. It qualifies me to provide massage therapy that supports athletic performance, injury recovery, and everyday wellness.

What this means for your dog

Your dog receives therapeutic care from someone trained specifically in canine bodywork.

Continuing Education

Accredited Courses Completed

A commitment to lifelong learning — because every dog deserves a groomer who never stops growing.

Certified Professional Groomer Course

IPG — International Professional Groomers

CPG Designation Earned

Brusher & Bather

Barkleigh

Pet First Aid & CPR

Barkleigh

Geriatric Pets

Barkleigh

Difficult Dogs

Barkleigh

Hair & Skin 101

Barkleigh

Handling Special Needs

Barkleigh

Senior Dog Course

Barkleigh

AKC Bichon Frisé

American Kennel Club

All-Breed Pet Grooming

Wizard of Paws

My Philosophy

Cage-Free Isn't Just a Policy — It's a Promise

The cage-free model isn't a marketing term for me — it's a deeply held belief about how dogs should be treated. Cages create anxiety. Anxiety creates stress. Stress makes grooming harder on the dog, harder on the groomer, and harder on the relationship between them.

By keeping every appointment private and cage-free, I can read each dog's body language, adjust my pace, and create an experience that feels calm and safe rather than overwhelming. Some dogs take a little longer. That's okay. We go at their pace.

This is what I believe grooming should feel like — not something your dog dreads, but something they can actually settle into.

Some dogs take a little longer. That's okay. We go at their pace.

The Divine Wagg

Credentials

Certifications & Awards

Press & Recognition

In the News

BD Billings & Associates — 40 Under Forty 2011 — Elizabeth McNeilly, Owner, Equus & Paws LLC
40 Under Forty — BD Billings & Associates, 2011
IAAMB Newsletter Vol. 10 Issue 1 — Equus and Paws named Retailer of the Year, Holistic Approach
IAAMB Newsletter — Retailer of the Year, Holistic Approach
Military Herald, Altoona PA — Hands-on treatment keeps animals healthy, happy — Elizabeth McNeilly
Military Herald — "Hands-on treatment keeps animals healthy, happy"
The Daily Herald — Pet groomer specializes in animal massage — Elizabeth McNeilly, Equine & Paws LLC
The Daily Herald — "Pet groomer specializes in animal massage"
Eco Star 2009 Award — Presented to Equus and Paws, LLC by Montana State University Extension for Pollution Prevention practices
Eco Star 2009 — Montana State University Extension & U.S. EPA

Let's Take Care of Your Dog

Whether you're booking your first appointment or looking for a groomer you can actually trust, I'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch