Ellen has always had animals in her life. As a child, growing up in Owen Sound, her parents bread poodles, and as a young adult she lived with her saluki (aptly named Saluk) in the Sinai desert.

When Ellen returned to Canada, with her daughter Tal, they added Chloe the schnauzer to their family. When Chloe past, there was a massive hole in their life. In walked Porter the golden retriever. After a family dropped him off at the shop explaining they couldn’t handle having a big dog with so much energy, Ellen adopted him on the spot. You can see him bouncing around through the windows of the shop on any given day, barking at people as they pass and wagging his tail for anyone who says hello back.

We can't forget to also mention the addition of Ella (a cat who was given up by someone with allergies) lives in the shop and demands the attention of anyone who enters.

Throughout her life, Ellen was always the neighbour that was asked to watch over pets when people were away. At 48 she found herself in a career that had never excited her and decided to leap into the world of pet care, where she found her true calling and passion. After being certified by Pampered Paws in Toronto, as well as completing several grooming courses in the states she opened The Pooch Parlor doors in 1999.

Tal was involved in the business from the beginning. After school she worked reception, and would help every weekend with the boarding dogs. Using her love of art and aesthetics she designed and decorated the shop, business cards and even painted portraits of some of the doggie patrons for the walls. Today she is a full time partner in their mother/daughter business.