04/02/2026
š„ Meet the team ! š„
Alright ! You guys know Sara Goss! But do you know how Sara got started in the grooming world? š
This is her story:
My love of dogs began around age 11, when a stray Lab mix showed up on our doorstep. We couldnāt find her owner, so we welcomed her into our familyāand shortly after, she āgiftedā us with 11 puppies!
Not long after, I joined a local 4-H club in Issaquah, WA, where I dove headfirst into everything dog-related: training, nutrition, health, anatomy, and showing. I was completely obsessed.
One of our 4-H leaders bred and showed Borzoi, and I instantly fell in love with the breed. I made it my mission to own oneāand I did at 13. About a year later, I added a Whippet, my first true show dog.
Through dog shows and events, I met two women who had one of the top Borzoi kennels in the country. After high school, I moved in with them, opening doors I never imagined. I traveled nearly every weekend to shows and helped earn championship titles on many dogs.
Throughout my early 20s, I showed Borzoi and also owned Whippets, a Saluki, and a track rescue Greyhound. I even combined my love for dogs with art, creating pieces that became dog show trophies and cartoons for Borzoi International magazine.
In 1995, I switched gears and purchased a Smooth Fox Terrier named Splashāwho was an absolute maniac! I loved every minute of her energy and personality. I began showing and breeding Smooth Fox Terriers, eventually becoming president of the Fox Terrier Fanciers of Puget Sound. We hosted annual specialty shows and raised funds for breed rescueāwork that was both meaningful and rewarding.
In 2005, we moved to North Idaho. Leaving my breed clubs behind was incredibly difficult, and I found myself feeling lost and disconnected. That changed when I walked into the Pooch Parlor. While they werenāt hiring at the time, I was introduced to DuAnnās grooming schoolāand thatās where everything shifted.
Pet grooming was a completely different world from show grooming, but I embraced the challenge. Over time, I found my rhythm, built new friendships, and rediscovered my passion.
In 2010, my husband Jim and I purchased the shop. Running a small business comes with its challenges, but we worked hard to grow it into something weāre truly proud of. We were always intentional about who we brought onto our team, never tolerating anything less than kindness and respectāfor both pets and their people. To us, pets are family, and they deserve compassionate, quality care.
A few years ago, Brittane came into our lives like a ray of sunshine. Jim and I had been considering selling the shop, but only to the right personāsomeone who truly cared. After about a year of working with us, Brittane expressed interest in buying the business. It didnāt take long for us to realize she was the perfect fit.
Together with her and her husband, Tyler, we created a plan to pass the torch.
I have complete confidence that Pooch Parlor will continue to thrive under Brittaneās leadership. She brings the same passion, patience, and dedication that we always valued. Iāll still be around for a while longer (as long as my aching body allows!), but when the time comes to step away, I know the dogs and their families will be in the very best hands for years to come.
