Rebuilding Her Life, One Dog at a Time

Adrienne’s Story of Hope and Healing

Adrienne’s life had been a series of challenges — losing her husband of 13 years, her beloved dog, and feeling like she had hit rock bottom. But within her pain, a spark of resilience burned bright. When her daughter brought her to a recovery program, Adrienne discovered more than just a path to sobriety; she found her true calling.

Her love for animals, deeply rooted since her childhood where she grew up with horses, cows, and donkeys, became her healing sanctuary. At Joybound’s Engelstad Grooming Academy, she didn’t just learn to groom dogs — she learned to nurture herself. Each gentle touch, each careful stroke of the brush became a metaphor for her own transformation.

“Joybound has absolutely changed my life,” Adrienne explains with joyful tears in her eyes. “When I came into it, it was for my love of animals, and I got a zillion times more because of the people.”

With determination and compassion, Adrienne scored over 90% in her tests, proving that setbacks don’t define you — your response to them does. She wasn’t just training to be a groomer; she was rebuilding her life, one dog at a time.

“She’s been an inspiration to the students,” Bernie Machado, Joybound’s Director of Grooming Academy & Services, explains. “More importantly, she’s been an inspiration to the instructors.” 

Her story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and believing in second chances. From a place of darkness, Adrienne emerged as a beacon of hope, ready to help both animals and humans heal, one loving moment at a time. 

“It’s not about money,” Adrienne says. “It’s about helping people and helping animals. That is priceless.”

Her message is simple yet profound: Love, patience, and believing in yourself can transform any life.

About the Engelstad Grooming Academy

Our Grooming Academy is more than just a training program — it’s a way to create positive change.

We are committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment by providing top-notch vocational training in the pet grooming industry. Our four-week, tuition-free program equips students with the expertise, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to enter this rewarding field. With instruction from industry professionals, access to state-of-the-art grooming equipment, and direct experience working with shelter and community pets, our students graduate prepared to thrive in their new careers.