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.”

“Joybound has absolutely changed my life… When I came into it, it was for my love of animals, and I got a zillion times more because of the people.”

– Adrienne, Grooming Academy Graduate

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.

Vocational Training

Dog grooming is a growing industry with ample job opportunities. Our program prepares students for a successful entry into the pet industry. Students at the Engelstad Grooming Academy learn from some of the best in the industry! Our instructors are dedicated to helping students succeed in the four-week program and embark on a rewarding career in the pet industry. And our modern, fully equipped facility has the latest technology to enhance the learning experience.

Shelter Animal Care

The primary way Engelstad Grooming Academy students gain practical experience is by working with Joybound’s shelter pets, providing essential care to animals that might not otherwise receive professional grooming. This hands-on training offers hands-on experience, increases dog adoption rates, and allows students to directly become part of the impactful team that helps shelter dogs find their forever homes.

Do you have a calm, friendly dog or cat who loves people? Learn how to become part of the Pet Hug Pack and share the power of the human-animal bond.

Public Dog Grooming Services

Whether your dog needs a bath, simple trim, or a full makeover, Engelstad Grooming Academy students and highly skilled instructors are here for you. Your furry friend will look and feel their best with the personalized attention and loving care they receive. Book a grooming appointment today and experience the joy of supporting Joybound, helping our students succeed, and giving back to the community. Every bath, nail clip, and hair trim makes an impact on the lives of pets and people.  

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