Nestled below the fig trees at Garden Mania, The Filthy Mongrel is where dogs are treated like the royalty they think they are. This is boutique grooming for post-adventure pups who arrive sandy, salty, and gloriously filthy – and leave feeling fabulous.
from filthy to fabulous.
from filthy to fabulous.
The Journey Here.
I've been a dog person since before I had words. There's a photo of me as a baby, sitting beside our "Faithful", apparently deep in conversation about sunshine and green grass. My mum thought it was cute. I think it was the beginning of my journey to this very chapter of my life.
Curious how two decades of superyachts, private islands, and pie making eventually brought me home – both to Coffs Harbour and to the crazy dog lady I've always been?
What Matters to Me.
At The Filthy Mongrel, my values guide every groom, every interaction, and every decision I make. These principles keep me grounded in what matters most: treating every dog with the love, patience, and respect they deserve.
Calm over speed. Every client is given the time they need. No rush. No stress. No cutting corners.
Patience. Building trust takes time, and I move at your dog's pace. Some things (like nail trimming or matt removal) need to happen for their health and safety. I promise to use the gentlest approach possible and take breaks when needed. I won't rush. I won't punish. I will prioritise calm.
Honesty. I will tell you what your dog needs, what they don't, and why. I offer the services that feel aligned to you — if a birthday cake facial fluff or nail colour feels right for your pup, beautiful. If not, that's great too. Zero pressure.
Emotional Intelligence. I get to know every dog as an individual. Anxious? Energetic? Senior and tender? I adapt my approach to meet them where they are.
Respect. A beautiful groom means nothing if your dog leaves traumatised. I prioritise how they feel during the experience over how they look at the end of it.
