About Ridge Dog Shop: Providing Personalized and Professional Care to Your Dogs and Pups
Best Richmond Dog Groomers
Ridge Dog Shop opened in the newly constructed Ridge Shopping center fifty years ago, in the summer of 1974. We have been operating continuously, serving the doggies in our community, ever since. We have dedicated, experienced, professional staff ready to take care of your dog’s grooming needs. We are very proud of the work each member of the team performs and would like to introduce our groomers.
Tracie Speakman – Lead Groomer
Tracie started working at Ridge Dog Shop in October 1996, as part of the Shampoo Staff (brushing, bathing and drying). As her knowledge grew so did her desire to learn more about grooming so in 2001, she began her grooming apprenticeship here. She has been our Lead Groomer for the last 10 years, ensuring quality control and training.
She has two dogs of her own at home and enjoys the variety of grooming all breeds of dogs here at the shop.
Linda Tate – Senior Groomer
Linda also began her career as part of the Shampoo Staff at Ridge Dog Shop in 1987. Excelling in that area, she worked through an apprenticeship and began grooming a few years later. Linda left Ridge Dog Shop to groom all kinds of furry friends at a local Veterinary office for more than 20-years before returning here in 2019.
Her absolute favorite dogs to cuddle and groom are long hair Dachshunds, although she also loves the challenge of making Standard Poodles look perfect.
Ashley Hawn
Ashley began grooming in July 2012 at a different local groomer. After she completed formal training, she worked in both static grooming salons and mobile grooming before coming to Ridge Dog Shop in the summer of 2021.
Ashley has five dogs of her own at home, her favorite dogs to groom (and hold) are long haired Chihuahuas.
Essi Cabas
Essi has an interesting story of her grooming career and how she came to Ridge Dog Shop. She began grooming at the age of ELEVEN! Her parents owned a pet store in her hometown of Caracas, Venezuela. As the political climate in Venezuela changed her family was forced to abandon the shop and flee the country out of concern for their physical safety. They moved to Bogotá, Colombia where she attended the renowned Cesar Salamanca grooming academy to refine her skills. Unable to remain in Colombia she immigrated to the United States as a Political Refugee in 2021. She began sharing her skills at Ridge Dog Shop shortly thereafter.
She has one little Pomeranian, which is her favorite to cuddle with, at home. Her favorite breed to groom is Schnauzers, although she too loves the challenge of a perfectly groomed Standard Poodle.
Katlynn Williamson
Following the path of many of those before her, Katlynn began at Ridge Dog Shop on the Shampoo Staff. After excelling with the tasks, she began her formal apprenticeship in early 2023. She continues to hone her skills and learns new breed clips each day.
She has two dogs at home, plus a cat to keep them in check. Her favorite breed to groom is Caviler King Charles Spaniels.
About the Owner
Chuck Adkins bought the Ridge Dog Shop in 2021, after spending a career leading teams in public and private paramilitary organizations. Chuck is only the third owner of the shop, coming in after the previous owner expressed a desire to sell the shop and retire. The reason for the career change is that being around cute dogs all day is a significant improvement over dealing with criminals, community disorder, and antiterrorism concerns. He has three dogs, all rescues, at home, and loves every breed that comes to visit.
The Rest of The Team
We could not make all of this happen without the support of our other staff members. We have six other dedicated staff members that work behind the scenes to ensure the brushing, bathing, drying and finishing are all completed in support of our groomers. We also have a focused Front Desk staff that ensures our doggie friends can get their appointments and get in and out the door in the most efficient manner possible.
Brief History
The shop was established in 1974 in Richmond, Virginia, and our current owner, Charles Adkins, purchased it in 2021. Ridge Dog Shop is a pet salon filled with dog lovers who take pride in the work they do to ensure healthy happy pets. Our staff has over 80 years of combined experience in the pet care industry. We are members of the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Organizations We Support
Our core values include working for the health and wellbeing of all dogs who need grooming and coat care. To that end we support various area canine rescue organizations with either direct financial support or performing grooming services at deeply discounted prices, breakeven or less. Performing these services is the beginning of getting these pups ready for the next stage in their lives: finding their forever home. Please visit our partners when considering your next pet or supporting those who find them their forever home.
