For The Love Of Dogs Podcast

About Amanda & ONEDOG

Amanda’s story begins in an urban environment where, as a young girl, she was exposed to experiences no child should have to navigate. Amid that chaos, she found grounding and purpose through her father’s tree business—where saving injured and displaced animals was simply part of the work. From him, Amanda learned animal husbandry at an early age, developing patience, empathy, and a deep respect for living beings who could not speak for themselves.

Her path into animal care was not linear—it was earned through lived experience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to doing better for animals. She began her professional career at the most foundational level: washing dogs in a salon. It was there, hands-on and behind the scenes, that she learned the realities of grooming culture, canine stress, and the importance of patience, safety, and observation long before scissors ever touched coat.

Determined to build real skill and understanding, Amanda went on to study at the Academy of Animal Arts & Sciences in Central Florida, where she formalized her training and deepened her knowledge of canine anatomy, coat care, handling, and salon safety. Her education reinforced what her early life had already taught her—that animals require individualized care, clear communication, and respect for their sensory and emotional worlds. Her understanding of sensory processing, stress reduction, and humane handling was further shaped by the teachings and published work of Dr. Temple Grandin, as well as guidance from other respected leaders in animal welfare and behavior.

After relocating to Warner Robins, Georgia, Amanda opened her own salon—starting humbly on her back porch. What began as a small, intentional practice grew through word of mouth and results, not marketing. Her work became known for its gentleness, transparency, and ability to support dogs who struggled in traditional grooming environments. That salon would later be acquired by National Geographic’s Critter Fixers veterinary team, marking a defining chapter in her professional journey.

Despite that success, Amanda made a conscious decision not to scale endlessly. Today, she remains committed to staying small, selective, and relationship-driven. Large dogs are accepted by consultation only, ensuring that every animal receives care appropriate to their physical, emotional, and medical needs. Her work prioritizes quality over quantity, safety over speed, and trust over trends.

Amanda’s approach is shaped by a belief in accountability, transparency, and continuous learning. Early in her career, she experienced the loss of a diabetic cat she was pet sitting—a moment that profoundly impacted her philosophy. She openly acknowledged the role that limited medical knowledge played and allowed that experience to drive her advocacy for certification, formal education, and ethical responsibility within the grooming industry. She continues to believe that learning from mistakes, rather than hiding them, is what creates safer outcomes for pets and professionals alike—even when such honesty is later misunderstood or used against her.

Beyond hands-on care, Amanda has been a vocal advocate for improved industry standards, education access, and protective laws designed to safeguard pets, owners, and groomers. This advocacy has brought challenges, including impersonation through fake accounts, prolonged harassment, and baseless attempts to discredit her work—but she continues to focus her energy on her gifts, her family, and meaningful contributions to the field.

At the heart of her work is devotion: to her four children, to the animals entrusted to her care, and to improving an industry that too often overlooks nuance, neurodiversity, and the wellbeing of highly gifted adults. Amanda now channels her focus into intentional grooming, mentorship, and advocacy, including apprenticing adults on the autism spectrum at no cost.

ONEDOG reflects this philosophy—one dog at a time, with respect, skill, and care that honors the whole being.

Amanda does not actively use social media. All accounts are managed by an agent. Please use the contact form on this site to send her a message.