Meet the             

Team

Welcome to The Dapper Dog, where our team of dedicated professionals is committed to giving your furry friends the best care possible. We’re a group of passionate pet lovers, each bringing unique skills and a touch of fun to our work. Get to know the incredible people who make The Dapper Dog a special place for your pets.

Our Story

From "Wags" to "Riches"

Founded in 2015, The Dapper Dog has grown from humble beginnings into a premier pet care service provider in Harrisburg. The idea for The Dapper Dog was born out of a simple need for convenience and quality pet grooming. Danaise, our founder, moved to Harrisburg with her husband Matt and their beloved dogs in 2014. Struggling to find a local groomer, Danaise decided to take matters into her own hands. With no prior grooming experience but a strong determination, she embarked on a journey that would change her life and the lives of countless pets and their owners.

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Danaise reached out to Kathy Bolt, the owner of Paw Spa by Kathy in Dell Rapids, for guidance. Kathy generously offered Danaise an apprenticeship, allowing her to shadow and learn the intricacies of dog grooming. For six months, Danaise trained under Kathy’s expert supervision, mastering the skills needed to provide top-notch grooming services.

In October 2015, with no clients or capital, Danaise started The Dapper Dog in the third stall garage of her home. Despite the unconventional setting, her dedication and high-quality service quickly attracted clients. Within a year, the demand grew so much that she had to hire her first employees and move to a commercial location.

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In May 2017, The Dapper Dog opened its doors at 108 Willow Street, Suite B. The new location allowed us to expand our services and accommodate more clients. Over the next seven years, The Dapper Dog flourished, becoming a beloved part of the Harrisburg community. We have provided apprenticeships to six groomers-in-training and internships to four students from Harrisburg High School, contributing to local job creation and skill development.

Our commitment to excellence and community has been the cornerstone of our success. We are thrilled to announce our upcoming move to a custom-designed facility at 659 W. Willow Street. This new location will enable us to offer even more services, including The Dapper Dog Social Club, training classes, and event hosting.

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Throughout our journey, we have maintained a strong focus on quality, luxury, and customer satisfaction. Our story is not just about grooming; it’s about creating a community, building lasting relationships, and making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners.

Join us as we continue to grow and evolve, providing the best in pet care services. At The Dapper Dog, every pet is treated like family, and every client is a valued part of our story.

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Danaise

Danaise is the heart and soul of The Dapper Dog, steering the ship with a keen eye for detail and a love for all things canine. With a B.S. in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, she expertly handles day-to-day operations and strategizes for success. Though she spends less time grooming these days, her legacy lives on through the apprentices she trains. When she’s not managing the pack, you’ll find her reminiscing about her grooming days or enjoying time with her pup, Frankie.

Owner/Founder – Mastermind of Mutts

Heidi

Shop Manager/Groomer – Paw-sitive Problem Solver

Heidi has been with us since May 2023 and is the glue that keeps our shop running smoothly. As the go-to person for employee relations and customer interactions, Heidi ensures everyone leaves with a wagging tail. She juggles grooming appointments and management responsibilities like a pro, proving that multitasking is a walk in the park. With her warm smile and can-do attitude, Heidi is every dog’s best friend.

Mallory

Training Manager/Groomer – Grooming Guru and Apprentice Whisperer

Since joining The Dapper Dog in May 2023, Mallory has been the driving force behind our apprentice program. With a teaching degree and a flair for grooming, she transforms eager learners into skilled groomers. Her dedication to tracking progress and providing real-time feedback makes her an invaluable mentor. When Mallory isn’t shaping the future of grooming, she’s busy making dogs look fabulous with her expert touch.

Abbie

Groomer Extraordinaire – The Fur-fectionist

Abbie is a full-time groomer at The Dapper Dog! With a certification from StarMark Academy and experience as a certified dog trainer, she brings a unique blend of skill, creativity, and dedication to every pup she works with. Abbie’s passion for pets shines through in her attention to detail and her ability to make every dog feel comfortable and loved. From fabulous fur transformations to keeping tails wagging, she’s here to make your furry friend look and feel their very best. Keep an eye out for her signature creative touch as she continues to grow with us!

Alysia

Groomer Extraordinaire - The Pawfect Stylist

Alysia has spent over a decade in the dog grooming world and officially began her grooming career in August 2023. A proud dog mom to two lovable labs, she brings her passion for pups to every appointment, treating each furry client with the same care and attention she gives her own. Alysia’s favorite part of grooming is seeing a dog’s personality shine after a fresh new look, and she’s dedicated to making every pup feel their absolute best. She’s thrilled to be part of The Dapper Dog family and can’t wait to pamper your four-legged friends! 

Brooke

Grooming Apprentice – Creative Canine Stylist

Brooke has been a part of our team since her high school days, working her way up to a grooming apprentice. Her love for creative grooming shines through in her vibrant color services and unique styling techniques. As a college student at STI, she balances her studies with her grooming passion, bringing fresh ideas and flair to every appointment.

Leah

Part-Time Assistant – Tail-Wagging Enthusiast

Leah has been with The Dapper Dog for 15 months, bringing joy and reliability to our team. With a teaching degree and a love for dogs, Leah enjoys the lively atmosphere and camaraderie. Although she’s not pursuing a grooming career, her dedication and enthusiasm make her an essential part of our family.

Jerica

Part-Time Assistant – Dog Devotee

Jerica’s love for dogs and our welcoming environment keeps her coming back for more. A part of our team for 15 months, Jerica brings her passion for pups to every shift. Her friendly demeanor and helpful nature ensure that every dog receives the care and attention they deserve.

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