Christine Otto is part of the new generation of groomers that Featherle Pet Care is proud to mentor. She has a quiet and peaceful disposition, crucial in earning the trust of an animal, especially one new to the grooming environment. When coming into the salon for its initial visit, the pet will often be triggered by the presence of other dogs, and may believe itself to be at the Vet’s office or a kennel. The first visits may be even more alarming to the pet if it was abused in previous grooming settings. It is particularly important for the stylist to show the pet that it’s not going to be harmed or abandoned. In fact, in a safe and secure environment, grooming can actually be a pleasurable experience because these dogs can be rehabilitated to form a special bond with a groomer.

Though Christine has no ‘favorite’ breed, she prefers the larger dogs, who remind her of big, gigantic puppies’. She loves to play with them and appreciates the unconditional love dogs give and their own response to being groomed. She finds it very rewarding when the end of a session is marked by the dog preening and ‘prancing’ around. While technical expertise and sensitivity are essential, grooming and styling a pet is also a creative endeavor.

Christine learned to groom during high school. When she graduated in 2003, she came directly to our Chantilly salon, where she honed her skills as a groomer. For a 2007 grooming competition, with the theme “I love the 80’s”, she dyed and groomed a poodle named Jay Jay. Jay Jay wore blue and green leg warmers and his coat was styled as an 80’s jacket. As part of her presentation, Christine and two co-workers performed the ‘Thriller’ dance.

Christine lives in South Riding with her husband, Rick Otto. They were married on May 10, 2008 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii. Rick got her something she’s wanted all her life: a dog. Apollo is a rescued miniature Pharaoh Hound. Because he has a few issues from his previous home, he’s quite a handful, and she’s working with him on his social skills. Along with Favre, a pet snake, a tabby cat named Tilly joined the family and taught Apollo how to fetch. In August of 2009, Christine and Rick became proud parents to their baby girl, Cady Lynn.