Our Team

I loved animals from a young age, always having a cat by my side. After quickly learning the solemn role a veterinarian has to play when a pet becomes chronically ill, I switched gears and studied aviation and advertising at the University of Illinois.

Richard and I met while working in the restaurant industry during college, began dating, and inherited a Golden Retriever puppy from our boss. Delilah became our life, and I quickly learned that she needed groomed! I could not find a grooming facility at which I was content leaving my furry child, and that is why our idea for Grateful Pets was conceived. I graduated from Petropolis Grooming Academy in 2009, and practiced my grooming skills at both Kennelwood South County and a small pet shop in the city. In 2016, Richard and I took that leap of faith and opened Grateful Pets. I actively groomed dogs and cats for 12 years, but in 2021, took a step aside to focus on raising our two children, Cecilia and Hatcher. Most recently, I became certified to instruct pet first aid and CPR, with which I will be hosting local classes for our community. Grateful Pets continues to strive in assisting people to provide the best life possible for their pets. We are thankful for our employees and clients who have helped us make Grateful Pets what we had always imagined.

I grew up on a farm in Central Illinois, and we always had dogs and various pets around. While attending the University of Illinois, Rebecca and I met while working together. Upon graduation, I worked in restaurant management, never feeling fulfilled.

Meanwhile, we were gifted Delilah, our golden retriever, and our lives would never be the same. After having multiple negative grooming experiences, Rebecca decided/realized she could do a better job, and she began her educational journey learning to style pets. During this time, she encountered a dog training school, and she believed I could become a trainer. Shortly before our daughter was born, I attended the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers in High Ridge and finished first in my class. I polished my skills under some of the best dog trainers in the country while working at Kennelwood South County. In 2016, we realized our dream and opened Grateful Pets.
I enjoy training puppies as much as I do “problem” dogs. My passion is helping families communicate better with their dogs and seeing the positive impacts a well-behaved dog can have on a family.

My name is Bren! I am the General Manager at Grateful Pets. I have worked here since it opened in 2016. We always strive to give the best care and service to pets and pet parents; this is my motivation. My passion for animals and client relationships is my focus.

I love the Soulard area and the many clients in the area who have become a part of the Grateful Pets family over the years. I continue to educate and pursue as many certifications in the industry as I can get. I currently have my Pet First Aid/CPR Certification, AKC Safe Handling Certification, Infectious Disease Management Certification, Advanced Education for Pet Care Professionals Certification, and a Bather Brusher Certification. I married my wonderful husband, Bradley, in November 2023. We have been together since 2009. Together we have four dogs: Three Chihuahua’s named Leroy, Walter, and Stanley. Then, a Pit/Boxer mix named Harper Louise. In my free time
I love to spend time with my family, cook, and bake.

Hi, I’m Danielle! I am a full-time law student at SLU Law and a big dog lover!! My love for dogs stems from my childhood, but it flourished during undergrad at Bradley University when I became a student trainer for Paws Giving Independence,

a not-for-profit organization that trains dogs to become service dogs and places them free-of-charge with recipients. PGI led me to my sweet girl Ivy, who I puppy raised and adopted when she was career reassigned as a family pet after a year and a half in the program! At Grateful Pets, I am the social media manager, as well as a daycare attendant! Ivy and I love Grateful Pets and are beyond happy to be part of the family!