About The Gray Dog

Brittany Crane is the proud owner of The Gray Dog and has been grooming professionally for 10 years. Her journey into grooming began when she adopted a 130-pound Komondor named Marley at the age of 18. Caring for Marley sparked her passion for grooming, and she began honing her skills at home. She then took a job at a local pet store, where she not only helped customers with pet nutrition but also started grooming dogs for fun. In 2015, Brittany graduated from the American Grooming Academy in Temecula, California, and further refined her craft during an apprenticeship in Hawaii. She’s been part of The Gray Dog team ever since, eventually purchasing the business six years ago and leading it with her expertise and dedication. Brittany’s favorite part of grooming is connecting with the animals and earning their trust. She especially enjoys big transformations that showcase her scissoring skills, with Poodle-style haircuts being a personal favorite. Her love for dogs shines through in every aspect of her work, as she tailors her approach to each dog’s unique needs and personality. At home, Brittany is a proud pet parent to Beau, a Komondor who keeps her life full of joy and inspiration. Recently, Brittany & her husband David welcomed her first child, a little girl named Billie Mae in 2024, and watching her grow has become her favorite Hobby. With her passion for animals, years of experience, and leadership, Brittany continues to make The Gray Dog a trusted and beloved grooming destination in Southern Utah.

David Crane is the co-owner of The Gray Dog and husband to Brittany Crane. Originally from the small town of Gunnison, Utah, David grew up working on a dairy farm and ranch, where he developed a love for animals and a deep appreciation for their care. David has recently taken a more active role in the business and enjoys interacting with their clients’ pets, learning about their unique personalities, and playing with their own dog, Beau, a Komondor. His goal as co-owner is to help pet owners become more informed about their pets’ nutrition and to provide answers and support for any questions or concerns they may have. In his spare time, David enjoys spending quality time with his wife Brittany, their daughter Billie Mae, and their friends. He loves outdoor activities like visiting Lake Powell, spending time in the mountains, and golfing. David’s dedication to animals and his passion for helping pet owners make him an important part of The Gray Dog team.

Debbie Towne brings an incredible 44 years of experience to her role as a professional pet groomer. Her journey began unexpectedly when she visited a dog grooming shop with her cousin. Before that visit, Debbie hadn’t realized dog grooming was even a profession, but she instantly knew it was her calling—and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the decades, Debbie has earned certifications in many aspects of pet grooming, showcasing her dedication to mastering her craft. What she loves most about grooming is the hands-on connection with animals and the opportunity to get to know each one personally. At home, Debbie is a proud pet parent to two beloved dogs: Thor, a 5-year-old English Bulldog, and Babz, a 3-year-old French Bulldog. Her favorite dogs to work with are those with bubbly personalities, as their playful and happy energy makes the job even more rewarding. One unique aspect of Debbie’s grooming expertise is her willingness to take on challenging tasks, such as carefully removing mats from a dog’s coat when time allows. She finds satisfaction in restoring a dog’s comfort and appearance through her meticulous care. Outside of work, Debbie loves spending time in the great outdoors, especially camping and swimming. Her passion for animals, combined with her years of experience and skill, makes her an invaluable part of the grooming team.

Stefanie is a certified pet groomer with nearly three years of experience. A lifelong animal lover, she always dreamed of working with pets. When Stefanie and her husband, Jared, got their dog, Gigi, they discovered The Gray Dog—and when they saw the business was hiring, they joined the team, and the rest is history! She earned her pet grooming certification through the Paragon program, a comprehensive 6- to 12-month course covering all dog breeds. She also trained hands-on with The Gray Dog’s owner, Brittany, honing her skills over the course of a year. She loves helping dogs look and feel their absolute best, tailoring each groom to reflect the owner’s vision and the dog’s unique personality. Her favorite breed to work with is the Poodle, thanks to their hair’s versatility and the endless creative possibilities for styling. At home, Stefanie has her own cream Miniature Poodle, Gigi, who frequently sports new hairstyles as Stefanie’s “practice doll.” She also has a low-maintenance Chihuahua puppy who brings joy to her family. Outside of grooming, Stefanie enjoys being a mother to her wonderful son and cherishes time spent with her family. One unique fact about Stefanie is that she is a twin! Her dedication, creativity, and love for animals make her an invaluable member of the team.

Jared Nolazco has been a professional pet groomer for one year, but his journey into the grooming world is a unique one. Growing up, Jared’s family owned a Schnauzer, and he recalls his mother shaving the dog at home. However, he never imagined he would one day become a dog groomer himself. Jared and his wife, Stefanie, share a deep love for animals. When they took their Miniature Poodle, Gigi, to The Gray Dog for grooming, they were so impressed by the haircut and the business’s aesthetics that they decided to apply to work there together. Jared initially joined as the front manager, overseeing client appointments, selling pet food, and bathing dogs. Over time, watching the artistry of grooming sparked Jared’s interest, and he decided to pursue the craft himself. Through an apprenticeship with Brittany, the owner of The Gray Dog, and certification from Paragon’s 6- to 12-month program, Jared learned the skills and techniques required to groom all breeds and styles. For Jared, grooming is an art form that allows him to express his creativity while forming meaningful connections with both the pets he grooms and their owners. Jared’s favorite breeds to groom are Schnauzers and Doodles. He admires the sharp, proud elegance of Schnauzers, especially their iconic breed trim with bold eyebrows and a distinguished beard. He also enjoys working with Doodles for their playful personalities and the creative freedom their coats provide, allowing him to experiment with different styles and lengths. At home, Jared and Stefanie share their lives with Gigi, their 3-year-old cream Miniature Poodle, and a short-haired Chihuahua. Outside of grooming, Jared enjoys all things Disney and Marvel, as well as spending quality time with his son, wife, and family. Jared is also fluent in Spanish. Having worked at The Gray Dog for three years, Jared has found a fulfilling career where he can combine his love of animals with his passion for creativity and client care.

Mandy Steed is a talented dog groomer with one year of professional experience. Her passion for working with animals began early, as she always dreamed of becoming either a veterinarian or a dog groomer. Mandy began her journey at The Gray Dog as a bather, where her dedication and enthusiasm led her to an apprenticeship under Brittany, the owner. She also completed the Paragon certification program, a comprehensive 6- to 12-month course that taught her grooming techniques for all breeds and coat types. Mandy loves helping dogs look and feel their best, bringing out their unique beauty with every groom. She enjoys working with all breeds, finding joy in the variety and individuality of each dog. At home, Mandy is a proud pet parent to Ruger, a 5-year-old German Shepherd/Aussie mix; Budi, a 5-year-old Pomeranian; and Scotchi, an almost 1-year-old rescue cat. When she’s not grooming, Mandy loves exploring new places and going on adventures with her dogs. With her dedication to learning, passion for animals, and commitment to quality care, Mandy is a valued member of The Gray Dog team.

Nicole Etzold is a seasoned pet groomer with an impressive 36 years of experience in the industry. Her journey began in 1990 as a high school student, when she took a summer job bathing dogs. What started as a temporary role quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion and successful career in pet grooming. Nicole is certified in pet CPR, ensuring the safety and well-being of every pet in her care. She loves grooming because it’s far from monotonous—each day brings new opportunities to express her creativity through unique hairstyles and to connect with dogs on a personal level. Nicole has a special fondness for grooming Scottish Terriers. She admires their confidence, stocky build, and iconic look, complete with long brows and a distinguished beard. As she puts it, “Scotties don’t take no crap from anyone.” At home, Nicole cares for a Queensland Heeler mix, three spirited red-headed cats, and two box turtles. Her hobbies revolve around her profession—she has an ever-growing collection of grooming tools, including countless shears, combs, and brushes. Her passion for investing in the best tools reflects her dedication to delivering top-notch grooming services. With decades of experience, a love for animals, and a flair for creativity, Nicole brings exceptional skill and care to every grooming session, making her a trusted choice for pet owners.

Renee Bloom is a highly skilled pet groomer with an impressive 34 years of experience in the industry. Her journey began at the age of 18 when she discovered her love for grooming through her friend’s Collie. Determined to care for the dog, Renee even bought scissors to groom its feet. Her passion didn’t go unnoticed—soon, friends were asking her to groom their pets, and a talented groomer took her under her wing, mentoring Renee and encouraging her to refine her craft. Renee is certified in all seven groups of the American Kennel Club (AKC), a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field. Her favorite part of grooming is creating the perfect haircut for each dog, blending their unique personality with their breed traits to deliver a look that’s truly one of a kind. At home, Renee is a proud pet parent to two Yorkies and a Toy Poodle, all of whom she enjoys making uniquely beautiful. Her favorite breed to groom, however, is the Golden Retriever, appreciating their gentle nature and elegant appearance. Outside of grooming, Renee has a unique talent—she is fluent in American Sign Language, a skill that highlights her creativity and versatility. With decades of experience, certifications across all AKC groups, and a passion for bringing out the best in every dog, Renee Bloom is a trusted expert who ensures every pet leaves her care looking and feeling their absolute best.

Braylee Edmunds has been an integral part of The Gray Dog team for about a year. A lifelong animal lover, Braylee is passionate about working with dogs and finds joy in getting to know each one individually. She values the opportunity to create a positive experience for every pet she cares for. At home, Braylee has a friendly little Yorkie named Tess, who has become a familiar face to many of our clients. While she doesn’t have a favorite breed, Braylee loves working with all dogs and appreciates their unique personalities. Outside of work, Braylee enjoys spending time outdoors and taking her fur babies on exciting adventures. Her enthusiasm and love for animals make her a valued member of our team.

Chera Tinsley is a Certified Dog Groomer with 2 years of grooming experience and over 6 years of hands-on work in the animal care industry. Her background includes everything from daycare assistance to animal wellness and nutrition, eventually leading her to find her true passion in dog grooming. Chera is a proud dog mom to two pit bulls, and she brings that same love and care to every pup she works with. Her favorite parts of grooming are the finishing touches like perfecting the face trims & adding that final bow or bandana—and the rewarding feeling of sending a dog home looking and feeling their best. While she enjoys working with all breeds, she has a special soft spot for grooming Scottish Terriers. Outside of grooming, she enjoys baking, kayaking, and spending time with my family!