By Emily Patrick
Melody Salmi grew up in Miami Florida and was raised around both cats and dogs. In the late 80’s, she purchased her first two Saint Bernards and started showing them in both conformation and obedience AKC dog shows. Salmi’s natural talent and love of animals was apparent, but she still committed herself to taking as many seminars and training classes during that time as she could. She was determined to learn how to groom, obedience train and handle the dogs on her own.
As if that wasn’t enough, in her “spare time,” she began breeding Saint Bernards. Melody’s passion and hard work paid off- to this day, she is the breeder, owner, trainer, groomer and handler of the all-time most winning St. Bernard female…in breed history!
Melody made a career out of dog shows until the pandemic turned things upside-down, as it did for so many of us. Melody stopped traveling to dog shows during that time, but she would not let her 35 years of experience and talent go to waste! She says, “In the spring of 2022 I reinvented myself.” Seeing the need for a professional groomer in our underserved area, she began grooming in a wood shed on her property, all the while keeping in her mind’s eye her dream of building a full-service salon in its place.
On January 15, 2024, just 22 months later, that dream came to fruition and Melody moved into Pampered Pooches Grooming Salon. Pampered Pooches is tucked away from all of the hustle and bustle of town, situated on almost 40 acres of woods running along Wilson Stream. Though it may feel worlds away, located at 7 K.I. Road, it’s less than 3 miles from downtown Greenville.
Meeting Melody and touring her beautiful salon, built from the ground-up with nothing but a dream and determination, I’m touched, and also acutely aware how much of an asset Melody is to our community. Not every small town is afforded the luxury of having a world-class, award-winning groomer available to pamper their furry family members right in their own backyard- and pamper she does!
Melody’s services include nail painting, custom-made bows for the divas, and even ties for the gentlemen. It’s also apparent the animals love Melody just as much as she loves them, and that’s something you just can’t put a price on! When you send your pooches (or kitties) to Melody, you can be sure they’re being treated like they’re her own.
Pampered Pooches is open 7 days a week, 8-6, including most holidays. Melody is taking new dog and cat clients with immediate openings available. Nail clipping and Dremel packages start at just $15. Melody also offers day and overnight boarding with a large, grassy play area. Call today and make a pampering appointment for your fur baby! 207-333-9195.