Your Groomers Jim & Caroline:
My name is Jim or Kimo (Hawaiian) Soper. I was born in Hawaii & moved to Texas in my twenties. During high school I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn the art and science of grooming at the hand of a great man, and veterinarian, Bob Horton, in Hawaii where I was born and raised. Dr. Horton taught me how to be of assistance to him in his profession, caring for many animals where I experienced mostly joy, and at times the pain of many animal lovers and their beloved friends. While going to college at Colorado State University and even for a period after receiving my degree in Psychology, I again was fortunate to continue to groom and assist several Veterinarians.
I subsequently tendered my service to the Texas Department of Health for 23 years and retired in July of 2001. During my tenure with the state, I served as a State Public Health Inspector for 15 years, and was program manager for the Texas Youth Camp Licensing and Public Swimming Pool Inspection Program for 8 years. Shortly after retirement, I passed a written and demonstrative test and received grooming certification from the National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA). I also hold certification in Animal First Aid and CPR from the International College of Pet Careers, Inc. In addition, I have taught a grooming course for dog owners through the University of Texas Informal Classes and occasionally make presentations for organizations interested in the grooming profession and individuals who wish to learn more about companion dog care. In my spare time I enjoy dancing, staying active, & spending time with friends & family & my dog buddy "Zach" and tending our National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat see Milkyway Homestead for my web site of our pond and landscape.
My name is Caroline Soper and I am Jim's daughter. I was born in Abilene, TX and came to Austin with my parents at the age of ten. I attended John B. Connally High School & throughout my schooling played the clarinet in band. I graduated from UT in 2010 with a Liberal Arts Degree in Geography & a minor in Psychology. I also have an Associate of Arts in General Studies Degree from Austin Community College which I completed in 2008. I have over twelve years of dog grooming experience and have obtained grooming certification from the National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA). I first started grooming as an assistant groomer at Petsmart in 1999. In 2001 when my Dad opened Perfect Pooch Grooming, I began to groom part time with him while attending school. After graduating college in 2010, I began to work full time as a professional groomer for Perfect Pooch Grooming. I attend grooming conferences and seminars to further my knowledge in the dog grooming industry. In August 2010 and 2011 I attended the U.S. Pet Pro Classic Advanced Continuing Education Seminar's in Professional Pet Care & Salon Management, & Petcare Bather/Dryer Programs.
In my spare time I enjoy playing the clarinet in the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble and singing in my church choir and with the Texas Choral Consort. I love animals, and enjoy spending time with & taking care of my chihuahua "Jake", and three cats.
