Beth Collins Wins Cardinal Crystal Show Dog Groomer of the Year Award

NEW YORK – Veteran groomer Beth Collins has been named the 2009 Cardinal Crystal Show Dog Groomer of the Year. Collins received the award at the 55th Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards, which took place February 13, 2010, during the Westminster Dog Show. Sponsored by pet product manufacturer Cardinal Laboratories and Bow Tie Inc., publisher of Dogs In Review magazine, the award was established to recognize grooming excellence and professionalism within the Show Dog Community.

Collins, a Nationally Certified Master Groomer, has been showing dogs for over 25 years. She has groomed many champion Afghan Hounds, including Best in Show, Best in Breeders Cup and multiple Best in Specialty Show winners. She has also groomed and shown Champion and Specialty Best in Show winning Lhasa Apsos and Champion Standard Poodles. Collins also briefly competed in Grooming Competitions, and was awarded the Best Groomed Dog in Show award with an American Cocker Spaniel at the New England Pet Grooming Professionals Competition.

As a groomer in high demand, Collins often receives phone calls requesting her talents prior to larger shows. As a result, she works on dogs from all parts of the country, and occasionally flies to the dog’s location for makeovers that help elevate the competitiveness level of the dog. Collins also shares her talent and passion for dog grooming by teaching her skills to others. She currently breeds Afghan Hounds under the kennel name Taza, and has many Champion and Specialty winners carrying the Taza name around the world.

Collins received the Show Dog Groomer of the Year Award on the basis of nominations and votes from her peers in the Show Dog Community. “Beth is an incredibly talented dog groomer and we are thrilled to present her with the Show Dog Groomer of the Year Award,” said Barbara Denzer, Vice President of Cardinal Laboratories. “Her artistry and skill bring out the beauty in all the dogs she grooms, and her passion for grooming shows in her impeccable work.”

Since their inception, the Cardinal Crystal Awards have been considered one of the highest honors in the dog grooming industry. Founded in 1948, Cardinal Laboratories started the Crystal Grooming awards in 1988 for the grooming industry to recognize the outstanding contributions and excellence of its members. Due to the specialized nature of Show Dog Grooming, the Cardinal Crystal Show Dog Groomer of the Year Award was created as a separate award that focuses on the Show Dog community.

Dogs in Review magazine, published by BowTie Inc., annually presents the Show Dogs of the Year Awards dinner. The event, which honors teams of exemplary Show Dogs and their humans, is hosted by BowTie Chairman of the Board Norman Ridker.