Written by: Wayne Peal, DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
Photo by: Gillis Benedict, DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
Animal Crackers owner Kelly McPherson plays with some of the dogs under the care of her Hartland Township grooming facility in its new building on North Old U.S. 23. The new location allows greater room for pens, a communal play area and a fenced-in outdoor play area on natural grass.
Her business is dog grooming, training, housing and day care. “Sometimes, I can’t even believe it,” said Kelly McPherson of Animal Crackers, a Hartland Township kennel and dog care facility.
In just four years, her business has grown from a one-woman friends-and-family service to an 18-employee company in a 7,000-square-foot facility at 1100 N. Old U.S. 23.
“Our people live in the community, and I’m dedicated to giving back to the community,” McPherson said.
As part of that commitment, Animal Crackers is participating in a training program for special-needs teens from Hartland High School.
“It’s about functional life skills, how to be a good worker, how to show up for work on time,” said Patrick McElyea, a work studies coordinator with the Livingston Educational Service Agency in Howell. “Animal Crackers is one of our newest participants.”
In addition to her husband and children, McPherson’s family includes a Shih Tzu named Ruby and Rosie, an Old English sheepdog who frequently accompanies her to work.
When not caring for her business and family, McPherson teaches Sunday school at The River Community Church in Hartland Township.
