Jen
Hey! I’m Jen, and I’m the owner/groomer here at Tails on the Rails LLC. Initially beginning my career working in veterinary medicine, I made the switch to grooming in 2021 and haven’t looked back. I’m a certified Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, a Certified Canine Esthetician, a PRG Rabbit Groomer, A.K.C. SAFE certified, Pet First Aid and CPR certified, Brachycephalic Safety certified, and Fear Free certified. I am also a registered member of the NDGAA. I specialize in the unique grooming care and maintenance needs of bulldogs, the ins and outs of proper rabbit grooming and care, understanding and accommodating the special grooming limitations of senior dogs, and in working with dogs with certain behavioral issues related to grooming. My favorite breeds to work with are the bulldogs, of course!
When I’m not working, I can almost certainly be found in the company of my beloved French Bulldog, Linus; my adorable one-earred rescue American Sable rabbit, Vincent Bun Gogh; my rescue Silkie guinea pig, Eric Matthews; and my mischief of seven rats (Pee-Wee, Louie, Miss Yvonne, Dixie, Floory, Randy, and Billy Baloney). I’m “Mom” to my absolute favorite person ever. l’m a portrait artist, train chaser, model railroad enthusiast, avid PEZ collector, and I absolutely love Peter Dinklage.
Linus
Linus is the aforementioned beloved French Bulldog; he is my constant sidekick, the model for the TotR logo, and the inspiration behind why I do what I do. He was diagnosed with a neurological issue some years ago that causes him to have unpredictable, sometimes violent seizures. While his disorder is currently being managed medicinally, it has opened my eyes to the oft overlooked and ill managed behavioral problems that come up when living/ working with dogs. You can read his full story here. When not modeling for logos and various works of art, Linus enjoys games of tug, chewing on his favorite stick, and stealing the shower drain stopper.
Eric Matthews
Eric Matthews is a Silkie guinea pig whom I rescued in 2021. He was named after the older brother from 90s TV favorite, Boy Meets World (I LOVE this show. My ability to relatably quote it in almost any situation is uncanny.), due to his long, perfectly coiffed hair. He’s as ornery as he is handsome, and incredibly demanding, wheeking at the top of his lungs and standing as tall as he possibly can on his hind legs whenever he wants something.
Due to his penchant for messiness, Eric requires regular grooming which he tolerates quite well. His favorite things include cherry tomatoes and slamming his water bottle against the cage side to get my attention.
Vincent Bun Gogh
Vincent Bun Gogh is a rare American Sable rabbit and the newest member of the TotR team. I rescued him in late 2023 from a Maryland shelter after completing my first rabbit grooming class and discovering a passion for small animal grooming. His very first grooming experience was the practical exam to earn my PRG Rabbit Groomer title, and together we became the first groomer/rabbit duo to earn a score of 100%! Not bad for his first groom!
Vincent had one of his ears surgically removed shortly after arriving at the shelter due to previous trauma. He manages just fine without it, and it was this unique trait and my love of art that earned him his name.
Vincent’s favorite things include bananas, throwing his favorite cups around, and doing zoomies through his tunnel.