Mary Oquendo has spent nearly thirty years in the pet grooming industry — teaching, writing, coaching, and occasionally convincing groomers that yes, they really do need an emergency plan. Based in Sequim, Washington, she is the author of multiple industry guides and a Barkleigh Honors nominee whose work has shaped how groomers approach their businesses, their craft, and themselves.
But Mary has never been just one thing. A Spirited Life, her deeply personal memoir about a dog with the odds stacked against him, showed a different side of her pen — one full of humor, heart, and hard-won resilience. Now she’s taking that storytelling energy somewhere new: fantasy fiction. With a short story and a full-length novel currently in the works, Mary is expanding her world — and she’d love for you to come along for the ride. Sign up for her author newsletter below and be the first to know what’s coming next.
JOIN MARY’S AUTHOR NEWSLETTER New worlds are being built — and you’re invited in.
Click On Book Image To Purchase Your Copy
Memoir
A Spirited Life
A Spirited Life — A Dog, A Journey, A Lesson in Resilience If you've ever felt like life handed you the short end of the stick, this book is for you. A Spirited Life is more than a memoir — it's a celebration of love, grit, and tail-wagging determination. Through personal photographs and heartfelt storytelling, you'll follow the incredible journey of a dog who was dealt the worst hand imaginable, and the fierce devotion of his mom, Mary Oquendo, who refused to let that be the end of his story. Expect to laugh out loud, shed a few tears, and possibly spit your drink. This pup's antics and heart will stay with you long after the final page. Grab your copy today and fall in love with the dog who never gave up.
Non-Fiction
Guide To The Holistic Pet Grooming System
Revolutionize Your Grooming Business from the Inside Out Burnout isn't inevitable — it's a systems problem. The Holistic Grooming System Guide gives groomers a practical, systems-based framework for running a sustainable, joyful, and pet-centered business. Author Mary Oquendo walks you through aligning the five key areas of your practice — pets, clients, staff, environment, and operations — through the pillars of mind, body, and joy, so you can stop putting out fires and start running a business that feels as good as it performs. Grab your copy and transform your grooming practice from the inside out.
Mobile Groomers Companion Guide
Thinking about going mobile? Before you invest $100K or more in a grooming vehicle, do the groundwork first. This 90-page guide has everything you need to confidently launch your mobile grooming business — all in one place. Whether you're still in the dreaming stage or ready to roll, you'll find essential guidance on client, pet, groomer, and vehicle safety, pricing strategies that protect your profit, routing and scheduling, and the key research steps that help you make smart investments before you commit. Build a solid foundation before the wheels ever hit the road. Grab your copy and go mobile the smart way.
Co-Authored Non-Fiction
Mobile Groomers Bible
Whether you're just thinking about going mobile, still growing into your van payments, or ready to scale an already thriving business — this is the book that meets you where you are. Authored by Mary Oquendo and Beth Cristiano, The Mobile Groomer's Bible distills nearly 50 years of combined mobile grooming expertise into one practical, no-nonsense guide. From planning and launching your business to finding clients, streamlining systems, managing your budget, and even preparing for retirement, every chapter is built around the real-world advice you wish you'd had from the start. No fluff. Just the roadmap. Grab your copy of The Mobile Groomer's Bible today.
Emergency And Disaster Plan Template
If "create an emergency plan" has been sitting on your to-do list, today is the day to finally check it off. This 67-page fillable template does the heavy lifting for you — all you have to do is fill in the details specific to your business. Inside you'll find supply checklists, common hazard planning, evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols, recovery and maintenance guides, best practices for intake and debriefing, and helpful resources to keep you covered when it matters most. Peace of mind is one purchase away. Don't wait until it's too late. Get your copy today.
On My Bookshelf
These are books I personally recommend. If you choose to purchase, you’ll be redirected to their respective sites.
