Irina Pinkusevich is Awarded Groomer of the Year

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Andis Presents the Honor at the Prestigious Purina Pro Plan 58th Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards in New York City

New York City, New York, United States, February 19, 2013 (PressReleasePoint) – Irina “Pina” Pinkusevich was awarded Groomer of the Year at the Purina Pro Plan 58^th Annual Show Dogs of the Year® Awards. The black tie event was held at the Grand Hyatt Manhattan in New York on February 9, 2013.

Andis, an exclusive sponsor of the Groomer of the Year Award, presented the honor to Irina in recognition of her significant accomplishments in the world of professional grooming.

“After seven short years of professional grooming, Irina has risen to the top as an internationally recognized competitive show groomer,” says Karen Formico, Vice President of Marketing at Andis. “Her numerous awards make Irina one of the most decorated groomers in the field today.” 

Irina’s first taste of professional grooming came while attending New York University, working part-time bathing dogs at a local grooming shop. From there, she entered the world of competitive and show grooming in 2006. Today, Irina is a National Certified Master Groomer with the National Dog Groomers Association of America, as well as a certifier, national judge, and most recently, an international judge in the competitive grooming arena.
 
Ranked among the top-10 groomers in the U.S., Irina’s past awards and accolades include:

• 2008 – Ranked #1 among professional groomers in the U.S.
• 2008 – Lynn Carver Award for Best All-Around Groomer
• 2009 – Gold Medal in the World Championships (as a member of Groom Team USA)
• 2010 – Liz Paul Memorial Award for the most Best in Show wins
• 2010 – Lynn Carver Award for Best All-Around Groomer
• 2010 – Ranked #1 among professional groomers in the U.S.
• 2011 – Silver Medal in the World Championships (as a member of Groom Team USA)
   

In an effort to bring home the gold in professional grooming, Irina will once again compete as a member of Groom Team USA at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.
 
Irina’s contribution stretches beyond the groomer’s circle, teaching at Merryfield School of Pet Grooming in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and traveling the world educating through conferences and seminars.
 
“Not only is Irina highly recognized in the grooming industry for her accomplishments, she is a dedicated instructor,” adds Formico. “Passing along her knowledge, skill and passion for the industry to others who are just beginning their careers is another attribute that makes Irina unique and valuable to the world of professional grooming.”
 
 
About Show Dogs
The Show Dogs of the Year Awards have spent the past 58 years celebrating the excellence of the top group winning show dogs, along with their owners, handlers and breeders. In order to win an award, a dog must achieve the most group wins during a single calendar year at American Kennel Club-sanctioned conformation shows. Other recognitions include various awards presented to top professionals within the show dogs industry as well as the Dogs in Review Annual Achievement Awards, affectionately known as the Winkies. Currently the awards are sponsored by Purina^® Pro Plan^® and presented by Dogs in Review. These awards are presented at a black tie banquet held in New York City immediately prior to the Westminster Kennel Club show in February.