We are Albert & Yvonne Guibert, the Pawprietors of Groovy Cats & Dogs and we are so happy you found us! We feel very lucky to have found each other, and we knew from the start of our relationship that we wanted to combine our strengths to build a business together. We married in November of 2005 and in August of 2006; Groovy Cats & Dogs was “born.” We have 5 human children between us. Al has 3 grown sons Daniel, Derek and Dustin. Yvonne has 2 beautiful school-aged girls Ariana and Roshan. All have worked at Groovy at one time or another. Currently, Ariana and Roshan can be seen often helping out around the store.
Together we have “rescued” three Chihuahuas: Diego-adopted from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Pixie-an owner surrender to a local groomer and friend, Ronnie of Ronnie’s Pride & Groom and Chica-adopted from Lost Angels Animal Rescue. But our cat Hedwig, rescued off the streets, is the true boss of our house!
I love chatting with pet parents like you about wellness and nutrition for pets. I have over 20
years of marketing experience working for corporate America, focused primarily in the healthcare industry. I have a passion for writing and event marketing and I love developing fun and educational events for Groovy customers and their pets. My journey with Groovy has been a very interesting one so far. I’ve made many new friends since opening Groovy and I look forward to evolving with the pet industry.I’ve written numerous articles for local publications including The New Barker Magazine and Bella Dog Magazine. I’m constantly educating myself by reading books on pet nutrition, attending industry events and seminars, speaking with holistic veterinarians and maintaining relationships with pet industry experts.I’m currently pursuing a certification in nutrition for companion animals because I love working with pet parents to improve their pet’s health. I enjoy researching and finding new products and resources for Groovy customers. My favorite thing to do when I’m not spending time at Groovy is to pack up the car, my girls and one or more of our Chihuahuas and go on a road trip! I find unplanned, spontaneous trips to be the most fun. I love to write about and share my adventures with other pet owners.
Hi! My name is Al. Glad you found us.
I maintain a full-time job in the lawn and garden industry, so I spend a lot of time giving Yvonne moral support and I’m your “Sunday” guy from time to time. I’m an honest-to-goodness “hippie!” I like to take credit for coming up with the “Groovy” name (although Yvonne believes it was a joint effort – Ha!). I would have attended Woodstock, if I had the funds to make the trip, but alas, I was in high school and couldn’t quite manage it. Many of my college buddies at St. Leo University in San Antonio, Florida (just north of Tampa) were from New York and did attend the famous concert event, so I heard lots of stories about it. We have a copy of the Woodstock poster on the wall of our store. My favorite thing to do when not working at Groovy is to tease my wife (because it is so much fun!) and to play golf.
We know that to achieve real happiness, you have to love what you do every day. We LOVE helping pet owners strengthen bonds with their furry children and we love knowing that what we do helps your pets live longer, healthier lives naturally.
Hi! I am Amy Weeks, M.A.
I’m Groovy’s training expert. I’m a member of Victoria Stilwell’s Pet Dog Training Team. As a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, I am committed to educating the public on positive training methods. Throughout my career as a dog trainer, I have worked as an instructor for Florida Guide Dogs for the Deaf, as well as Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma. I am a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and I’m CAP 1 certified through Kay Laurence’s Competency Assessment Program for Clicker Trainers. I’m also a certified Family Pet Parent Educator and can do presentations on “Dogs and Storks” and “The Dog and Baby Connection” as well as bite prevention seminars throughout Tampa and the surrounding area.
I have written articles for local Bella Dog Magazine and numerous newspapers throughout the country and have published articles in ADPT’s Tips from Top Trainers. I continue my education by attending seminars and conferences and am currently working toward my CCBC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed) from CCPDT. I have experience working with aggression cases as well as basic behavioral issues. I enjoy living in Tampa with my husband, three children, two dogs, a cat and a guinea pig. I love helping to educate the public at Groovy Cats & Dogs on the benefits of positive training, providing high quality food and serving the “whole” pet!
Lynda
My interest in holistic diets and treatment for pets all started when my 9-year old Labrador Retriever Hannah was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer. After her surgery, the veterinarians treating her gave her a life expectancy of 4-6 months with chemo and 2-3 months without chemo. So, I immediately started doing a lot of cancer research myself. With the help of a holistic veterinarian, I decided to put her on an all-natural diet with some additional supplements right away. Hannah went on with a happy, normal and healthy life for another three years! I credit Hannah’s positive recovery mostly to switching her onto an all-natural diet. So, I can say first-hand that an all-natural diet really does help support a healthy body.
I am a huge animal lover and my experience in the pet industry has come in very handy here at Groovy. I managed a busy doggy daycare right here in Tampa for over 8 years and was very active in the behavior training, agility and fly ball circuits. I have also been involved with and continue to support local animal rescues, charities and events. I love being part of the Groovy Cats & Dogs “family.” I enjoy sharing Hannah’s story and my knowledge of what I learned with other pet parents who are struggling with cancer or other illnesses, as well as pet parents who are just looking to keep their pets healthy. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of companion animal nutrition so I can share the importance and benefits of a healthy diet for our beloved pets.
I live here in Tampa with my husband Frank, step-son Zach, two 2-year old Shepherd/Hound mixes, Shelby and Izzy, a 10-year old German Shepherd, Neiko and an 11-year old female cat, Diva. My hobbies include: personal fitness, nutrition, dance and most importantly hanging out with my family & pets!