The Pines Pet Pampering opened in June 2005 in a cozy 800 sq. ft. space next to Melinda and Lonnie's home in Joshua, surrounded by pine trees. The property originally belonged to Melinda's grandfather, who planted the trees back in the 1960s.

Melinda had been working in the veterinary field since 1995, starting as a receptionist, then a veterinary technician/nurse, and eventually as a veterinary hospital director. After 10 years of serving pets in that role, she asked her husband Lonnie to help her open a small boarding facility so she could continue caring for pets in a more personal way. The original facility featured 8 indoor/outdoor runs with doggie doors, a bathtub, and a small grooming area where she could groom her own dogs and cats more easily.

Within months, The Pines Pet Pampering was fully booked with boarding referrals. Pet owners began asking Melinda to groom their dogs and cats too, so she decided to expand her grooming knowledge 

Within 3 years, the clientele grew so much that Melinda started envisioning providing the same kind of pet care in a much more luxurious setting!

In 2009, the property at 609 N Broadway Street in Joshua became available. After touring it, Melinda knew it was perfect for her vision of a luxury pet care facility! It took 5 months of preparation and remodeling to create a spa-level grooming wing, a cat boarding room, an indoor doggie daycare playroom, a large boarding wing with 16 spacious suites/bedrooms, and a 12,000 sq ft play yard.

The vision came true, and The Pines Pet Pampering has proudly provided high-quality pet care services at this location since March 2010! In 2024, the entire facility received another makeover, and in June 2025, The Pines Pet Pampering celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an open-house event honoring the amazing clients who have made the journey possible—many bringing their pets, including second-generation pups, for the last 20 years!

Owner, Professional Pet Stylist, Canine Behaviorist, Personal Care & Pet Care Products Formulator, Author, Speaker

Animals have always been drawn to Melinda as much as she's been drawn to them. Whether they were dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, or even reptiles, she rescued them, raised them and cared for them all throughout her youth. It was only natural for her to wind up working at her first veterinary clinic in 1995.

Over the years, Melinda was privileged to work with holistic and integrative veterinarians, some who even specialized in more uncommon pets such as birds and reptiles, as well as the President of the Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association at the time. The knowledge and unique skills she developed (even placing IV catheters in birds) offered her some extraordinary opportunities, but after 10 years, her heart led her to begin a different journey.

Opening The Pines Pet Pampering in 2005 allowed Melinda to continue working in a professional pet care capacity, but with the freedom to be able to love and deeply care for pets in a more leisurely and indulgent way. 

Already having a deep understanding of canine and feline behavior, dermatology, and overall wellness, Melinda was able to excel at professional pet grooming by applying holistic methods. Taking the time to intuitively bond and connect with animals before grooming them, helped to identify their individual needs and tailor each grooming experience. 

Melinda also extensively studied and graduated with certification in both Human and Animal Aromatherapy, as well as product formulation. Over the years, with her other company Melinda's Naturals, she was able to formulate and produce wholesome products for humans as well as their canine companions!  When she has time, one of her favorite things to make is handmade cold process soap (which you can find in our boutique, seasonally). Melinda also makes our monthly Spa Package Moisture Wrap, and our paw balm!

Manager of Operations, Chief of Belly Rubs

Lonnie is Melinda's husband and although his expertise is in Music Education, he's been an invaluable part of The Pines Pet Pampering since its inception in 2005.

Throughout the years, even while working full time as a High School Band Director, he's always been a huge presence whether for maintenance issues, technical issues, or helping with boarding rounds.

Lonnie retired in 2024, after 28 years as a Music Educator, and he's been able to be present full time at The Pines Pet Pampering ever since then.

He helps manage the facility and although he wears many different hats, the most valuable one is being a best pal to all the pets at our facility, every single day.

Lonnie loves every dog, and every dog loves Lonnie (especially if there are treats or belly rubs involved)!

Spa & Salon Manager, Senior Professional Pet Stylist

Chelsey has been an instrumental part of The Pines Pet Pampering family since 2012.

She leads the holistic grooming team and also pitches in managing other areas of the facility and staff whenever needed.

With a background as a veterinary nurse, just like Melinda, Chelsey made the switch to grooming with a strong focus on wellness. She’s worked at several grooming salons, including a big box chain, but her heart always wanted a place where the dogs’ well-being comes first—without the pressure to rush through the process.

Finding a truly holistic grooming salon was tough until she connected with Melinda and joined The Pines Pet Pampering!

Since then, Chelsey has been an amazing part of the team! She’s always eager to learn more about holistic grooming and is constantly growing her skills every day.

She reflects the same care, attention to detail, and high standards that The Pines Pet Pampering is proud of because her top priority has always been—and will always be—the health and happiness of every pet that walks through the doors. We are fortunate to call her family!

Senior Professional Pet Stylist

Roberta has been a cherished member of The Pines Pet Pampering family since 2013.

Before moving to Texas, she spent 22 years grooming in her home state of Illinois. When she made the move, she was on the hunt for a top-tier, upscale salon that truly puts dogs first!

Her own words said it best: "I’ve always said I work for the dog, not the human." She was drawn to The Pines Pet Pampering’s holistic grooming style and was excited to learn new skills, even with her many years of experience. She’s truly one of a kind, and joining our team was a perfect fit!

Roberta’s talents go beyond grooming—she has a designer’s eye and an artist’s touch, making her an incredible pet stylist! Plus, she’s a fashion enthusiast who loves fine art.

We feel so lucky to have Roberta as part of The Pines Pet Pampering family!

Junior Professional Pet Stylist

Kailee has been a valued member of The Pines Pet Pampering team since 2023.

She joined us with enthusiasm to embark on a new journey in holistic grooming, following her experience as a bather and groomer in training.

Throughout her time at The Pines, Kailee has undergone comprehensive training in canine anatomy, dermatology, behavior, energy work, and specialized handling techniques for dogs with unique requirements.

Excelling in holistic grooming demands patience, consistent practice, and commitment—qualities Kailee has consistently demonstrated. She also participates periodically in our doggie daycare program to further refine her understanding of canine behavior.

Recently, she has been honing her scissoring techniques, and we are proud to have her as part of our team!

Pet Care Supervisor

Noah officially joined the team in 2014 as a high school student, starting with full-time summer work. Having grown up around The Pines Pet Pampering since he was just 8 years old—being Melinda and Lonnie’s son—it was natural for him to develop a deep understanding of canine and feline behavior, as well as the general care of most household pets.

Over the years, Noah learned the operations of The Pines Pet Pampering, gaining experience in every department and mastering the nuances of pet care.

He remained an integral part of the team until 2020, when he decided to pursue a different career path. His absence was deeply felt by the staff and clients alike.

After five years away, the team was overjoyed to welcome Noah back in 2025 as Pet Care Supervisor. Since his return, his practical skills, invaluable knowledge, and natural abilities have been a tremendous asset, greatly enhancing the quality of care we provide to every pet.

Pet Care Attendant

Sadie is a valued member of our Pet Care Team, bringing with her a strong passion for canine behavior and training!

Her primary goal has been to gain hands-on experience working with dogs while continuing her studies in Search and Rescue (SAR) dog training. This specialized training requires patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

Sadie's calm and relaxed demeanor provides a solid foundation for working effectively with dogs of all temperaments. She particularly enjoys practicing leadership skills with the doggie daycare group, helping to foster a positive and structured environment for the pets.

The Pines Pet Pampering is proud to have Sadie as part of the team, where her dedication greatly enhances the care and well-being of every pet in our facility.