GROOMING IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Kimball as Gretchen Green, owner of Gretchen's Grooming, hosted a Groom-A-Thon fundraiser for a family.

Gretchen said, "I wanted to make sure those kids have a Christmas. I know how hard it is to not have their mom."

On Saturday, Dec. 11, Gretchen and her assistants held a fundraiser for the Tom Milhollin family. Tom's wife, Destaney, 29, died on Nov. 9 from a pulmonary embolism. According to Gretchen, she leaves behind her husband Tom, seven children, and three grandchildren ranging from ages 10-24.

When Gretchen announced her intention of having a Groom-A-Thon for the family, the appointments were taken in a 24 hour time period.

Beginning at 7 a.m. and concluding at 7 p.m., Gretchen, Koye Knicely, Andrea Harroun, and Wendy Held bathed, dried, brushed, clipped, cleaned ears, cut toenails and brushed teeth for 29 dogs. When asked if they were tired, Gretchen said, "Twelve hours solid on your feet, heck ya, shoulders, hands, calves hurt so bad Sunday."

The customers included Dozer, a big muscular black and white pit bull, along with Tucker, Sheldon, Arlo, Cooper, Princess and many others.

The foursome groomed everything, including Doodles, labs, St. Bernards, bulldogs, huskies, and Zeva, a nervous little miniature border collie/blue heeler.

Gretchen shared that "Tom and the kids came by and gathered up the money and we got hugs and thank yous from the kids and him, lots of tears from them."

In a heartfelt response, Tom Milholin said he didn't know what he could have done if he hadn't lived in Kimball, everyone has been so amazing and supportive including the school.

He said, "I don't really have words for everything that Kimball has done," and he continued with "Gretchen is amazing."