Cleveland's Racecar Driving Dog Groomer Celebrates Nine Years of Awards and a Happy Reunion Between Pet and Owner

MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — For nearly two decades, Bonnie Swirsky has transformed her passion for animals into a thriving business and a cornerstone of her community. As the owner of Canine Castle Grooming, she has built a reputation that stretches far beyond her salon walls, earning trust and loyalty from Cleveland’s pet owners. This year, Swirsky celebrated an extraordinary achievement: being named Google’s "Top Rated Groomer" for the ninth consecutive year.

“I am very proud to say I just received my plaque for the 9th year in a row as top rated groomer with Google!” Swirsky shared on Canine Castle’s Facebook page. “This is my favorite year as they used the pic of my girls on this year’s plaque. Thank you to my wonderful clientele for keeping the momentum year after year.”

Clients and their pets don’t just visit Canine Castle for grooming; they come for Swirsky’s warmth, dedication, and unmatched care. It’s these qualities that have also made her an unexpected hero in reuniting lost pets with their families.

Just as it's happened on countless occasions prior, on January 9th, when a dog named Maya went missing outside Swirsky’s salon, she sprang into action, posting details and pleas for help on Facebook. "Please help me come home!" she wrote, describing Maya and urging the community to keep an eye out. Her relentless advocacy kept hope alive. By Wednesday, Maya was found, thanks to a local resident who spotted her, took a photo, and messaged Swirsky.

“She’s home, thank God!” Swirsky announced, sharing a photo of Maya in her owner’s arms. Reflecting on the countless pets she’s helped reunite over the years, Swirsky said humbly, “I couldn’t even tell you the number. It happens quite often. You put the word out, somebody sees something, and they find their way home.”

Swirsky’s compassion extends far beyond her business. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Workmen’s Circle Educational Center of Ohio, a 125-year-old nonprofit focused on social justice and community education. Through this role, she champions causes close to her heart, from advocacy to grassroots organizing.

Her boundless energy fuels another passion: cars. Swirsky is a fixture in the world of Nissan and Datsun Z cars, a hobby she’s turned into a community effort through the Cleveland Z Club, which she founded in 1999. Whether racing her customized 1991 Nissan 300ZX or organizing events like the club’s annual "Tech Day," Swirsky finds joy in connecting with others who share her enthusiasm.

In 2022, she shared her dual passions for dogs and cars on the Cleveland 13 series Cleve-It To Us. The episode followed Swirsky as she groomed her furry clients and sped off to a Z Club gathering, showcasing the unique intersections of her life.

Amid all these endeavors, Swirsky still finds time to give back in personal ways, from offering free pet photos with Santa to answering tough questions for worried pet parents. Her clients often describe her as more than a groomer. To them, she’s a friend, a guide, and an advocate.

“She’s the heart of this community,” one client said. “We’re lucky to have her.”