Corrine Lynch collected first in salon freestyle, best in group and was third in the the novice B Oodle Cup at the Melbourne Pet Grooming Championships in late July.

Her winning groom was an “Asian-fusion style” groom, which was “a nice round face, really exaggerated muzzle and flared legs”. 

Mrs Lynch said she “burst into tears” when she realised the judge was awarding her best in group. 

“I was just trying to comfort [Candy], then everyone started clapping and cheering,” Mrs Lynch said.

Mrs Lynch had never entered a competition and praised her friend for encouraging her to enter. 

“People like Jodie and Isla at [a fellow grooming business] have been beautiful and supportive, always,” she said.

“Since [the competition] my clients, the messages, the phone calls, the cards all congratulating me; that is actually nicer than the award itself.”