Jill Fraser has been passionate about dogs her whole life, grooming her first one at age 10 when she decided her aunt's cocker spaniel could use an upgrade.

Since then, she's pursued a career around dogs, showing breeds at 16 after leaving Spokane for California on her own, then getting into the grooming business in Portland, Oregon that year when she worked for a veterinarian as the boarding and grooming manager, she says.

"I know what dogs are supposed to look like, regardless if it's a show cut, farm cut, a field cut," she says. "And it's just ... a passion."

Fraser worked for Humane Society chapters in Oregon and even got involved with some investigations of crimes against animals. She can tell you of one operation where 50 dogs were held in horrific conditions. "You'll never forget the smell," she says, but somebody has to take care of those abused animals. She notes with pride that every one of them was found a home.

Fraser opened her own business as a breeder and dog shower for 13 years, then got divorced and moved to Kennewick to work for the Benton-Franklin Humane Society for two years.

Then she got a call from her sister, Shelly Rushton, who lives in Coulee City, asking "if I wanted my dream job back," Frazer says.

That's how she came to the Grand Coulee Veterinary Clinic, where she's now grooming dogs.

And it all started with an understanding aunt and a first attempt on a cocker spaniel that turned out pretty well.

• If you know of someone somewhat new to the area, let us introduce him or her in "One of Us." Email The Star at star@grandcoulee.com or call 509-633-1350.