03/12/2026
We have a very sad announcement to make, and there’s no gentle way to make it. The Pet Pros Family has suffered a heartbreaking loss: Groomer, Brad Richard, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this past weekend. Brad was a fixture at Pet Pros….a gifted groomer, a trusted friend to so many people (and their pets), a country boy from North Carolina with a lifetime full of diverse experiences. He was a US Navy veteran, a former mental health worker, a trained aesthetician and a master groomer (among other things). He had friends in all walks of life, a heart as big and generous as any heart you’ve ever known, a clear-eyed tough realist with a tender side and a mystical streak, and a head jam-packed full of “useless information” (his words) that was actually mostly really helpful tidbits of knowledge. He was operating his groom shop out of Pet Pros before it was Pet Pros….so he has been with us every step of the way from day one. His absence is keenly felt and hurts a lot.
Brad’s assistant groomer, Stephanie Crytzer, is stepping up to help reschedule and accommodate as many of Brad’s grooming clients as possible. It is likely the phone number for “Brad’s Dog Grooming” will be disconnected later this month. Your best bet for contacting our grooming department right now is to text Stephanie directly at 321-586-7236. We will keep you informed as things slowly take shape, and we’ll pass along any information we receive from Brad’s family about a memorial service, etc. In the meantime, please keep Brad and everyone who loved Brad in your prayers.
One final note: the little black kitten in the photo with Brad had totally stolen his heart and was his pride and joy. Brad - who was allergic to cats and had sworn off pets after he lost his last 2 dogs - was driving to work one day when someone in a pickup truck in front of him at the intersection of US1 and SR520 threw this kitten out of the truck and onto the busy highway. Brad stopped his car, stopped all traffic, and rescued the kitten who was only 3 or 4 weeks old. He only meant to do a good deed, but fell in love with her by the end of the day. She is now about 6 months old, has all vaccinations and was recently spayed. We would love to see her go to a home with someone who knew and loved the only daddy she’s ever known. Please let us know if you have room in your home and heart to adopt her. I know Brad would be very grateful. ❤️
