Valerie
General Manager
Valerie is a Texas native transplanted in Boston with 15 years in client services. She has a B.S. in Marketing Communications from Emerson College (Boston, MA) and also attended Smith College (Northampton, MA). In former lives, Valerie worked in healthcare, disaster relief and motor vehicle accident claims. Her hobbies include visiting Mexican restaurants, Zumba, and volunteering in the community. Both Valerie and her husband are the proud pet parents of two rescued shih tzu-poodles, Xuxa and Tasha.
Samantha
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Samantha is from Boston born and raise. Since she was young she always had a passion for animals, growing up with a dog was only the start. She always wanted to be a veterinarian, with her ability to calm even the most anxious of dogs. Having a dog of her own has made her passionate for rescuing animals and hopes to pursue her love for dog training!
Kayla
Dog Handler/Sitter
Kayla grew up in Medford, Massachusetts always around dogs. Her grandparents, aunts, and uncles all had dogs until she finally got her own dog when she was seven. One day her parents got her a little black chihuahua that she named Luna and since then her love for dogs just kept growing. Raising Luna made her realize that pets are truly part of the family and being able to work with dogs every day is like a dream come true.
Taghi Shaw
Operational Director
Originally from California, Taghi has been living in Massachusetts for the last 15 years. He holds an Associate’s degree from the New England Institute of Art. Growing up as the eldest sibling, he was responsible for caring for his family pets in addition to his siblings. He understood early on how pets are family members too. In former lives, Taghi worked in the financial sector and real estate. Currently, Taghi and his family have a happy American Bulldog- Pitbull Mix, Elliot. In his spare time he enjoys family get togethers, BBQ’s and attending art exhibits.
Ariana
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Born and raised in Massachusetts. I have always had a strong passion for animals especially dogs! I have a pit rescue and a puggle. I’m currently enrolled in college and plan to get a Bachelors Degree in Business. One day I plan to open up my own pet Hotel! In my free time I love to hangout with family, friends, and do outdoor activities.
Taylor
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Taylor was born and raised in Massachusetts, and looks forward to one day moving out West with his sister in Arizona. He grew up with a cat and a pug, and has always had a love for animals! During his free time he likes to read, listen to old records and spend his time outdoors.
Andrew
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Andrew was born in Brookline and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He served in the U.S. Peace Corps in South Africa from 2011 to 2013. He brought back two dogs from his village, Maatla (left), which means “strong” in Sotho, and Chanda, a name he got from the movie “Life, Above All.” They are sweet, if high energy, dogs that are good for both running and cuddling with. Andrew has a degree in journalism from Elon University and has experience in photography, which he may use to take portraits of animals one day.
Elizabeth
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Elisabeth grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts where her love for art and animals first began. She is extremely passionate about Africa’s wildlife and it’s conservation and will soon return to continue her work to help it’s wildlife thrive. She also runs a blog aimed at bringing awareness and education to wildlife conservation. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outside, read, eat, and go to the theatre!
Rodrigo
Dog Handler/Sitter
I am originally from Guatemala, I lived there for 15 years before moving to Massachusetts. I currently live in Everett Ma and enjoy being so close to Boston. I have always loved dogs and owned/ trained 4 in my lifetime. I currently have a three-year old Bernese Mountain dog who loves to go to the beach and run into the ocean. One day I hope to become an owner of a pet hotel.