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.
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.
Trevor
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Born and raised in Ohio, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for animals big and small. Over the course of my life I’ve helped raise three dogs (a golden retriever named Ike, a cocker spaniel named Mackenzie, and a black lab named Katie) and if a friend ever needs someone to help look after a pet, I’m always happy to lend a hand. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Ohio State University and have held positions as a constituent and legislative aide with both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. Eventually, I plan to return to school to study for a Master of Arts in Public History. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exploring new places, and catching up on current events.
Emma
Dog Handler/Sitter
I’m from Medfield, Massachusetts currently living in Boston for college. I grew up with a Bichon Frise named Babe and a yellow lab named Mac and am a dog person at heart. I love all types of animals and have been part of 4H club for sheep in high school for two years as well as volunteering at the Medfield Animal Shelter for 3 years as well. I am experienced with all types of animals and excited to work with any animal. My dream is to be able to adopt as many pets as possible and give them a loving home when I move into my own place.
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.
Olivia
Field Coordinator
Olivia was born and raised in Connecticut where she grew up near her family’s farm. Her love of animals only grew as she took care of farm animals and family pets. She has a bachelor’s degree in History from Central Connecticut State University where she graduated last Spring. She has a passion for playing instruments, sports, cooking, and being outdoors. Her border collie/ black lab mix named Max takes up most of her time at home where she walks him off-leash along the Connecticut river. The freedom of being out in nature with her pup is something she feels is irreplaceable.
Noelle
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Noelle Maldonado grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago. She’s been living in Boston for two years now and has always marveled at the beauty of the dogs all around the city. She is extremely passionate about all animals, especially dogs. She sees animals just as she sees humans, as living things worthy of being loved. Noelle is an amateur filmmaker/photographer with a passion for art. In her spare time she enjoys watching sunsets and cooking.
Shelby
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
I am originally from Bar Harbor, Maine. Growing up in a national park as my backyard got me in touch with nature. During my childhood, my mother would rescue dogs from the area or anywhere from Maine from abusive or neglect and bring them into our loving home where we would raise them and give them the best life they deserved. From this experience, at a young age my passion for animals started and as I enter my young adult years the passion has grown immensely. I hope to enter the animal care field and provide the love, care, and respect all animals deserve! In my spare time, I like to spend time with my friends usually somewhere outside, such as at the beach, boats, hiking or watching the sunset.
Rodrigo
Transportation Coordinator
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.
Christian
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
Christian has had a passion for animals all his life. He never met an animal he didn’t get along with. Additionally, he has a variety of experience working with diverse pet personalities and even rescues. Kindness, patience and consistency in routine go a long way in pet services. Originally from the Boston area, he spent some time out in Florida and decided Boston is his true home. The weather may be different, but the culture and people of the city are incomparable. In his spare time he loves baseball, good company of friends and his ultimate hobby, working on cars.
Mary
Dog Handler/Sitter
Having grown up in Northern Michigan on a small family farm, interaction with animals of all shapes and sizes is nothing new for Mary. From a young age, she grew to love animals, the outdoors and photography. Mary has been involved with training horses to ride and to drive and has nursed lambs back from the brink of death. With a childhood filled with many hours of outdoor adventures, including trips to the beach, playing soccer and nature photography, Mary has always lived an active lifestyle. Continuing to live an active lifestyle was important in choosing what type of work to pursue, so combining her love for animals, photography and the great outdoors is a dream.
Victoria
Senior Dog Handler/Sitter
I was born and raised in Wakefield MA and have loved animals my whole life. I’ve volunteered for the MSPCA as well as Mass Audubon and worked for them taking care of their various animals. I currently own two ferrets and a hedgehog and am planning on getting a dog as soon as I get a new place!