Meet Our Staff

Dogs and other various assorted furry creatures have always been a part of my life. My family adopted a golden retriever puppy when I was five, and during her long life she became much more like my sister than a pet. Currently my fiance and I are the proud parents of two cats, who we openly call our "substitute for kids." It's no surprise then that over the years I've ended up working for several dog-walking and pet care services, both in my hometown of Washington, DC and here in Chicago. Simply put, I enjoy it. I enjoy being around dogs and cats, I enjoy getting to know them, I enjoy playing with them and taking care of them. Getting paid for it is just an added bonus.

Alex B.

Hi my name is Jessica! I recently moved to Chicago from San Francisco. I’m thrilled to be out here for the summer but I knew I was going to be missing the company of my family’s black lab, Bear. I’m lucky to have found an outlet where I get to walk and care for all types of dogs and I can’t wait to start walking your pups!

Jessica J.

Since I was a little girl, I have been in love with dogs. Over the years, I have moved numerous times with my family, so, we were unable to give the proper time and care to a furry little pet of our own. Thankfully, my friends were able to have dogs, and I was able to spend my time and give my love to them. Eventually, I considered them a part of my family. I am excited to have finally settled in Chicago and am honored to be a part of the Windy City Paws team! I look forward to caring for your furry friends!

Nicole O.

I moved to Chicago in 2010 from Atlanta and I love it more and more each day. It is such an amazing city and a great place for a dog. My love for animals has led me to my career path in zoology. As a student, I am flexible with my time. I love being outside even in the winter. When I have free time, I try to get to the zoo. It is my favorite place in the city. I am so happy to be working with Windy City and I can't wait to spend time with the pups!

Cynthia B.

Born and raised in St. Louis, I have always been surrounded by animals. My dad was very much against getting a dog, but he caved when given the opportunity to rescue a cocker spaniel mix named Trixie. She was a wonderful dog and my love for animals just intensified when she became a part of our family. A few years later we adopted a beagle named Sophie. I moved to Chicago 4 years ago to pursue a degree in Accounting at Loyola. It was quite an adjustment leaving Sophie at home; this city gets pretty lonely if you don't have a furry friend! That is why I am so excited to be joining Windy City Paws. I promise I will care for your furry loved ones as if they were my own!

Lauren M.

I grew up on a small animal sanctuary in Pennsylvania, and from an early age was taught to love and care for dogs, cats, and many other animals.  Whether a litter of kittens, a stray dog, a rescued farm animal, or orphaned wildlife, I learned that each animal is an individual, with his or her own needs, interests, and joys.  I have volunteered at a kangaroo sanctuary in Australia, a home for wild birds in New Zealand, a farm sanctuary in upstate New York, as well as a dog walker at my local humane society.  After many years working full time for non-profit animal protection organizations doing advocacy and outreach, I am excited to again be able to work directly with animals doing dog walks, cat visits, and pet sits with Windy City Paws!

Heather P.

A Chicago native and raised on the north side along side an incredibly loving Chow-Shepard mix. Honey taught me that being outdoors is extremely important and animals are our companions on this adventure. From Portland Oregon back to Chicago I've come accustomed to caring for dogs and cats in community based housing with room mates over the past 5 years. I look forward to making sure your pup is well cared for and gets a great walk!

Alex R.

I'm an outdoors kind of guy through and through. Born and raised in rural Wisconsin, I've spent the majority of my life out in nature and among animals. Some of my earliest memories are of spending time with our golden retriever Jake: my family camping on the shores of Lake Superior with him burrowed in my tent, or playing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, watching him go ankle deep in the water before getting scared and running back to me. I've had many great dogs since him, up until I moved down to the city a few years back and found that I couldn't have animals in my apartment. It's a bummer; but I love that I still get a chance to interact and take care animals by working for Windy City Paws. It's like bringing a little bit of the wild into the city with me.

Joe Z.

Taking care of animals has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a rural community in Illinois where I had 3 golden retrievers and a surplus of cats. Four years ago I moved to Chicago to pursue a degree in Film at Columbia College, which I received in December. Living in the city without a pet of my own, I have realized how much I need animals in my daily life! Other than taking care of animals, I enjoy making documentary films, hiking, biking, exploring and just being outdoors as much as possible.

Alexis Z.

Hey, my name is Megan and I am a huge animal lover. I have two dogs of my own. A beagle named Bella and a poodle mixed name Roscoe and they are my babies. I have been working with dogs and other animals for over three years now and it has become one of my favorite things to do. I have done everything from watching them overnight to training them. I am so happy that Windy City Paws is allowing me to keep working with these great animals and doing what I love.

Megan O

Born and raised in Rhode Island, I grew up in a family that loved animals. The best memories of my childhood are those when my house was filled with pets. At one point we had two dogs and two cats! I have recently moved to Chicago and go to school at DePaul University. Since moving here, I have had the company of a newly adopted Kitty named Leopold. I am excited to be able to help take care of animals of all ages. In addition to work I enjoy painting and staying active by playing hockey. With Love and Exercise, I will make sure your animal leads a happy, healthy, and active life.

Jonny W.

As a junior at Depaul, the hardest part of being away from home has been being away from my Maltese, Kingston. Spending time hanging out and walking with your dog will give me the taste of home that I have been missing. I can't wait to get to know your pets!

Alexis T.

Hello all! Ever since I was a child I would always try to help animals in any way I could. I love giving animals the love and companionship they deserve. Whenever I get that sad puppy or kitty face I melt; I think our cat (Marley) feels that from me. She is our only animal we have....For now :-) She is 6 years old and we've had her since she was 6 weeks old. She feels safe with us and lets us take her for walks outside. Her idea of an outside walk is really her laying across my shoulders. I would be lost without her. It is an honor to be able to say I get to spend my days with animals and make them feel safe. I treat every animal as if they're my own. I couldn't ask for a better career.

Adam B.

Growing up in Boston my house was always full of animals. When I was younger we had Doberman pinschers, in high school we got a Shih Tzu, and the entire time there were at least two cats in our house. Big or small, young or old, I love all dogs and Chicago is such a great place for them. I moved here in 2009 and was thrilled to see so many people out playing with their dogs or letting them run free in dog parks. I know how much your pets mean to you and will always take very good care of them.

Adam C.

My name is Adam! I’m currently a senior at Columbia College and have lived in Chicago’s South Loop for nearly four years. Originally from a small town, outside of Buffalo, New York, I have truly missed interacting with dogs on a day-to-day basis. While greyhounds are my favorite breed, I have a soft spot for all dogs and simply cannot wait to meet yours! The interaction between man and dog is one of the most fascinating relationships I’ve ever observed and that’s exactly what I adore about the canine crew! People need dogs just as much as dogs need people! I can’t wait to walk YOUR dog!

Adam K.

I have always loved dogs. When I was a kid, a Dalmatian ran away and my sister and I were so excited to welcome him into our home until his family found him. I remember being heart broken when he left us. Ever since then, my love for dogs and cats grew. I grew up with cats, and in Junior High, Kelsey the Great Dane joined our family. Since Kelsey’s passing, Sophie the Border Collie found her way into my life and heart. Sophie is truly my best friend. I am very excited to make sure your dog is happy and healthy while you are out!

Allie V.

I am, “over the moon,” that I get the chance to spend the summer hanging out with, and caring for, dogs, and pets; what could be better than that? My love affair with man’s best friend began when I was blessed with Sadie as a little girl. Sadie was the “Marley” of the family, a Lhasa Apso, and she was as headstrong and stubborn as she could get. We constantly joked that she thought she was a person because she could watch TV like no human I’d ever met and would know each and every time a dog was on the screen even if it never barked. While she never would have won any obedience competitions, she had the best personality ever and I miss her dearly. I’ve since been designated “favorite aunt” to my sister and brother-in-law’s new puppy Willie, a Shih Tzu, whom I visit as often as possible and love taking to the dog park and dreaming of top-notch obedience schools for him to attend.

Berit G.

I didn’t grow up with too many animals in my household—my mom is allergic to cats and dogs, they were always pushed to the back burner with three little kids running around. All through my high school years my dad talked about getting a dog but never did. I was super bummed when he decided to finally get one, a golden retriever named Gus, the summer before I moved away to college. Not only did I feel replaced, but I wouldn’t get to be involved with raising him. Six months later, my family decided to adopt Lily, a Chihuahua/Jack Russell terrier mix, and even though I don’t get to live with them, I love them both dearly and have developed a huge love for dogs of all shapes and sizes. I love working for Windy City Paws because, not only is it helpful for me to not miss my dogs so much, I can also help make sure your pet stays happy and healthy.

Betsy M.

I have spent my whole life around animals. I have trained guide dogs, fostered baby kittens, and volunteered at several shelters. Throughout the years, I've had 5 dogs and 11 cats. Now that I'm going to school at DePaul, I miss my furry friends; especially my Golden Doodle. I'm excited to have this position as a dog walker and pet sitter!

Carolyn S.

I have had pets since I was a child and have always had a love of animals. Though I grew up with cats, I always made sure to play at the houses with dogs. As an adult, my love of animals has only increased. I have my own two cats, Charlie & Cody, whom I adore greatly. I have spent the last four years walking dogs and caring for them. I have experienced the joy of helping shelter animals at PAWS and can't imagine a better feeling than giving myself to the cats and dogs in need of companionship and adoration. Joining Windy City Paws will give me the opportunity to give my love, attention, and affection to the dogs I walk and the cats I visit. I am thrilled to be part of this company and can't wait to be part of your pets' day.

Elana C.

I grew up with lots of animals, but never a cat or dog due to allergies and building restrictions. I've certainly tried to make up for it as an adult! I've helped foster and re-home well over a hundred cats and dogs, from bottle feeding and socializing orphaned kittens to teaching dogs basic manners to assisting with medical care, I have tons of experience in different aspects of animal care and love it. I am dedicated to treating your companions as the family members they are and can't wait to meet them!

Emelda K.

I've always been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember. Growing up with cats, dogs, amphibians and fish has always made it easy to relate to animals, so pet care was a natural step. I worked at dog daycares for a few years, working my way up to Senior Kennel Coordinator and earning my PCSA (Pet Care Technician certification). Working with great rescues like Best Friends and Greyhounds Only, really showed me how a little compassion can go a long way. I currently live with a dog, a cat, a bunny and a gecko; I just love animals!

Eric S.

Growing up in rural Missouri, with a pet-loving family, I had no choice but to be surrounded by animals. Throughout my childhood we were never without at least one dog and a handful of cats. We also had a few less conventional pets from time to time, such as a chicken, a pig, and at one point, a pigeon with a broken wing that followed me home from school. I always loved all these animals and I can't wait to meet your pets to share some of the same love with them!

Jake C.

I grew up on a farm where I was around lots of animals. We had four dogs and eight cats as well as other farm animals. I have been dog walking and pet sitting for family and friends for over five years. I enjoy the outdoors and just being around animals.

Janice C.

I have been an animal lover from day one. When I was growing up, we always had cats and dogs, and so when I went away to school, I always missed them terribly. When I finally graduated and got my own apartment, I brought my two cats Cosmo and Sawyer with me from home. They have followed me from St. Louis, to Charleston, S.C., to Chicago. I have worked with animals over the past couple years, either in pet stores or by volunteering at shelters and with animal activist organizations. I am thrilled to be working for Windy City Paws because I will get the chance to meet new dogs and cats and spend my day with them!

Jessica S.

Growing up in a very small rural town about thirty miles west of Aurora, I have always been surrounded by dogs. Whether it was my yellow Lab, Clarence, who would join my sister and me on our daily adventures around the farm, or Baxter, our black Lab, who seemed very content chasing cars as they drove by, dogs have always been a big part of our family. Now, having recently moved to Chicago, I am very excited to join Windy City Paws and continue having dogs be a big part of my life, while enjoying the adventures of the city!

Martha M.

I’ve had a fondness for animals and nature my whole life, but my family never had animals in the house, despite years of begging my mom to get a cat. I was born in India and taught to respect all living beings, grew up in New Jersey since age 6 (and ate a lot of hamburgers), became vegetarian in high school, and another decade later, after moving to Chicago a few years ago, became vegan. I’ve since become active in animal rescue work, fostering dogs and cats in my home, and I also work to support local farm animal sanctuaries. I want to help all animals live long, happy, healthy lives, and that’s what motivates me in the work I do every day.

Minku S.

The companionship of great pets is something that I have always been fortunate to have. The amount of laughs and smiles that I can attribute to them would be impossible to count. As with all the laughs and smiles there have also been tears shed as well, because the joy of having a loving pet is equally matched by the sadness we share when we lose a loved one and friend. I have never considered a pet as anything less than a family member, and I will always assume that you do as well. The thought of anyone’s pet not getting the care that they all deserve should be something that makes all of us who love animals want to help. I can honestly say that I benefit by being able to spend time with your wonderful pets and I enjoy every second of it! So thank you for that opportunity! Enjoy, and I hope to see you and your pet soon.!

Patrick M.

Growing up with cats, dogs, hamsters, fish and the occasional tarantula, I've always been partial to animals. I believe they bring pure happiness and unconditional love to our lives. I'm a native Chicagoan who recently moved back from California, along with my husband and our two meowy, kitty kids, Olli & Ox. One day we'd love to adopt a rescue racetrack greyhound! After over a decade working in academia, I left my day job to focus on my own small business, Clark & Diversey. This allows me the freedom to be my own boss, make my own schedule and best of all, work with animals. I'm ecstatic to join the Windy City Paws gang and spend time with your furry family member!

Stephanie F.

My family dog-sat when I was growing up. So, I have memories of Kimber, a black lab, who liked to sing along with my trumpet, Moose, who briefly fell into a pond trying to impress a lady, and Willow, who liked to run around on her three legs. My grandparents owned collies, and my brother has a Malamute named Shyla. I volunteer at PAWS. There's something wonderful about spending time around dogs because they are so alive with emotions you can relate to; especially their happiness and warmth.

Thomas E.

Growing up we always had critters around the house: rescued/adopted cats and dogs, the gold fish we won at the carnival and that one time I just had to have a lizard. At some point when I was young I wanted to be a pet psychologist but thought that was just a job I made up. So, I stuck with art and sports, which I still do today. I play on a women’s rugby team and am an adult non-traditional student studying Wellness Promotion and Entrepreneurial studies. I have always seen the important value that pets bring to our lives, filling them with joy and teaching us lessons about being loving and lovable. I will expand my love and care to include your pet loved ones and we’ll both have great times on the walks and during playtime or while you are away.

Tracey M.

I am a 29 year old New Jersey native. I moved to Chicago about a year and a half ago. I've been around dogs and cats all my life and I love being around them and taking care of them. I've had a few pets in my life while growing up but the one I remember the most was my cat, Joy. He was the sweetest cat ever and I miss him very much. I am very excited to be working for Windy City Paws and I know it will be a great experience for me and the dogs as well.

Tracy W.