Amy F.

Amy is from the suburb of Carol Stream and moved to Chicago in 2017! Amy has owned and rescued animals her entire life including hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, dogs, cats, and horses! Growing up, she had a border collie/ Shepard mix named Pepsi who lived 19 years! Amy had a Chihuahua named Kingston who passed recently and currently has a calico cat named Annie. If Amy were a dog, she feels she would be a Standard Poodle, as although they can be high maintenance they are also sweet and lovable! What she loves most about dog walking is they are always so happy to see you! The time you spend with them is literally the highlight of their day. Outside of dog walking, Amy is all about fashion, doing freelance fashion design, and has started her own line! What Amy loves most about animals is how each animal has a unique personality of its own!

Arelys J.

Arelys is a born and raised Chicago native! Growing up, Arelys has always been surrounded by animals. She has cared for cats, dogs, and even reptiles! In addition, Arelys has been working professionally with dogs for the past 11 years: Arelys had her own dog training business, worked at PetSmart as a dog trainer, was a dog behaviorist, and even worked at an animal shelter! Currently Arelys has a rescue Cane Corso, who although may look fierce, is actually the sweetest gentle girl in town! If Arelys were to be a dog, she would definitely be a Doberman: she is protective, fearless, energetic, and confident! What Arelys loves most about walking dogs is being able to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy walking with all sorts of different dog breeds joining her! Outside of dog walking, Arelys does vocals for and manages her own metal band! She also enjoys going to concerts, doing artwork and crafts, and going on adventures outdoors with her dog. What Arelys loves most about animals is how beautiful and unique they all are!

Ashley L.

Ashley was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ashley grew up with several dogs and has always wanted a pup of her own but due to graduate school was unable to adopt one. Instead, Ashely took in a sweet Maine Coon name Ron Weasley! If Ashley were a dog, she feels she would definitely be a Golden Retriever. Ashley’s favorite thing about walking dogs is meeting the different pups and getting to know their quirks while exploring the city with them! Outside of dog walking Ashely is a theatre teaching artist and the Artistic Director of Kerfuffle, a theatre and dance company that creates performances exclusively for children under 6 years old and their families. What Ashley loves most about animals is how loving they can be when given a chance!

Beatriz G.

Beatriz is a Chicago native, and growing up she has always been surrounded by animals! Although Beatriz does not have a furry pet of her own currently, she does have a fish named Mr. Bleu! If Beatriz were to be a dog, she would definitely be a Cocker Spaniel due to their sweet and gentle nature. What Beatriz loves most about walking dogs is being able to bond with each dog and learning the unique differences in each of their personalities! Outside of dog walking, Beatriz enjoys making art, trying out new recipes, and watching Geoffrey Baer talk about Chicago’s history. What Beatriz loves most about animals is how expressive they are with their own feelings, and how intuitive they can be with our feelings as well!

Ben K.

Ben grew up in Waukesha, WI. His family has had dogs since before he was born. They’ve owned a Golden Retriever, a Cockapoo and a Goldendoodle. Currently, Ben owns a black cat named Wednesday. If he could be a dog he would be a Golden Retriever. Ben’s favorite part of dog walking is building relationships with so many different dogs. What he loves most about dogs is how honestly they express their emotions. In his spare time, Ben enjoys reading, making music, and watching movies. He also runs a gallery and performance space in Humboldt Park and teachs music lessons!

Dustin B.

Dustin is originally from Roscommon, MI! Dustin’s family has always had dogs growing up, and is currently caring for a sweet pup of his own. If Dustin were to be a dog, he would definitely be a Blue Heeler! What Dustin loves about dog walking is that he has an opportunity to be able to help care for animals and make sure that they are happy and healthy! Outside of dog walking, Dustin is currently applying to Masters programs, but as a film major he loves watching cinema or creating it. He also enjoys cooking for people! What Dustin loves most about animals is how they all have such unique personalities, and he enjoys getting to experience that!

Dylan W.

Dylan is a native Chicagoan from the Rogers Park area. He has volunteered at numerous animal shelters, caring for both dogs and cats, as well as taking care of the birds at the Knox College Biology department! Now he has a wonderful Black Lab named Night. If he were a dog, Dylan would be a Labrador like Night! His favorite part about walking dogs is seeing how much they enjoy being out and about, as well as helping them get the exercise they need. Outside of dog walking, Dylan enjoys reading, writing, and making funny videos for his friends. He hopes to make his own YouTube channel from his experiences with these videos! His favorite thing about animals is that they are honest and unafraid to express themselves.

Ella R.

Ella was born in Russia but moved to Chicago in 2017. Ella grew up in a family where animals played a huge role. Throughout Ella’s entire life, she was always accompanied by cats or dogs! Her grandfather was a huge dog lover and he had as many as 5 dogs at one time, in which she especially bonded closely with his St. Bernard Grisha. In Russia, Ella also volunteered to rescue and find homes for stray cats and dogs. When Ella moved to Chicago, she brought her cat Bucephalus with her! If Ella were to be a dog, she would undoubtedly be a St. Bernard: compassionate and a rescuer! What Ella loves most about walking dogs is being able to enjoy the outdoors with a canine companion! She loves being able to observer their behavior during these walks. Outside of dog walking, Ella practices yoga with her husband, and also enjoys photography and mosaic art! What Ella loves most about animals is their honesty and their understanding of simple happiness. Ella believes that animals make us better!

Garrett H.

Garrett moved to Chicago from Oklahoma City. He grew up with a Dachshund named Tipsy. If Garrett could be a dog, he would be a Boston Terrier. Just because they’re his favorite. What he loves most about walking dogs is getting to meet new dogs and becoming their friend. Outside of dog-walking, Garrett is an actor in the city. His hobbies include being a huge nerd in the subjects of Musical Theatre, vintage video games, and Arena Rock bands of the 70’s and 80’s.

Gary F.

Gary is originally from Santa Barbara, CA. He grew up with a chubby Dalmatian named Domino, and his handsome Siberian Husky named Yukon currently still lives with his parents in California. Gary has been walking dogs professionally for several years, and was WCP’s Walker Manager for over a year and a half before stepping down to focus on his acting career. If Gary could be a dog, he would be a Northern Inuit because at this point it seems like that’s the only way he’ll ever be on Game of Thrones. His favorite thing about walking dogs is getting to develop friendships with such amazing animals and watching how they grow, no matter their age. One of his favorite characteristics of dogs is their uncontrollable energy when they get excited; they never feel the need to play it cool. Outside of walking dogs, Gary is an actor, improviser, and guitarist around Chicago, and he enjoys regaling people with his theories about what’s going to happen next on Westworld.

Gus T.

Gus is originally from a farm in The Dalles, Oregon! Having grown up on a farm, Gus helped take care of many dogs, cats, goats, ducks, chickens, and horses. Gus’ parents are veterinarians who owned their own clinic, and Gus often helped them there growing up! While Gus was away from home, he also spent time volunteering as a walker for humane societies. If Gus were to be a dog, he would definitely be a Dachshund: long, goofy, and would just prefer to rest their back inside by the fire on a rainy day! What Gus loves most about walking dogs is being outdoors and having a canine companion along with them! Outside of dog walking, Gus is an actor, writer, teacher, and children’s parties entertainer. Gus loves being creative and having the opportunity to work with children as well! What Gus loves most about animals is their personalities! Gus loves getting to know animals and building relationships with them!

Isamar M.

Isamar is from Chicago and has been here since she was born! Growing up, Isamar had a pet rabbit and several birds. Currently, she has a dog named Paloma, two cats, and a few birds! If Isamar were to be a dog, she would either be a Basset Hound or a Bolognese! What Isamar loves most about walking dogs is being able to create a bond with the pups! She also loves seeing how excited the dogs get when they get to explore the outside world! Outside of dog walking, Isamar enjoys going to concerts, baking, reading, writing, and makeup artistry! What Isamar loves most about animals is their innocence and carefree nature!

Jen S.

Jen was born and raised right here in Chicago! She has spent much of her life caring for animals, and is currently the guardian to two adorable pups Spuds and Odie, as well as Meeko, an acrobatic grey tabby kitten. If Jen were a dog, she would be a Pembroke Welsh Corgi! When Jen isn’t walking dogs she enjoys watching reality tv, hiking, and supporting animal related causes. Her favorite thing about animals is that they are always living in the moment, and their ability to teach us simple yet beautiful life lessons.

Jonathan A.

Jonathan grew up in here in the Windy City with all manner of dogs! Currently Jonathan lives with his two pit mixes named Quentin and Lucy, his chihuahua named Chaparoo, and a cockatiel! If he were a dog, he would be a Labrador Husky mix. What Jonathan loves most about dog walking is seeing how excited they get before a dog walk and how they sniff around to explore their surroundings. In addition to walking dogs, Jonathan enjoys mentoring at his alma matter’s theatre and also likes to knit and crochet. What Jonathan loves most about animals is how sweet and loving they can be. He believes that animals can brighten up any day!

Justine R.

Justine is a Chicago native who grew up surrounded by 4-legged friends! From fostering to petsitting to volunteering at a Chicago animal shelter, Justine has done it all and is excited to care for your best friend as part of the Windy City Paws team. If Justine were a dog, she would be a Corgi! Her favorite thing about animals is how kind and accepting they are. She enjoys the opportunity to spend time in nature building relationships with some of the coolest pups in Chicago! When Justine isn’t busy walking dogs, you can find her performing at various venues throughout the city or hanging out with her adopted guinea pig, Bruce.

Katie H.

Katie is originally for North Carolina and has been living in Chicago for 15 years. Katie grew up with turtles, cats, and dogs of all sizes and temperaments! She has also cared for neighbors’ and coworkers’ dogs from Dachshunds to Newfoundlands. Katie currently has a rescue cat named Oregon and a turtle named Spike! If Katie had to be a dog, she feels she would best be represented by a German Shepherd mix as they are loyal, caring, and hardworking. Outside of walking dogs, Katie likes to spend her time writing, editing, cooking, and working on jigsaw puzzles! The thing she loves most about walking dogs is feeling their positive energy and getting to know their unique personalities. And lastly, the thing she loves most about animals, in general, is how empathetic they are and how attuned they are to the feelings of those around them.

Keith M.

Keith is originally from London, England! He grew up in a family of dog and cat owners. They always had dogs, or cats…and sometimes both! Keith currently owns two wonderful rescue cats… who make it apparent that he and his wife are living in “their Space “ (this is no more obvious then when sleeping, and they are squashed into one tiny corner of the bed)! If he could be a dog he would be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier! Keith’s favorite part of dog walking is spending time with the dogs, and getting to know their idiosyncrasies. What he loves most about animals is their different personalities, a trait you only get to notice, and appreciate, when you spend time with them. Keith is a musician, and also enjoys photography in his spare time.

Larkin S.

Larkin is originally from Ashland, Oregon but moved to Chicago in 2016 from New York. She grew up with both cats and dogs, all of which were rescues. Larkin frequently went on long walks and hikes with her dogs back home. Larkin currently owns two Domestic Short Hair cats named Piper and Max who are four and three years old respectively. If Larkin were to be a dog, she would probably be a Border Collie! What Larkin loves most about dog walking is the companionship that the dog provides and being able to see the joy dogs get when exploring the outside world! In addition to walking dogs, Larkin is a freelance dramaturg and she enjoys working on new scripts with playwrights. Larkin does her best to make help ensure the story the playwright wants to be telling is the story that is actually being told! Larkin also enjoys hiking, camping, and swing dancing on her free time! The thing Larkin loves most about animals is the comfort and companionship they provide.

Marianne S.

Marianne is from Mansfield, Texas. She had a cat when she was growing up, and later she lived with a blind poodle for a while in college. If she were a dog she would be a Bernese mountain dog, because they’re tall and super friendly! What Marianne loves about walking dogs is experiencing all the unconditional love. What she loves most about animals is that they are just so darn cute! In her spare time, Marianne enjoys reading, writing, and binging Netflix.

Masheika S.

Masheika is a Chicago native and grew up with cats. In addition though, Masheika has experience pet sitting (cats, dogs, and a bunny) and also dog walking! If Masheika were to be a dog, she would definitely be a Yorkie. What Masheika loves most about dog walking is knowing that she is providing pups with a much needed service and that the pups truly appreciate and enjoy this. Seeing the joy a dog has when they see you coming to take them out for a walk is very rewarding to Masheika! What Masheika loves most about animals is that they are always themselves and don’t worry about what others may think of them!

Melody K.

Melody is from Villa Park, Illinois, and is very familiar with the city! Melody has been a pet care specialist and dog walker for several years and she has always had pets of her own! Currently, Melody has a Pitbull mix named Mollee! If Melody were to be a dog, she would definitely be a Rat Terrier: energetic, loves to run, and isn’t always happy to be woken up! What Melody loves most about walking dogs is how happy the pooches get on their strolls throughout the neighborhood. It never fails to make her smile! Outside of dog walking, Melody loves going to music festivals and concerts with her boyfriend, traveling, riding roller coasters, reading, and enjoying our beautiful city! What Melody loves most about animals is the unconventional love they provide!

Michael B.

Michael is a recent transplant here in Chicago from sunny Sarasota, Florida. Michael graduated with a degree in theatre from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, and then moved to Chicago to pursue a career in performance art and theatre. He is the lucky best friend of a beautiful Australian Shepherd named Apache, who unfortunately due to traveling had to stay back home in Florida. They like to FaceTime each other though so it’s all good! If Michael were a dog, he would be a dachshund. His favorite thing about animals is the way they love unconditionally!

Morgan P.

Morgan is originally from Wellington, Ohio, but is now excited to call Chicago home! Growing up, Morgan cared for a Doberman Pinscher and also helped care for his grandfather’s dogs from time to time. If Morgan were to be a dog, he would definitely be a Siberian Husky: he loves the cold and he tends to throw himself deeply into his work! Morgan’s favorite thing about walking dogs is being able to make friends with the pups and people around him! Outside of dog walking, Morgan is busy acting and writing. He also does a lot of reading, drawing, and baking in his free time! What Morgan loves most about animals is how open and honest they are with their feelings!

Nancy P.

Nancy is from Chicago. Over the years, she has cat-sat for friends and has walked her neighbors’ dogs. Nancy currently owns a very spoiled Maltese-poodle dog! If she were a dog she would be a Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Nancy loves that she never knows what to expect from dogs. They do so many silly things that they always put a smile on her face and make her laugh every single time! It’s just a happy atmosphere with dogs! What she loves most about animals is their loyalty! In her spare time, Nancy enjoys reading cozy mystery novels, running marathons, and trying to learn other languages.

Nathan C.

Nathan is originally from St. Louis, but has called Chicago home for over a decade! Nathan grew up surrounded by animals and actually spent summers at horse camp. Although he does not have a pet of his own, he does share a home with an awesome Shih Tzu named Gizmo. If Nathan were to be a dog, he would be a West Highland Terrier! What Nathan loves most about walking dogs is getting to know each dog and their own personal traits. Outside of dog walking, Nathan is an active member of the Chicago theater community, performing in shows all over the city. He also started playing the ukulele recently! What Nathan loves most about animals is the unconditional love that they can provide!

Nathaniel F.

Nathaniel is originally from Boulder CO, but growing up he’s lived all over: Washington DC, Atlanta, Vietnam, and the Philippines! He’s lived with dogs and cats all his life. At home, he took care of two dogs, a Filipino mix and a chocolate Labrador. Nathaniel currently doesn’t have any pets as his apartment doesn’t allow them, but he hopes to have a dog or cat of his own in the near future! If he could be a dog he would be a standard Schnauzer: loyal, quick to learn, occasionally mischievous, and easily bored. What he enjoys about dog walking is how meditative it can be! Also, dogs are excellent listeners! What he loves most about animals is that they just need to be loved, pure and simple. It’s wonderfully uncomplicated, and they can remind us to be the most caring and loving version of ourselves. In his spare time, Nathaniel is an actor, yoga enthusiast, avid reader, and guitar player. He loves reading about spirituality, mythology (Joseph Cambell for the win!), classic plays, and graphic design.

Scott O.

Scott is originally from Pennsylvania but has lived in Chicago for the last 26 years. He had a dog, a Bichon Frisé, named Victor, as well as many cats throughout his life, named: Max, Sebastian, Bonkers, & Smokey. If Scott could be a dog he would be a Beagle. Scott’s favorite part of dog walking is how being with dogs is calming and is one of the best ways you can spend your time. They are the most loving and giving of all animals. What he loves most about animals are their happy souls. In his spare time, Scott enjoys acting and teaching as an adjunct professor at Columbia College. He also loves to read!

Veronica L.

Veronica originally hails from Mexico City before coming to Chicago. She grew up with several dogs and even helped rescue a dog here in Chicago that she found wandering the streets! She currently owns an adorable Pug and Rat Terrier mix named Max. If Veronica were a dog breed, she feels like she would be much like her own pup Max, a very down to earth but active dog! When not walking dogs, Veronica likes to spend her free time with her daughter and Max and also running. She has participated in several marathons, half marathons, and other races! What Veronica loves most about walking dogs is that it can be an adventure with every walk being a little different and that both she and the dog can learn, meet people, and have fun! The thing she loves most about animals, in general, is the unconditional love they provide when you give them the chance!

Wes T.

Wes is originally from Palatine, IL! Wes grew up with 3 retired racing Greyhound rescues growing up, and he also has experience fostering a couple German Shepherds! On top of this, Wes has cared for a lot of his neighbors’ dogs and cats and volunteered at animal shelters. If Wes were to be a dog, he would definitely be a German Shepherd! What Wes loves most about walking dogs is the bond that he is able to form with the dogs that involve loyalty, trust, and love. He also loves being able to provide the pups a good exercise and adventure! Outside of dog walking, Wes enjoys music, cooking, and is an audio engineer/producer. What Wes loves most about animals is how we are able to learn more about ourselves as humans from them!