Jeff

Founder

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

By Millennial standards I worked for the Federal government for a small eternity. Inspirations waxed and waned over the years but it was my colleagues and their dedication to a mission larger than themselves, to a greater good, that stuck with me the most. Their dedication showed me that I could never feel satisfied unless I found my own idea of a greater good.

I was extraordinarily lucky to travel in my youth. Later, in search of the aforementioned good, I was able to travel some more. I found an awful lot out there, and along the way, I heard a few things I had heard before... and I heard them a bit louder this time.

• I love dogs, no two ways around it. They always bring out the best in me
• I love to run, play, push hard, and to be outside… even more so with my dogs
• I belong out on the trail with a companion… I know a dog’s heart feels the same

I started Dogs Colorado because when I wander outside my mind becomes calm. It is as if sunlight and the promise of the unknown work together to clear away old worries, sharpen my instincts, and fuel new ideas. I like to think that I see an analogous effect in my dogs. That we somehow share this bit of clarity in our adventures. Certainly, I rarely see them happier. It is as if they spend their days at home loyal to my life story, but when we go outside, they get to be a part of their own.

Dogs Colorado is my own way to participate in the lives of as many fantastic dogs as possible, and the best way I have found to participate in my own.  

When I’m not expanding my knowledge about dogs or the great outdoors… I home-roast coffee, homebrew beer, travel, train for my next bikepacking adventure, play guitar, try new recipes, and work on my book.

Blake

Office Manager
 
Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

I am passionate about happy and healthy animals. With more than 35 years of personal dog, horse & small animal ownership, and foster/rescue/employment experience in the field, I’m very much looking forward to serving you and your animals (in the office and on the trails) in the most caring way.

Working with animals for well over half my life, I view Dogs Colorado as an opportunity to continue that work and to care for even more animals as my own. Through exposure to all breeds, ages, sizes, personalities, and quirks, I am confident and prepared to work and help with your fur-family!

I personally know how stressful it can be to leave your animals in someone else’s care (even for an hour at a time) and promise to make every walk, hike or run as worry-free as possible with safe handling practices, updates and photos. Currently, with a “pack of six” here at home (2 weimaraners, 3 shepherd-mixes and a foster chihuahua), managing more than one at a time comes second nature. I am very excited about the opportunities presented through Dogs Colorado and their positive reinforcement approach. A walk, hike, drive, new experience, cuddle, and just extra attention – can make all the difference in the world and breaks up their days.

In the “professional” past… I’ve served as an art director and in marketing, business development and sales roles in MO, AR, PA and now here at home in Colorado. In more recent years, I’ve been passionately pursuing animal-related opportunities including Humane Society, dog daycare, kennel, and veterinary hospital experience. When not working the 9-5, I can be found happily camping with my dog family, soaking up the sun on the front porch with a good book, taking in a movie, or dabbling in photography and painting.

Kevin

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

I’ve been fascinated by animals my entire life and have always sought to understand them as fully as possible. Through that understanding, I find strong connections to the human condition and all other life in general. Providing joy and contentment for others gives meaning to my life in what can be an otherwise confusing world.

My formal education is in biology and ecosystem ecology, with some tangents into drafting, photography, and digital design. I’ve been involved in animal welfare in some way or another for nearly a decade now. Most of that time has been spent working and volunteering in shelters, helping to build more understanding between humans and animals. Through shelter work, I enjoy helping people connect to the animal that best suits them, and I get to help to clear up misunderstandings that can lead to separations. When walking dogs I like to use the things I’ve learned to help make sure that the dogs I’m with have a fulfilling experience. I’ve recently completed a certification in Animal Behavioral Science and Technology and, when not walking dogs, I do training and behavior work at a local Humane Society.

I spend my free time with my wife, my dog Arcturus (we call him Barker), and the cats. I also hike, compose and record music for my band, play other people’s music in their bands, and make art.

Colleen

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

I can’t imagine a world without dogs. After being lucky enough to grow up with a dog’s unconditional love in my life, I make sure to give that love back to as many dogs as I can!

At a young age began walking and dog sitting in the neighborhood. In high school I volunteered for a local animal shelter, I have been a walker for WAG, and I have had many private dog walking clients. I am very comfortable with dogs of all breeds and sizes and have learned to understand dog signals over the years.

Later I worked my way up to manage a boutique dog daycare, training and boarding facility called Woofingham Palace. We provided premium care for dogs and focused on puppy training and socialization. I got the opportunity to not only interact with the clients and their dogs on a daily basis, but also to create fun social events for dogs and humans alike.

I also absolutely love running, hiking and being outdoors. I am training for a half marathon, and hope to run the full 26.2 miles sometime soon! I have a true passion for dogs, and for working to do my part to give them their absolute best life. We all know they deserve it and so much more!

Andrea

Dogs Colorado Editor

Puptender | Walker, Hiker and Runner of Dogs

I count my very first job as when I began my own pet care business when I was twelve. My clients were only a handful of neighbors on my street, and it mostly involved cleaning up dog yards and watering plants while the owners were gone, but nevertheless, I was thrilled to be involved in animal work. My small business ended when I moved to Utah to pursue my passion in short track speedskating, but I still found myself drawn to animals. Friends would often request me to look after their little ones, from ball pythons to beta fish, and I had a brief stint as a volunteer docent at the zoo. While completing my bachelor’s in comparative literature at UC Santa Barbara, I found a local pet sitting business to work for part-time and stayed with the company for nearly three years. Again, my work there ended when I moved away, this time back to Colorado where I can pursue a career in editing, skate, and experience her beautiful natural resources. It is a joy to return to the state I grew up in; to be able to give myself to something I have always loved, and in a way that contributes to my active lifestyle.

My experience in dog care for friends and professionally has exposed me to a wide variety of personalities, ages, abilities and needs of dogs. I understand if your pup requires a little extra patience, a redressed bandage, or a good run to expend his pent-up energy. I’m happy to ensure your dog’s comfort and to give him the loving care he needs in order to thrive.

Star

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

Animals are my passion and I love spending every moment with them! I have 3 dogs of my own; Remi the black lab, Vader the shepherd puppy, and Yoda my dachshund baby. I have also recently adopted a little tripod cat, whom I love so much.

I have always had animals starting when I was young riding, grooming, and bathing horses. It was always a zoo around me with horses, mice, sheep, goats, frogs, rats, cats, snakes, and of course dogs. I knew from a young age I wanted to work with animals and have strived to pursue a career with them. I enjoy being in the outdoors spending time with animals and marveling at Colorado’s beauty.

If I am not with animals I am up skiing in Breckenridge. Or, I am pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Human Services with a Concentration in Mental Health. Thankfully, classes are online allowing me the freedom to spend time with animals.

Shonna

Dogs Colorado Dog Trainer Incubator Lead

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

I can hardly remember a time in my life without dogs. I got my first dog at the age of eight and haven’t been without one since. Life, for me, is just missing something without a furry friend by my side. In addition to a love for dogs, I also discovered a love of nature at an early age, exploring and tromping through forests and creeks throughout my childhood. My love of nature, as well as my fascination with human behavior and a desire to help others, led me toward an educational path in psychology, eventually culminating in a master’s degree in Transpersonal and Ecopsychology.

Professionally, I’ve spent the past 17 years in a rewarding career in the Human Resources and Immigration departments at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. I’m currently working towards starting a business in dog training, as I seek to spend more hours doing the things I love most. I am a certified dog trainer through the FernDog Trainer Academy and am working toward CCPDT certification. I am especially passionate about helping humans and dogs to understand each other and helping to set them up for a successful and rewarding lifelong relationship. In particular, I have a very special place in my heart for helping to set rescues and their new guardians up for success.

When I’m not out with a pack, I enjoy road trips, backpacking, reaching goals (one of the most recent being a hike to the top of Half Dome!), playing handpan and bass guitar, dabbling in photography, captioning videos, painting, and working towards becoming a published author. I’m so happy to be a part of the Dogs Colorado team! It is giving me the opportunity to combine so many of my passions, talents, and goals, and most importantly, to embrace my love of animals. I’m absolutely thrilled to help enrich the lives of our furry friends by helping them get the physical, social, and mental stimulation they need to live the happiest and healthiest lives possible!

Bethany

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

 I came to Colorado to start a masters in Wilderness Therapy; I love, love, love to be outside. Out on a hike, It just not right if there isn't a pooch by my side.  I grew up in Pennsylvania on a small farm and any spare moment was spent with the animals. I have always had a strong connection and a sense of awe towards them.  

    Since the farm, I've traveled all over the world getting into all sorts of adventures, mostly in Asia and South America. While in Chile, I worked with non profits, building sustainable housing and resilient communities. I hope to continue some of this work through my sustainability liaison work study position at Naropa.  

     Before joining up with Dogs Colorado I worked for a small company walking dogs in Pittsburgh.  I walked several at a time, generally taking two large packs out per day, rain or shine! I absolutely loved it and saw how being outside with my favorite pups positively improved my health in every way you could imagine! 

Gabby

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

First and foremost: I love all animals, the bigger the better! I've devoted my life to taking care of a variety of critters including a number of different species of dogs. Currently, I am self-designing a major in Animal Care and Natural History and my life's work and passion has been working with, on, and around animals. 

My favorite thing about working with animals, and especially dogs, is the bond people and animals are able to form. If you treat them right, give them respect, and lots of attention, they will give you unrelenting and heartwarming loyalty. There is nothing more valuable and rewarding to me than that connection.

Eventually, I hope to finish up my degree and pursue a career with large animals (but still take care of the smaller ones too!). In my free time you can find me knitting, listening to Elton John, or trying to keep my bunny (Cranberry) from destroying my personal property. 

Katie

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

I have always had a strong connection with animals. With dogs in particular, I am my happiest self when I am with them. It is my calling in life to care for any dog as if they are my own.

Any job that involves dogs, I up for it! I started out working as a Kennel Technician at a pet resort. I enjoyed it so much that I went on to pursue my education in veterinary medicine, achieving my Veterinary Assistant certification. After working in a hospital setting caring for dogs, cats and other pets, I came to terms that even though I loved caring for the hospitalized patients, I wanted to have a more personal connection with dogs individually and to spend a bit more time moving in the outdoors.

Each dog is unique. Whether it is breed, size, age, abilities or temperament, each dog's qualities are something I will always value and respect. 

Working with Dogs Colorado, I can fulfill my true passions caring for dogs while exploring alongside them in the beautiful state of Colorado. I can look forward to each day knowing that it will be full of fun and adventure!

Mia

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

Throughout my entire life I’ve always been surrounded by animals, whether it was spending hours at the barn with my horses, playing in the yard with my dogs, or lounging around the house with my cats. I’ve always felt a strong connection to animals and have committed my life to them and their wellbeing. I started pet sitting when I was young, caring not only for my own animals but for many others as well as becoming a kennel assistant for a clinic. I was very fortunate to grow up riding horses and I rode competitively for many years all throughout Colorado. I’ve worked at a multitude of farms caring for and riding clientele horses.

I earned an Equine Science degree at Colorado State University. After I graduated, I wanted to expand my horizons and work with dogs and cats more. Prior to joining Dogs Colorado, I worked as a veterinarian assistant at an animal hospital.  

I’ve always been passionate about animal welfare and it makes my day when I can make a positive impact in both the animal and owners life. All dogs deserve to live their best lives and I look forward to serving you and your furry companion!

Jesse

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

My whole life I’ve had a love for animals and nature. Growing up in North Carolina, I had cats, dogs, chickens, bunnies, and even ducks as pets over the years. Dog and animal care was a big part of my childhood as well, due to the fact that my Grandmother fostered Border Collies, and my Step Mom was somewhat of an animal whisperer herself. Having these two women in my life taught me many things about how to communicate with animals, read their behavior, and how to behave around them. I am always connecting and making friends with the dogs I meet, whether it be at a friend’s house, or just out on the street. Making a good dog feel good is one of the best feelings in the world.

In 2019, my brother, our cat, and I drove across the country to move from Asheville to Denver to discover and explore this wondrous state. I took every opportunity to help out walking dogs as I got to be outside, exercise, and meet new dog friends! When I discovered Dogs Colorado, a local company that I was happy to support, I was in love! Being a part of the Dogs Colorado Puptender team has been a great opportunity for me to make a lot of new doggo pals throughout the Denver area.

I studied Environmental Science at The University of North Carolina at Asheville, and have always had a passion for the environment, and living creatures. During my junior year, I had the amazing experience of studying abroad in Tanjung Malim, Malaysia. I spent six months in Southeast Asia learning and experiencing all kinds of different cultures. This time abroad helped me see myself as a citizen of the world, and I try to apply this to my everyday life. I enjoy helping people, and animals, feel good, get outside, and enjoy the Earth!