SUNNYVALE TEAM

Erin started working at A DOG'S LIFE Sunnyvale in 2007 after graduating from Santa Clara University, where she studied Psychology. In her search for a "Real Job," she simply could not find anything as fun and fulfilling as hanging out with dogs all day! Before moving to California for college, Erin attended high school on the outskirts of Atlanta, but spent most of her childhood growing up in a small town in Ohio. She would eventually like to go back to school to further her education, possibly in the field of animal behavior.

Always an animal-lover, her love of dogs stemmed from the two she grew up with at home, both large mixed breeds, one a lovable rescue, the other an adorable pound puppy. Erin doesn't live with any dogs currently, so she is happy to get her dog "fix" every day at work. Although she enjoys working with all sizes, Erin has a soft spot for the big dogs. "I think I identify most with their personalities. I really love hanging out with them, even if they're just lounging around. And they seem to appreciate my famous back scratches the most!"

Her favorite parts of working at ADL are the friendly, fun environment and the wealth of knowledge she's been exposed to since she started. "The people and the dogs are so intertwined; we know each of their personalities and individual quirks so well, it's like one enormous, mixed up, silly family. And we have such a good time playing and working together."

Erin is an Advanced Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association and has completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR.

October 2007

Christina grew up in Warrensburg, Missouri, and calls her self a "Midwest girl." She moved to Mt.Vernon, Iowa to study Biology, Education, and Chemistry at Cornell College. After graduation, Christina taught high school science for a few years before moving to California so her husband could pursue his dream job in high tech. While she's interested in lots of different opportunities, Christina's ultimate goal is to have fun with her work and love what she does! Her favorite thing so far about ADL is getting to know each of the dogs an their unique personalities.

Christina came to ADL with previous dog experience, having volunteered in shelters during college. She's also owned pets all her life and has never gone long without a dog or cat in her household. She says they've all made wonderful companions. Christina and her husband currently own a Miniature Schnauzer named Lola, who loves living in California! Christina says that Lola misses the snow occasionally, but being able to dig in the sand at the beach makes up for it! Outside of work, exploring the Bay Area with her husband and pup are among Christina's favorite activities, as are reading and cooking. She's always testing out new recipes and can't imagine a day without cooking!

Christina is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

February 2011

Emily is definitely one of those "animal people", as she cannot remember a time when she didn't have a special attraction to and connection with them. Born and raised in the Silicon Valley, she has always had several pets living at her home and has been involved in animal raising clubs and volunteering for animal-related organizations since before she attended high school. Over the years she has owned, trained, or worked with not only companion dogs and cats, but horses (big and miniature), cows, sheep, pigs, goats, geese, chickens, rabbits, rodents, fish, birds, reptiles, and even llamas! After she finished high school she attended Modesto JC and later UC Davis in order to study animals and animal behavior academically. She graduated from Davis in 2006, earning a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in animal behavior. Even today if you ask her Emily will tell you she loves gaining knowledge, and enthusiastically reads any books, learning materials, or resources she can get her hands on when it comes to animal management, care, training, and or behavior.

Out of college Emily worked at several different animal jobs before she took one at a major pet supply chain as a dog training instructor. There she successfully taught dog training classes and helped many dog-owning families with behavior issues find understanding and an improved harmony and quality of life with their pets. She has also trained and consulted on the training of assistance dogs for the physically disabled. Emily passionately loves training people and pets and came to ADL looking for an opportunity to make a positive difference for dogs, help pet owners, and work with a great company that cares as much as she does, which, she most definitely found.

Though she has shared her life with many more creatures in the past, her current companions consist of 2 dogs (a German Shepherd and a Boxer), a cat, a horse, seven chickens; all of which are clicker trained! When she isn't training people and animals, she can be found hiking in the forests and county parks with her dogs or out in the garden planting and growing organic fruits and veggies for the table. She also very creative, innovative, and resourceful, and likes making, repairing, recycling and designing things. She is both a skilled seamstress and Vegetarian cook. Once in a blue moon, she can even be found out sailing with her father on his 22ft Catalina boat in the bay.

Emily is an Advanced Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, and CPArf certified. She is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a general member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, and a member of the South Bay Trainers Network. She has also completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR.

June 2008 and March 2010

Lisa grew up in the bay area. She attended Foothill College and then went to Bryman College and received a degree in medical billing. Lisa's heart has always been with animals, however, and she has worked at a number of places revolving around animals (including three other doggie daycares and a vet clinic). After all of the exposure she has gotten to other doggie daycares, she really feels that ADL is the place for her! She plans on going through our Apprentice Program to become a trainer with us, and she also would love to get involved with our Board and Train program. She says, "This isn't a job to me. It's a career."

Lisa has a yellow lab named Sunnie and a 9 month old kitten named Mayhem, who Lisa says, "eats rubber bands, q-tips, and clothes. She totally lives up to her name!" When Lisa is not rescuing her belongings from her crazy kitten, she loves working out, enjoying great food, and watching all of the animal related channels on TV to learn more about just about anything she can. She also loves taking her pooch to the beach.

When asked what her favorite part of working at ADL is, her enthusiastic reply was, "Everything! …The genuine love and kindness that everyone gives the dogs. The dog's are in a positive environment and that means a lot to me because I've seen what else is out there. The one thing that has really stood out for me is learning what works with a particular dog and what doesn't. I'm learning everyday! I really love that!"

Lisa is an Advanced Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association and has completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR.

January 2009, May 2009 (MP), August 2010 (MP), and April 2011 (MP)

Ally is a dog lover through and through! She has quite the family of dogs at home- Aries, a 3 year old Pitbull/Mcnab mix. Aries is the 2009 Splash Dogs World Champion and the co-world record holder with a jump of 27'8"!! Vandal is a 5 year old Border Collie/Jack Russell mix who is in his own right the 2009 Splash Dogs Lap Dog World Champion. Last but not least, Lulu is a 10 year old mix that Ally's family found in a garbage can when she was 3 months old.

Ally is working towards saving her money and getting her K9 massage therapy certification. When she's not at work, she often enjoys hiking, hanging out with friends and doing dog sports such as flyball and dock jumping. She enjoys working at ADL because everyone is so friendly and is working for the love of dogs! When asked what she loves about dogs, Ally says, "I love everything about the dogs, they're all so different and have their own personalities."

Ally is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

May 2011

Although she did quite a bit of moving around, April spent most of her years in Winston-Salem, NC. She currently shares her life with four dogs—a Doberman Pinscher named Winston, two French Bulldogs named Lennox and Ruby, and a Pitt Bull Terrier named Silas, who has made many friends at ADL—as well Leopard Geckos Siraga and Pilar. April grew up around animals—horses, cats, a rabbit, a parakeet, and an adopted goat—and she got her first dog, a Dalmatian named Dottie, when she was ten.

She began working with animals professionally in 2007, when she was able to learn about basic dog behavior and training at a doggie daycare. She continued on the same career path and worked at another doggie daycare when she returned to North Carolina for school. Now, in her spare time, April loves exploring the Bay Area with her boyfriend and friends: visiting San Francisco, going on hikes with her dogs, taking horseback riding trips, and going to see Sharks hockey games.

April plans to enroll is Foothill College to earn her associates degree as a veterinary technician. She hopes to eventually specialize in the biomedical field, neurology, or surgical assisting. April also has high hopes for a breeding career. Her ultimate goal is to breed French Bulldogs and produce champions in the show ring that are not only perfect in conformation, but also have wonderful temperaments as well. Passionate about placing dogs into the perfect forever homes, April is very excited to be able to use her future degree to aid in her breeding career.

Now that she has found a place at A DOG'S LIFE, April is able to continue interacting with dogs. When asked what she likes most about her experience, she answers, "I think all the free doggie kisses I get might be my favorite part of the job!" She really strives to create a special bond with each of the dogs she meets and she is very interested in learning each dog's unique personality. She explains, "I love when the dogs know they did something right and that they are going to get a treat. The smile on their faces and the excitement that vibrates through their little bodies is just too cute!"

April is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

May 2010 (PA) and March 2011

A Mountain View native, Shay is currently studying at Foothill Community College. While he hasn't yet selected a major, he keeps high aspirations for his professional career; when asked about his future career goals, he responds that he wants "to become a millionaire." Outside of school, Shay enjoys skating, hanging out with his friends, and scoping out new hiking trails.

Shay comes to A DOG'S LIFE with a love for animals, and he currently has two cats and a dwarf hamster of his own. After gaining experience at another doggie daycare, Shay has found that he really enjoys working with animals, dogs especially. He is very interested in discovering the differences between the dog breeds, but there is one thing he says he loves about all pups: "their soft ears!"

Shay is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

July 2010 and September 2011

Shannon recently transferred to San Jose State University, where she studies Art History and Visual Culture. She has aspirations of obtaining multiple degrees in multiple subjects, and she eventually plans on getting her PHD in Art History, as well as a degree in Business Administration. Putting her wealth of knowledge to use, Shannon one day hopes to be either a museum curator or an art gallery owner. Her coursework keeps her very busy, but Shannon always makes time for her friends and family. She also loves going to San Francisco to keep tabs on all of the musicians playing shows and to walk through the exquisite art galleries downtown.

Gaining experience working with animals, Shannon volunteered at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where she helped socialize dogs and worked with them on their people-greeting skills. Additionally, she loves being a dog walker, and one of her furry clients, Dre, is a regular at A DOG'S LIFE!

Shannon has found that working at A DOG'S LIFE is a wonderful break from the stress of college. She loves being able to exercise while spending the day interacting with dogs and helping hone their socialization skills. Dogs continue to amaze her with their unconditional loyalty, and she loves them for that. She says of dogs, "They don't care who you are, what you do, or what you look like—a dog loves his or her owner completely and forever!"

Shannon is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

October 2011

Ashley Demay grew up in Southern California with her Nana and Papa. Her Nana bred and showed Golden Retrievers and her Papa was a veterinarian. Ever since she could remember, she would always bring home any animal with no home…any animal! Ashley also has a passion for horses. She was a hunter jumper for almost 10 years.

Ashley went to school to become a massage therapist but afterward decided that she wanted more. So she went to school to be in the medical field. All the while however, she felt like she was missing something; animals! She put a hold on school and started working for A Dog's Life. Ashley is so happy here, that she is enrolling at ABC (animal behavioral collage)!

When she is not at work, Ashley either is with friends, watching movies/documentaries, and most favorite, sleeping! Her mom lives down south, and her Golden Retriever, Splashy, lives there in a cozy home with her mom and her wonderful wife. "The people at ADL have been so amazing. I love coming to work, and it is definitely a gift to love your job!"

Ashley is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association and has completed a course in Pet First Aid and CPR.

September 2010 (MP) and January 2012

Simran was born in Dubai, U.A.E. and moved to California as a baby; she has been here ever since. Before joining ADL, Simran spent time working with dogs at cats at both HSSV and a large retail chain. About her time there, Simran says, "I learned A LOT about working with animals and that working and having pets is a lot of responsibility but it's all worth it in the end!" Simran has had pets all her life (up to 9 at a time!) and currently shares her home with 3: a 12 year old German Shepard named Tiger, a Spaniel named Gambler, and a stray cat that she rescued named Sassy. Simran attends De Anza College where she is studying Economics and English as well as some extra curricular classes in communication and CPR. Her goal is to become a Financial Analyst one day! Outside of work, Simran enjoys painting pottery, reading, playing Sudoku, and window shopping. Simran says her favorite part of working at ADL is "the relationship I form with the dogs and how I know I am helping making their day a little brighter." She also notes, "I LOVE dogs that have smiles!"

Simran is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

Whether it is for animals, or people, Ami wants nothing more than to help! Her future goal is to become a surgeon who travels the world, providing care for those in need. Presently a student of both De Anza College and Foothill College, she plans on transferring to a four-year university, where she can major in Biology and prepare for medical school. This desire to care for others extends to animals as well, since Ami has worked in several shelters throughout the Bay Area. In one such shelter, the San Jose Animal Care Center, Ami helped socialize, train, and track the progress of dogs in attendance. When she is not walking dogs in her free time or visiting museums around the world to experience new cultures, Ami enjoys wildlife photography, reading, hiking, playing basketball, and spending time with family and friends.

Due to allergies in one of her family members, Ami is not able to have any pets of her own. Because of this, she looks to A DOG'S LIFE for her opportunity to interact with animals. She claims, "Working at A DOG'S LIFE gives me so much happiness and pleasure. I am very fortunate to work with such amazing animals." Ami seems to be truly touched by the dogs she sees each day, saying also, "I admire how dogs find happiness in the smallest things. I value the loyalty and joy they provide every minute, and I am thankful that they can put a smile on my face."

Ami is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

Lauren grew up and has lived in San Jose her whole life. She went to Pioneer High School and then went on to attend college at California State University of Monterey Bay, where she is a Business Administration major with a focus on Management. Aside from work and school, Lauren has always been very artsy. She loves to paint, mostly landscapes and Alice in Wonderland themes (her favourite movie). She also loves photography, mostly of her two dogs and other dogs in general. Dogs are a huge part of her life though, as when she can, Lauren loves to just sit down and spend time with both of her dogs.

Lauren has always had animals in her life. She doesn't remember a time in which there were no animals in her life. She grew up with three cats and spent a lot of time with a friend and her Husky. She spent a lot of time with friends and families pets. She has done a lot of pet sitting for people who need someone to stay with their animals.

Currently, Lauren has two dogs that are the light of her life. Toby, a rescue, is a Welsh Corgi/Jack Russel Terrier mix. He is the first dog that she ever owned. Marley, rescued when a friend could no longer keep him, is a Black Lab/Sharpei mix. They love to play tug and fetch the tennis ball. They love to snuggle, go for walks, and see their puppy friends in the mornings. They also love to watch movies with her. Yes, they love Lady and the Tramp, Meerkat Manor, and many other shows with animals in it.

Lauren's favorite part about working at A DOG'S LIFE is the dogs. She loves coming into work and seeing the dogs happy faces. When asked about it she said "I feel so lucky that I get to see all these dog's every day. I love their personalities and excitement and the puppy hugs." She loves the bonds that she creates with each dog. She loves her coworkers. She loves the friendly, fun, and happy environment they help create for the dogs.

Lauren is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.

Brian comes to us with lots of doggie daycare experience! He spent two years as a pet care specialist at another daycare before joining A DOG'S LIFE. Brian also spent 13 years living on the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan before moving to California with his family. Growing up, his family always owned at least three dogs at a time. They've had rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, guinea pigs, and cats.

Currently a student studying Psychology at DeAnza College, Brian has a 4 year old brown Chihuahua named Coco, a 5 year old Golden Retriever named Yoko (named after the base he lived on in Japan), and an 11 year old black and white Shih Tzu named Momo (a.k.a Gizmo). All of the names rhyme! :) He would like to put his education to use in the future by working as a counselor or therapist. Along with helping people, Brian has goals of playing a part in animal rescue as well.

Outside of school and work, Brian loves poetry, basketball, and especially music! When asked about his favorite part of working at ADL, Brian says, "I am blessed and very grateful to meet each and every dog of a different breed with unique personalities and stories; [it] is very humbling. If I feel down I can come to work and see all the dogs smile, but also when I see their expression & eyes, mostly it reminds me to appreciate life and being alive. I enjoy every minute of it and the people I meet along the way!"

Jessica was born and raised in central San Jose and moved to Sunnyvale when she was 17. She has always had a love for animals and has had pets almost her whole life including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and fish. Currently she lives with 4 cats named Cosmo, Mackenzie, Paige and Cole, an American Eskimo dog named Sugar, a cockatiel named Yoshi, and a bunch of fish.

Her previous job before ADL involved working with dogs and pets as well. She was an animal specialist and cared for the small animals, birds, reptiles and fish. She was also a certified dog trainer through a national pet care retail chain. Jessica has her A.A in Liberal Arts from De Anza College. And while currently not in school she plans on getting her B.A in Music at San Jose State University. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her Husband, infant son and friends and family going to parks, beaches, zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks. She also enjoys home activities such as reading, crocheting.

Jessica's favorite part about working at A DOG'S LIFE is playing with the dogs, and learning the different aspects of their behavior. She also loves the management and the people she works with because they are all super friendly and very willing to offer help and advice. Lastly, she loves waking up and knowing she is going to a job that really matters, not only to her, but also to the dogs whose lives she's helping to enrich, and to the people who love those dogs.

Amanda grew up in the small town of Salinas, CA. She's owned many dogs, from the smallest mutt to her first big Pit Bull. Amanda even raised pigs and sheep in high school to take to her local fair. She is currently studying to become a registered veterinary technician or RVT at Carrington College, California. As an RVT, Amanda hopes to help as many animals as she can and later in life, hopefully become a reputable breeder of American Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

She doesn't have any pets as of now but she likes to consider all the animals she comes across as her own and love them unconditionally. Amanda says her favorite part of working for ADL is being able to have fun with her fellow staff and to get tons of love from all the dogs that come to daycare. Outside of ADL, she's a huge computer and videogame nerd! Amanda enjoys reading comic books and having fun with her friends (mostly making them laugh being silly).

August 2011

A Bay Area native, Anna was born and raised in San Jose CA. She has had animals ever since she could remember....first an Australian Shepherd named Willie-Nillie and two cats, Daffodil and Daisy. Now her family has a black lab named Mojave that they trained with Guide Dogs for the Blind. She didn't graduate from the program, so they adopted her.

Before coming to ADL, Anna studied nursing at Seattle Pacific. After taking a break from school for a while she is now going back to DeAnza College and hopes to return to Seattle Pacific to finish a degree in Psychology. Along with dogs, Anna has always had a love for dance. She's competed and performed in many different forms of dance. She says it was her number 1 passion for 15 years. Anna also likes spending time with friends and family, close and extended.

When asked about her favorite part of working at ADL, Anna says, "I love the atmosphere at ADL. Everyone here loves dogs so much and has the same goal in mind as everyone else, to provide the best experience they can for our dogs and their parents. Everyone is so friendly and warm and welcoming, I felt part of the 'family' from the first day I started working here!

November 2011

Katie is from Boulder Creek, California, and has always lived with lots of animals! Growing up, she lived with three Golden Retrievers, a Bernese Mountain Dog, cats, rabbits, birds, rats and peacocks. Katie especially liked the peacocks! Katie moved to Denver, Colorado when she was eighteen and began pursuing a career with dogs. She worked at a local daycare for three years where she did basic training and bathing. She also pursued her passion for dogs outside of work by fostering dogs through a local rescue. After several years Katie decided to move back to California with her Chihuahua/Terrier/Pug mix, Tyson, and an English Mastiff, Jada. Katie says that Tyson is a big fan of California and loves to spend hours napping in the sun!

Outside of work, Katie enjoys volunteering at dog shelters, hanging out with friends, playing video games, and going to the beach. Katie hopes to continue her work with dogs by fostering, working adoption events and gaining experience with training. She also looks forward to pursuing her education in business. She says her favorite part of working at a A DOG'S LIFE is that it's "one of those jobs where you come in and everyone's excited to see you." She also loves gaining more experience with dogs and the learning opportunities that go along with spending so much time with them.

Zila was born in the Philippines, but was raised in California for the majority of her life. Animals have always been a big part of Zila's life since her mom is a veterinarian. Zila grew up as her mom's "little veterinary assistant" :) However, her passion for animals came from within, and animals truly have a special place in her heart.

Zila is currently attending Foothill College where she's studying to become a Veterinary Technician. Before working at ADL, Zila worked in animal research, but really wanted a more rewarding and enjoyable job. Zila says her favorite part of working at ADL is being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about dogs as she is. In the future, she would love to do volunteer work for dogs and one day even own and operate a wild life animal rescue sanctuary.

Zila currently lives with three Miniature Dachshunds, Jazmyne, Jayla, and Jojo. Outside of work, Zila loves to travel. She also competes professionally in a Polynesian Dance Group, which she's been a part of since she was 14 years old!

Priscilla grew up all over San Jose, California. After graduating from Santa Teresa High School, she decided to pursue a career dedicated to animals. Priscilla enrolled at Western Career College in Sacramento, California, where she earned an Associates of Animal Science degree. Since she has a great love for dogs, Priscilla plans to further her career in the field of law, by training to work in humane law enforcement.

Outside of work, Priscilla enjoys playing drums with her friend's band and drawing tattoo art, something that she's also always wanted to do. She currently has three dogs, two Chihuahuas, Chopper and Oreo, and a Pomchi, Popeye. She also has two rats named Ren and Stimpy who she loves to death.

Priscilla says she "love[s] working at ADL because unlike most places that I have worked, the staff is great and is always there for you. All the clients are great [and so are] all the different personalities of all the dogs that come to stay with us. My job is fun, challenging, and also rewarding."

Alissa was born and raised in the Boston area where she attended Suffolk University. She graduated in 2009 with a degree in English and Secondary Education and has spent the past 2 years teaching English/ Literature to high school students in Massachusetts. After marrying in the summer of 2011, she and her husband spent several months driving cross country with the ultimate goal of relocating to California.

Alissa came to A DOG'S LIFE in an attempt to avoid a "normal" job. Although she is passionate about education and aspires to eventually return to the field teaching English as a Second Language, she enjoys coming to ADL every day to play with dogs, learn new training techniques, and interact with other dog-lovers.

Outside of work, Alissa is passionate about exploring new places and eating good food with her husband, Evan, practicing yoga, and going to the park with her Border Collie mix, Dude. Alissa has had a lifelong love of dogs, beginning with her childhood dog, J.D. ("Junkyard Dog," named for where he was found). "Dogs are always honest and unconditionally affectionate," she says. "What's not to love?"

Lindsay, from San Jose, California, began her life with animals in elementary school at a science magnet establishment. She worked with snakes, mice, crawdads, tarantulas, caterpillars, etc. and had an extensive education on other animals - anywhere from the wolf to the platypus. She began horseback riding around age 6 and helped out at the stables, where she was able to experience taking care of animals.

Through her childhood, Lindsay's family has had a rabbit, Dolly; a rat, Elvis; a Jack Russel Terrier, Charlie; and the current family dogs Baron (English Springer Spaniel) and Daisy (Miniature Poodle Mix). Around age 17 she began dog-sitting for English Springer Spaniel breeders, gaining experience in newborns and a large number of dogs at once. After a few years of working for them, she fell in love with a puppy from one of the litters and ended up working to pay for him. He is now 3 years old and his name is Grandpa Wilbur.

In more recent years, Lindsay began volunteering at her friends dog rescue and later assisted in running the business. It was a two-man operation and she saw many, many dogs find forever homes after having been on a euthanization list not too long prior. Dogs were brought back to health, and many happy stories were made! She still volunteers for them to this day.

Lindsay's favorite thing about ADL is that she 'gets to do what she loves with dogs that already have happy homes - and the team she works with makes the job extra enjoyable.' Outside of work, Lindsay likes to hang out with Grandpa Wilbur, go hiking, write, and spend time with friends and family. She hasn't quite decided where her life is going to take her, but she is positive it won't be an office job, and hopes to continue working with dogs!

Desirae is a South Bay native! She grew up in Milpitas, CA. Her father bred Chow Chows and Rottweilers on his ranch in Corning, and Desirae had access to "every type of pet you could possibly think of" there! As an adult, Desirae achieved an Automotive Service Excellence Certification as well as a DAS Electrician Certification. She also attended school to study Business Management, and has future plans to own her own Soul Food restaurant! Outside of work and dogs, Desirae says, "I am like the ideal soccer mom!" Desirae's children are involved in lots of sports: footballs, basketball, volleyball, cheer leading, soccer, and swimming, so she spends plenty of time supporting them. When not doing that, she loves relaxing in front of the fireplace with her husband watching movies! Desirae also shares her home with her Pit Bull, Jazzie, who Desirae says, "doesn't have a mean bone in her body!"

As an Overnight Attendant, Desirae mostly sees the pups when they are tired and in need of some snuggles, which she happily provides! Desirae's favorite part of working at ADL is getting to spend time with the dogs at night. She says, "I love how they have these personable facial expressions and personalities."

Jessica has spent time all over the U.S.! She was born in Tennessee, but has also lived in New Mexico, Florida, and Maryland, finally ending up in California. She gained a lot of animal experience along the way, owning dogs, cats, snakes, and horses – up to 5 at a time! Jessica's goal is to eventually own and operate her own boarding ranch for horses and to incorporate working with those less fortunate.

Outside of work, Jessica loves to travel, check out amusement parks, spend time outdoors at parks, festivals, concerts, and other events. She loves music and hiking and enjoys hanging out with friends and family. She currently has a cat and 2 dogs: Smokey, an 8 year old grey and white Russian Blue, Silk, a 4 year old Miniature Pinscher, and Bear, a 1 year old Doodle.

When asked about her favorite part of working at ADL, Jessica says, "the dogs! I've always been an animal person, so to be able to work with them (even just one-on-one as the overnight) is fun. The more experience the better!"

Melissa was born in Mountain View, but grew up in San Jose with her grandparents, mom, dad, younger sister, her first German Shepard, Hiedi, and her first cat Mr. Strawberry. She attended Branham High School and graduated in 1979. Melissa has two great kids—one punk rocker starting his junior year at Branham High School and mechanical studies at CCOC, along with an academic overachieving daughter who is a 1L at University of San Francisco Law School.

Melissa started her pet career grooming her parents Lhasa Apsos and then started her formal grooming career at the Foxy Hound in Los Gatos in the late 1970s. A groomer for over 30 years, Melissa has worked for private grooming shops, mobile grooming companies, corporate and private veterinary clinics, and even owned her own shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she lived for almost ten years.

Melissa has worked for ADL in the past and is incredibly pleased to be back! She was Palo Alto's lobby host from January 2008 until May 2009, where she was also able to groom! Her favorite dog is still Steve, the Corgi/Shiba-Inu mix at Palo Alto, but looks forward to meeting the dogs of Sunnyvale! During the week, Melissa works at Microsoft as a cashier but is really excited to be a groomer for ADL. Dogs continue to be her greatest passion and she hopes to bring her years of knowledge to the grooming clients of ADL!

Melissa is restarting her life and she is trying to find her way and knows that the animals will lead her in the right direction.

Melissa is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

September 2008 (PA)

Crystal started working with dogs about 5 years ago, starting off as a bather. From then on, she knew she wanted to do more than just bathing the dogs, so she went to grooming school and became a dog groomer. She has always loved all animals, but loved dogs the most. From her own dogs to other people's dogs, she knew they all deserved the same amount of care and love. Aside from grooming her own 11 year old chihuahua mix, she has also groomed dogs from two weeks old all the way to twenty years old, so she knows how to accomodate her grooming to any type of dog. She also has worked with many difficult dogs who have had hard pasts and have started a new life with new owners. She knows that it takes patience and time, but eventually and hopefully, most dogs do well in the end. She loves getting to know each dog as if they were her own dog and knows that each dog deserves to look as beautiful as they possibly can!

In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her husband Nick and new son, Michael. She has taken on a new hobby, aside from drawing and playing computer games, which is photography. Crystal and her husband share this hobby together and make it a family outing when going to do photoshoots. Sometimes, they even manage to get their son Michael in the shots too!

Cassandra has quite the history with animals! Currently, her family counts among its numbers a former shelter cat (human-in-a-former-life) named Mama Daisy who loves to have her head rubbed! Cassandra says, "While we are only bit actors in her varied and hectic life, she remains a loyal and loving member of our clan." Unfortunately, she and her family are currently without a canine presence in their home, but that is something she soon hopes to change! Beyond her own family's multitude of pets, Cassandra worked all four years of high school at a dog and cat grooming shop, as a receptionist, bather/ brusher, and eventual apprentice groomer. "It was there that I had my first real-world experience working with animals and I have been hooked ever since!"

She is a very recent Political Science and American History graduate of Boston University. She comes to work with the dogs every summer (this is her third summer with ADL as a Playgroup Leader!) and in the fall, she will begin her juris doctorate studies at the University of San Francisco. Her future goals are to complete her law studies, pass the California Bar Exam and be a lawyer who specializes in juvenile/family and animal cruelty law. A position on the bench is my ultimate career goal. Outside of ADL, Cassandra is a dedicated writer and reader. " Studying normally takes up the largest portion of my time, but I am also a newly avid gym goer."

What does she enjoy about ADL and working with dogs? "I am particularly partial to our training staff and the training of employees. I believe that we have one of, if not the best, trained daycare staff in the Bay Area. I have complete confidence in all of my coworker's abilities to go above and beyond what is required of them to take care of the dogs and to make sure the dogs have fun and love daycare! There are so many reasons I can think of why I love dogs. However, I think the simplest but most profound answer is unconditional love. They never judge and they love to see you every morning! Dogs, without a doubt, are the biggest pick-me-up of any bad day!"

Cassandra is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.

July 2008 & December 2011

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