Bios
All staff has medical backgrounds; veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and first aid training certifications.
Claire
Hello, my name is Claire. I am 26 years old and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in December of 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Marketing. However, my passion since a very young age has been working with dogs and other animals; and I adore nothing more! I started by doing mid-day walks and taking care of dogs and other animals while families were away or at work for long hours. Since then, it has turned into the best career for me. I have had animals since the day I was born-two yellow Labrador Retrievers that have since passed, but forever hold a special place in my heart, and also have had many different kinds of fish. Today, I still have a mixed breed rabbit named Peanut.
In December of 2010, I began working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare. I love working here; I learn something new every day, see a new furry face-everyone is so different than the next-and I get to play and take care of dogs as my job! What more could I ask for? Thanks to Diane, she also allowed me to take a class for Pet First-Aid, which has come in handy and taught me so many things that I can use at work as well as at home with my own animals. I have also had the pleasure of working at the North Shore Pet Connection, which has improved my experience with special needs animals as well as caring for other animals such as cats, ferrets, and birds!
In June of 2012, Diane promoted me to manager of the North Shore Doggy Daycare and now I not only do I get to care for dogs, I also get to interact one-on-one with customers, give customers tours, market the doggy daycare and many other exciting things. My managerial position has also allowed me to utilize my marketing degree, enhance my computer skills, and learn new managerial-type skills such as payroll. I am eager and happy to come to work every day and thank goodness I have a job with so many different facets and opportunities.
Christine
Hi, my name is Christine and I am the manager at the North Shore Pet Connection. I began working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare in February of 2011 and the North Shore Pet Connection in May of 2013. I live in Glendale, but am originally from Menasha, Wi. In 2009, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from UW-Milwaukee. In 2013, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, also from UW-Milwaukee. Besides dogs, I love reading, knitting, listening to music, and adding to my large shoe and handbag collection.
My family has included seven dogs thus far in my life; five of them have been from 75-100+ pounds (three Bouviers, one Bouvier Mix, and one Giant Schnauzer.) The other two I consider my furry children. My 14 pound Brussels Griffon/Cairn Terrier Mix (male) and 16.5 pound Bichon/Shih Tzu Mix (female) are my ultimate pride and joy. In December 2013, I adopted the female one from one of our ill and elderly customers. Now and then, my babies can be seen hanging out with the other dogs in one of their cute little outfits.
I love getting to work with such a variety of dogs. Whether they are diabetic, geriatric, blind, or just plain happy and healthy, I love taking care of them all. Getting to take care of the occasional cat, rabbit, bird, or fish at the Pet Connection is always a neat experience. I always like learning more about the care for other animals.
My favorite part about working at NSDD and NSPC is being greeted everyday by my enthusiastic furry friends. When I come in, I make sure to say “hi” to every dog individually. It makes me feel good when I make a new dog feel welcome; it’s important to me to make sure all of the dogs staying with us are comfortable and happy. I like to dance silly to the radio for the dogs’ entertainment and sing to them, a bit, out of tune. It takes a lot of patience and love to work in this business, and when it comes to animals, I have plenty of both. I’ll do whatever is needed to take care of your furry family member. Every dog that comes through our door is special and you can be sure they will know it.
Stephanie
Hi, my name is Stephanie and I have been working at the North Shore Pet Connection and the North Shore Doggy Daycare since March 2014. I am originally from Wisconsin Rapids where my family owns a small hobby farm. We have a variety of animals including horses, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, and Sir Pickles the hedgehog. I moved to Milwaukee to attend school at Milwaukee Career College and graduated in February 2014 with a veterinarian assistant diploma with honors.
When I’m not working I am at home enjoying spending time with my boyfriend Fabian and our two daughters Zoe and Charlize. We have a cat (Keefe), two pit bulls (Smoke and Princess), and a Chihuahua (Rebel).
Desi
Hi, my name is Desi. I am 22 years old and am currently going to school to be a Certified Veterinary Technician. I have worked with Diane for approximately 8 years now. I started out as a volunteer at The North Shore Pet Connection at the age of thirteen. When Diane opened up the North Shore Doggy Daycare in July of 2008, I started working here! It has been such an honor to work with and learn from someone who has such passion for animals and is so full of knowledge. I am animal CPR certified and have learned a lot about animal behavior just from working at North Shore Doggy Daycare. I have had other jobs before such as waitressing and retail, but none of those compare to the enjoyment I get from NSDD. I have grown with this facility and its’ furry friends and continue to gain so much from working with each and every one.
Lisa
Hello, my name is Lisa. I have worked at The North Shore Doggy Daycare for over five years. I have been an animal lover all of my life. Since childhood, I have had dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. I have learned a lot about animals and their behavior in my years as being a pet owner along with being animal CPR certified. I recently lost my yellow lab of 13 years and coming into work and seeing all of the wonderful dogs, definitely helped me fill that void. It has been such a rewarding experience getting to know all of my fury friends and their wonderful owners.
Emily
Hello, my name is Emily. I am from Simi Valley, California and now I attend Marquette University as an elementary education and psychology major. Diane is my aunt, and I am very glad to have the opportunity to work with family at North Shore Doggy Daycare. I grew up loving animals just like Diane, and I loved visiting her and playing with all the animals at NSPC and NSDD. I had a dog at home for fifteen years: a white German shepherd and dingo nix Dena. Now I have an eight year old border collie named Sage. I love my dogs so much and I am so happy that I get to work with so many every day at NSDD!
Groomer Bios
Sue
Hi, my name is Sue. I am certified groomer at North Shore Doggy Daycare and North Shore Pet Connection. I have lived my entire life in Milwaukee. I am married to my husband, Richard. We have two grown children and two fur babies, a cat and a German Shepherd.
After more than 20 years of owning my own business in early childhood profession it was time for a change. I enrolled in the grooming program with the Animal Behavior College, and received my grooming certificate. I am “loving every minute of it.” I will take the time to get to know you and your animal. I’m invested in providing the best care and creating a positive experience for your pet.
Come “sniff” me out at North Shore Doggy Daycare and North Shore Pet Connection and give me the opportunity to give your cherished pet a fresh new look.
Rhonda
Hello, I’m Rhonda. I am a certified groomer at North Shore Doggy Daycare and North Shore Pet Connection. I have 16 years of experience working with dogs and cats in various grooming businesses. I have worked for the Wisconsin Humane Society, Petland, and as a caretaker for horses at The Ranch and Erin Meadows Farm. Put simply, I love all animals…any size, age, temperament, or special needs.