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.

Shonna

Trainer

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!

Jess

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs
I grew up with what some might call a zoo; in my first 18 years, I'd had 4 dogs, 8 cats, and several of the smaller furry friends (gerbils, ferrets, guinea pigs...you name it)! I also rode horses, being a Jumper in the A circuit by the time I went off to college and took a break from the sport. Now that I've grown up and moved out, I echo that childhood with a new zoo consisting of 4 cats, 2 rats, and a brand new pup at home, as well as 2 horses and a goat! As you can plainly see, on a personal level, I understand just how much love we can hold in our hearts for our furry kids.

That said, it is not just personal experience I have to draw on. In fact, I have worked with animals in several capacities! I started out my professional relationship in the field of animal care with Pet Supplies Plus, where I acted first as a cashier and later in my tenure as one of the animal caretakers. Not only did this teach a young, teenaged me important life skills, but I came to a much better understanding of animal care, as well. Not long after PSP, I began volunteering for an animal shelter - Community Animal Rescue Effort - where I was taken on as a Cage Captain. There, I was in charge of getting all of the cats and dogs we housed their food and daily medicines, and some much needed loving. I also did intakes, where I learned about how to conduct behavior evaluations and to what strategies to use to improve upon those more challenging behaviors. After that, I was an animal caretaker, just like here at Dogs Colorado! I learned how to engage with the little guys on yet another level, and I got to do it in collaboration with their parents - like you!

My formal post-secondary education took place at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I received a Bachelor of in Social Work and a Bachelor of Art in English. This second degree is how you know I can write you a good story about my time with your pup for the day! Now, I am working on my Master of Social Work degree, which I am augmenting with a certification in Animal-Assisted Social Work. Remember those horses I mentioned before? Well, I rescued them, fattened them up, worked through their worries, and am now training them to serve in equine-assisted therapy!

All in all, I'd say I've been around the block when it comes to animals, and can take your pup - safely - around a few more. It can be hard to trust a strange face with something so important, but I assure you that that trust is not misplaced on me. I'm looking forward to working with you!

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!

May

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

Ever since I can remember, I have been a true animal lover. In high school I started volunteering at the Boulder Humane Society and this opened my eyes up to all different breeds and personalities. Here is where I realized that each animal has its very own unique energy levels, needs and quirks. In my early twenties I began working for local pet rescues aiding in transporting, adopting and fostering. I knew that spending time with animals was my true passion!

My very own pup Skylar is handicapped and in a wheelchair, so I have experience with special needs animals. Being in a wheelchair doesn't stop him at all! His attitude towards life helps me keep a great perspective and gratitude. For Skylar's care I was inspired to seek out alternative treatments to help his condition and became a certified Reiki Energy Practitioner in the process. I believe this has helped me grow as a person, and gain a more insightful and deeper understanding of animals and their wellbeing.

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!

Melissa

Trainer

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

All my life I have been around animals, and they are a huge part of my life. I grew up on a small ranch in Texas where we raised horses, donkeys, cattle, and chickens. This gave me great experience in the types of care each animal required. I have also had many pets! Ranging from dogs and cats, to snakes and bearded dragons, to everything in between!

I went to Colorado State University for 2 years pursuing a Zoology degree in hopes to become a Veterinarian, but I just recently changed my major to Social Work and am expected to graduate in May 2024. That being said, I still have a deep love and passion for animals, and I am actually considering becoming an animal therapist after grad school.

I have been running my own pet sitting business since 8th grade and I was a Veterinary Technician for 3 years. I am also a Certified Veterinary Assistant which I think gives me a unique perspective when caring for your pet. I know that your pet is a part of your family, and I intend to treat them like they were a part of my own. Really, that is just what this platform is, one big, intertwined, animal-loving family! Words cannot express how excited I am to lend a helping hand to both you and your pup.

Lydia

Puptender | Walker, Hiker, and Runner of Dogs

I've always been an animal lover, I was born with the "horse bug", and have loved all animals since I was very young.

Growing up, I did 4-H for horses, dogs, and gerbils, and learned a lot about animal training through my projects. I have trained, and shown, several different dogs through my 4-H projects. In college, I wanted to continue to pursue my passion for animals and obtained a degree in Equestrian Studies. During my junior year of college, I had the opportunity to do an internship with an Equine Behaviorist, who focused on using positive reinforcement and learning theory to work with horses. I have always wanted to use the kindest methods when working with animals in order to help them understand what we are asking. While I had used positive reinforcement in the past with dogs I had trained, doing this internship really showed me the power of positive reinforcement, and showed me how motivated the horses were to participate in training.

In a more professional sense, I have done dog, horse, and pet care privately for years. I strive to go above and beyond for the people I am working for, and take care of their animals to the best of my ability. I recently adopted a rescue Cockalier named Muffin, so have lots of experience with rescue dogs as well. I love dogs of all sizes, and love being outside. I am a native Coloradan, so love everything this amazing state has to offer.

I am excited explore the outdoors with all my new doggy friends.