Hi, my name is Ozzy and I would like to share with you a little about myself as well as some background information regarding how Bark PDX came to be. I was born into a family of compassionate dog breeders and have had the fortune of having pets my entire life. Like my parents, I always believed that I too would work with animals someday, but wasn't sure exactly in what capacity that belief would manifest itself.
After graduating from the University of Oregon, I worked for a number of years as a Client Services Director for a large recruitment agency providing marketing recruitment services for many Fortune 500 companies (not exactly what I had in mind to do with my life). Throughout these many years I was perpetually in search of a caretaker for both “Daisy” and “Buddy”, my two German Shorthaired Pointers.
I had a number of difficulties finding good dog walkers and pet sitters that were affordable, accountable and available. While boarding them was an option, I couldn’t shake the suspicion that they were much happier in the comfort of their own home and accustomed environment.
After some careful scrutiny, I came to a realization that a dog walking and pet care resource that addressed both a dog’s specific needs as well as its owner’s wasn't only a good idea, it was a necessity. Taking all of this in consideration, I started a dog walking and pet care company that treats your pets as if they were our own. We employ a comprehensive interview process that allows us to get to know you and your pets as well as any special needs they may have and it is our sincere pleasure to have the opportunity to do so.
We know that trust goes a long way and hope you feel assured that Bark PDX is committed to providing the best possible care for you pets. We are veterinarian recommended, licensed and fully insured to ensure your peace of mind and added safety.
Hi, my name is Celess and I am very excited to be a part of the Bark PDX team! I knew from a very early age that my future was going to involve animals in some way. I grew up literally surrounded by animals rescued from various situations (some unhealthy) and "taking in" strays has always been natural for me. Most of my best friends have been dogs and at the age of 10 I was already attempting to be a voice for animals in need when I wrote a letter to the President of the United States telling him why it was vital for him to make a deal with Africa to save the wild cheetahs. Fast forward 10 years and I have not diverged at all from my goal to work for and be an advocate to animals. I graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor's Degree of Science, started my animal career as an Assistant Trainer at Multnomah Greyhound Park. Soon thereafter, I found myself working at Wildlife Safari in Southern Oregon with the cheetah breeding program. I fell in love with Portland and it's Zoo! I am currently an Animal Keeper at the Oregon Zoo working with a wide variety of creatures, ranging from african wild dogs to southern sea otters. I have two furry room-mates: a six year-old Tabby, Madison, and 2 year-old Tabby, Mia; both feral rescues. Madison was the last surviving orphan living in an empty horse barn and Mia was scavenging in the Africa section of the wildlife park where I worked and was to be humanely euthanized. My compassion for cute critters in need is unwavering. With the flexibility the Zoo provides me I was looking for additional opportunities and found Bark PDX. I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I've always been the go-to girl for friends, family, and co-workers when they've needed someone to care for their beloved pets in their absence.
I strive to make animals' lives as happy and fun as they have made mine. The best part of my job comes in the moments of trust that I've earned from the animals in my care, it's what I live for.
Thanks again and see ya soon!
~Celess
Hi, I'm Kate, and here's a brief story about my past and present as an animal-lover. As a child I was known as "The Naturalist" and "The Adventurer". I was always discovering new terrain and perpetually interested in the animals that lived there. In a neighborhood of mostly rambunctious boys I intervened to save many caterpillars, frogs, snakes, etc. who otherwise may have met a terrible fate. Always wanting to help animals, I dreamed of becoming the next James Herriot or Jane Goodall; protecting and loving all the world's creatures.
Friends still recount how they spotted me rescuing an earthworm on a busy sidewalk or aiding a dog that had seemingly lost its' owner. These are among the stories that serve as a testament to my sincere interest in the care of "all creatures, great and small." This passion for animal care manifested itself in the attainment of a B.S. in Environmental Science at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!).
During this long and at times strenuous process I studied the importance of amphibian and reptile conservation, learned how to monitor native Western Pond Turtle populations, and assisted in the rehabilitation of birds of prey. Since graduation I have worked as an intern to animal keepers at the Oregon Zoo, where I have learned to care for over thirty-four different exotic animal species. Now, I find myself with the good fortune of working for Bark PDX where I have the opportunity to work hands-on with wonderful creatures every day. I am entirely committed to providing the best care for each individual animal I work with and hope that they get as much joy out of spending time with me as I do with them.
Hi, I'm Robin, and my love for animals started back in preschool when I watched my very first animal documentary about elephants. Since then, I have owned every type of pet that a pet store has to offer ranging from a white german shepherd to a spotted leopard gecko. I've always been the type of person to help injured or homeless animals like saving a baby possum from a swimming pool or mending a crow's broken leg. Much of my experience comes from volunteering at various animal shelters and hospitals, and making sure the furry residents are comfortable away from their home. A few years ago, I found myself volunteering at a lion breeding center in Zimbabwe where I had the opportunity to "walk" lions! It was an amazing experience I will never forget, and has only enhanced my love of animals. A couple years later, I graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in Zoology, and have pursued working with animals ever since. I recently finished an internship at the Oregon Zoo working with African animals I only used to dream about working with, from the sky-high giraffe to the pint-sized dwarf mongoose. My life has been an amazing adventure filled with animals of all shapes and sizes, and I only hope to continue down that path for many years to come.
Call now to schedule your free no-obligation meeting today!
(503) 259-BARK (2275)
