Welcome back to the Unleashed Blog! This month, we're thrilled to spotlight Delaney - she has been a valued member of our team since Fall '23, and she brightens our Tuesdays and Thursdays with her positive attitude and genuine love for the pets in her care. Continue reading to learn more about the wonderful person behind the leash!
Delaney and her dog Wyatt
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been a part of our team?
A: I have been working in the pet care industry since 2017. I started at a dog daycare and boarding facility and now I split my time between a 24hr emergency vet in Waukesha and Off Leash MKE, which I’ve been a team member of since October 2023.
Q: Share a memorable or heartwarming moment you've had with a client's pet.
A: I have a couple memorable client stories I’d like to share - the first is Ralph’s first solo sniffari. He’s a young pup and I could tell pretty quickly it was his first big adventure out of his home and away from his family - he was a little unsure of himself. I enjoyed watching him figure things out as he explored everything at his own pace. I gave him reassuring pets and praise along the way, and by the end of his adventure, he was as happy as a clam! It was a sweet opportunity to be able to watch his self confidence grow and I loved being a part of that!
The other story is when my good buddy Barley wasn’t feeling good. I could tell he wasn’t feeling his best (he hadn’t finished his breakfast and that never happens!) so we skipped the walk in favor of some time in the backyard, and then spent the remainder of the visit cuddling on the couch so he could rest. I could tell he enjoyed having company and eventually he had an appetite to eat his breakfast. A few days later he was feeling so much better!
Delaney and Barley
Q: Do you have a favorite pet or client story you'd like to share?
A: Speaking of Barley, he certainly has a special spot in my heartI He reminds me of my soul pup who I lost a little over a year ago. Since the day I met him, we have shared a special bond. I especially love how he greets me at the door with butt wiggles and lots of kisses before running off to grab his bone to bring to me. He has the absolute sweetest heart and he shows so much unconditional love. When we are on walks, he sticks by my side except for the occasional wander to get in some good sniffs. Seeing him is typically the highlight of my day.
Q: Besides working with animals, what are your hobbies or interests?
A: Hobbies outside of animals include hiking and camping. I love spending time outdoors and disconnecting from the craziness that life can bring you. Being out in nature is very grounding and lets you reconnect with yourself. I do have a few favorite inside activities too, like reading, puzzles, and legos. I love problem solving and activities that get you out of your own head. Life is crazy and sometimes you just need to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.
Q: Do you have any pets of your own? If so, tell us about them.
A: I currently have a dog and a cat. My dog Wyatt is a 20lb cattle dog/chihuahua/dachshund mix. He’s got the herding tendencies of a cattle dog and the bark of a chihuahua, for sure! I always tell people he’s a corgi mix though because he looks like one. My cat's name is Sugar and she is the spunkiest cat ever. She loves carpet rolls and her favorite toy is a dog toy that looks like a turkey leg. She loves being outside too but we haven't quite gotten her used to being on a harness so she only gets supervised outside time. She loves just laying in the sun and hanging out with us.
Q: Are there any favorite dog parks or pet-friendly spots you recommend in our area?
A: My favorite spot is sanctuary woods. I love the wooded area and I love the ruins from what used to be there. Plus the stairs make it exciting for pups! I’ve also found an appreciation for Hoyt park too. I live closer to Waukesha and I really like the riverwalk that goes through downtown Waukesha as well as the Minooka Park area.
Q: What's your go-to tip for clients looking to provide the best care for their pet?
A: My tip for clients is to be compassionate and understanding with their pets. I wish so badly that we could just talk to our furry friends but we aren't able to. The best thing you can do is learn your pet's behaviors and work with them. Everything takes time, especially when pets are new to you. Most of the time, there is an adjustment period for both you and your pet. Training and structure are definitely needed but pets are ultimately companions and they deserve the same grace we give ourselves. At the end of the day, they will show you true and unconditional love.
Q: How would you describe the teamwork and camaraderie among our pet care team?
A: with the Off Leash team is such a unique experience. Due to the nature of the job, we don’t always see the other team members on a regular basis - we all have our respective tasks for the day, or pets that we service and we have our own schedules. However the team is always there to support you even when you are "on your own". We constantly have people we can talk to when we have questions or concerns going on and you never feel like you are alone. Everyone on the team brings the same level of care and compassion to the pets that we see and we ultimately all want what is best for them.
Q: What do you appreciate most about working with our company?
A: What I love the most about the team is the never ending amount of compassion and love we have for all of the pets we see. Coming from the dog daycare and boarding facility, I really love how this company is more tailored to each dog's individual needs and the clients wants. We can really create different experiences that work best for the pet that you wouldn't be able to do in a daycare environment. I love the more one on one attention we are able to provide!
Thank you, Delaney, for your dedication to the job and the pets we care for!
Interested in learning more about the Off Leash MKE team? Be sure to check out past posts in our Behind the Leash series as well as our post from Dog Walker Appreciation Day!
To wrap up the end of the year, we are excited to shine our employee spotlight on the newest Off Leash MKE team member Marissa! Since joining us in September 2024, Marissa has been a fantastic addition to our team. She dove right into home visits and adventures with the skill and confidence of a seasoned pro - keep reading to discover more about the amazing person behind the leash!