Welcome back to the Unleashed Blog! This month, we’re thrilled to shine our employee spotlight on Kathy, one of our outstanding team members at Off Leash MKE! Since joining us in April 2024, Kathy has been delivering exceptional care to our clients in the Wauwatosa area. Continue reading to learn more about the kind and compassionate person behind the leash!
Kathy and Barley
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long you have been a part of our team?
A: I have been an animal lover since I was a little girl. I have owned several kinds of pets including dogs, birds, fish, hamsters, turtles, a salamander, and more. I have enjoyed adopting my special needs animals. They have taught me so much. In the past, I worked at 2 different veterinary clinics in reception, and as an assistant. I started volunteering in rescue in January of 2000, and I have been a MADACC dog walker since 2015. I became a member of Off Leash MKE in April 2024.
Q: Share a memorable or heartwarming moment you've had with a client's pet.
A: That's a tough one because I have so many heartwarming moments working here. I love all of my clients so much, and I'm always excited for us to spend time together. It makes my days more special!
Q: Do you have a favorite pet or client story you'd like to share?
A: I actually have two stories I would like to share. When I first met Mishy, she seemed afraid, and really didn't want anything to do with me. Mishy was scared and she would hide under the dining room table. It was impossible to put her harness on, because I couldn't touch her. But with time and patience, I was able to earn her trust. So now our time is filled with walking, belly rubs, and snuggles. She watches me out the window when I come and go, and her tail wags the whole time.
My second story is about Barley. He always shows me his new bones and toys and showers me with kisses. Barley gets the zoomies and gallops around like a horse, and every day he makes me laugh.
Q: Besides working with animals, what are your hobbies or interests?
A: I enjoy my MADACC Fido Field Trips, volunteering at events, visiting botanical gardens, taking care of my outdoor flowers and plants, thrift store shopping, and anything nature related. I also like to watch the Wisconsin Badgers, the Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Brewers play.
Kathy and her dog Zoey
Q: Do you have any pets of your own? If so, tell us about them.
A: My 10 year old Staffordshire Terrier mix Zoey, came to me as a rescue from MADACC. She has me wrapped around her paw. I'm also owned by 2 finches. Otto is 1 1/2 years old, and Maggie is 8 months old. Charlie, my dove, and Willow, my turquoise mutation green cheek conure, are both almost 10 years old. Tazzie is my 20 year old blue headed Pionus. My canary Owen, who was given to me as a gift by one of my friends, is 5 years old. All of my other birds, I rescued.
Q: Are there favorite dog parks or pet friendly spots you recommend in our area?
A: Zoey and I prefer solitary walks, so we usually spend time on the Oak Leaf Trail, visit Forest Exploration Center, or the Ice Age Trail Holy Hill segment. All of these places are fantastic for viewing nature, they aren't crowded, and they’re nice places to walk.
Q: What is your go-to tip for clients looking to provide the best care for their pet?
A: My tip is to be present with your pet. Their lives are short compared to ours, so take time to spend quality time with them, train them, and have fun with them.
Q: How would you describe the teamwork and camaraderie among our pet care team?
A: Everyone on the team will answer questions, solve issues that may arise, and provide support.
Q: What do you appreciate most about working with our company?
A: I appreciate waking up in the morning and actually wanting to go to work. The clients and my team are all amazing. My team is experienced, and I feel very grateful to be a part of a great company.
Kathy, thank you for all you do for our team and all the love you give to the animals of Milwaukee!
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!
Ready for tail-wagging trail adventures? Off Leash MKE’s top tips for the trails will keep your dog safe, your fellow hikers happy, and Milwaukee’s trails beautiful - Leash up, clean up, and make every adventure a blast!