Marissa and her dog Koda
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!
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been a part of our team?
A: I joined the team at the end of September and before this I was a nanny for a few years. I had already been dogsitting, so I was drawn to this job! I love being outside. Whether that be on a beach, hiking, or hanging out at a park. I have loved dogs for as long as I can remember. I grew up with two dogs, and they were my best friends. I always loved animals, I would read about them and watch Animal planet all day or watch shows like Zoboomafoo. I would even make PowerPoints about dog breeds just for fun.
Q: Share a memorable or heartwarming moment you've had with a client's pet.
A: When I was first meeting all the dogs, some were nervous and apprehensive about approaching me or letting me put their harnesses on. Now, they know who I am and they are excited to see me. It’s a great feeling when you know you have established trust and have bonded with an animal!
Q: Do you have a favorite pet or client story you'd like to share?
A: I love all the pets so much I don’t think I could pick a favorite. One of my favorite things is when a dog falls asleep on the car ride back home from a sniffari. It’s so cute and it’s how I know that they had a great time on their adventure!
Q: Besides working with animals, what are your hobbies or interests?
A: Outside of work I enjoy traveling, going to concerts, and watching movies. I sometimes travel to attend concerts in bigger cities, it’s fun to make a trip out of it! A new hobby of mine is going paddle boarding. I got one this past summer and it’s a lot of fun. When I have time for it, I enjoy going to Mitchell Street Arts. They have lots of fun art classes to take.
Q: Do you have any pets of your own? If so, tell us about them.
Marissa hiking with her dog Koda
A: Yes! I have a dog named Koda, he’s four years old and an absolute goofball. He is my soul dog! Koda is an Aussiedoodle, so half Australian Shepard and half poodle. Koda loves snuggling, stealing spots on the couch, being sassy, and playing chase. He loves being outside more than anything and will make sure I never cut his walk short. I also have two cats. Their names are Mr. Big and Goose. Mr. Big likes to join Koda on hikes, but we haven’t taken goose yet! The cats favorite things to do are eat, sleep, and play on their new cat tree. Goose and Koda fight over Mr. Bigs attention, but they all get along really well! Koda loves to play with the cats toys and they all play chase in the tunnel we have.
Q: Are there any favorite dog parks or pet-friendly spots you recommend in our area?
A: Granville dog park can be pretty fun! My dog loves to swim in the river and run free in the tall grass. Lion’s Den Gorge is a great dog friendly trail to check out.
Q: What's your go-to tip for clients looking to provide the best care for their pet?
A: Give your dog a job! They love having a purpose. Whether that be teaching them fun tricks, nose work, or agility. It could even be teaching them to bring you a toy when you come home! These things help your dog become more confident and less bored.
Q: How would you describe the teamwork and camaraderie among our pet care team?
A: Everyone is super helpful and welcoming. I felt like a part of the team right away. I haven’t had coworkers for a long time, so I was a little nervous at first, but everyone is so kind! We all are caring people and love animals. It’s a great group.
Want to be a part of our team?
Click here for an application and email it to info@offleashmke.com
Q: What do you appreciate most about working with our company?
A: I love spending time outside and this is a great way to disconnect from my phone and connect with nature. Being with the dogs outside always puts a smile on my face. I never dread going to work and it feels great to have a supportive team.
We are so happy to have you on our team, Marissa - thank you for AL that you do for us and our clients!
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!