This month, we're excited to highlight Taylor in our employee spotlight! As a key member of our weekend dog walking team, Taylor brings tremendous enthusiasm, a genuine love for animals, and a commitment to creating joyful experiences for our furry friends in Milwaukee. Let's give a big round of applause for Taylor's contributions and hard work as part of our team. Keep reading to learn more about the 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 was welcomed onto the Off Leash team as both a client and an employee back in October. While I was new to the dog walking scene back then, I have always been an avid animal aficionado as long as I could remember. From singing to my grandma's parakeet to playing fetch with my own household dogs, pets have always been a major part of my life. When I am not doting on my own dog, Daisy, I work as a special education teacher at an elementary school in Wauwatosa. Apart from working with children and animals alike, I love to read and travel (both forms of escapism I regularly pursue).
Q: Do you have a favorite pet or client story you'd like to share?
A: I always spend my day looking forward to my walk with Bella. She was one of the first dogs I visited when training, and part of my regular weekend walking crew. Bella is a pup who knows what she wants and demands efficiency, especially when it comes to her gear. I was not always adept at putting on her harness, and many a time I would have to reset and try again amidst her wiggling body. Now, I can place her harness on her within seconds, and we spend more time enjoying each other's company on our Saturday strolls.
Q: Besides working with animals, what are your hobbies or interests?
A: Anytime anyone asks me about dogs, I immediately bring up my own. I adopted Daisy at a Mobile Pet event sponsored by HAWS. When I first met Daisy, she was 6 months old and already weighed around 50 lbs. She was a dehydrated darling, as the event was held on a 95 degree day out in the sun. I was drawn to her instantly and knew she was meant to be a part of my life. After Daisy was able to settle, she began to show me her goofy side. While Daisy is an extremely intelligent pup, she doesn't always show it. My favorite story to tell is when she was doing zoomies in the backyard and ran into a bird feeder that had remained in the same spot throughout her sprints. She fell over herself and then barked at it, as though it had purposely gotten in her way. She'll still fall over herself when she runs, but she avoids the bird feeder like a bad habit to this day.
Animals aside, I have always been a reader. I went to college for Journalism, because I was constantly seeking knowledge and had a desire to share what I learned. This transitioned into an education degree, and I recently obtained my Master's in 2023. Now, I get to share my love of learning with my students daily, a position I could not be more grateful for. When I am not immersed in a story, I am usually planning my next adventure via plane, train, or automobile. My aspiration is to travel to each continent and see all I can. However, in the meantime, I go across state lines to visit my beloved friends and family.
Taylor and her dog Daisy
Q: Do you have any pets of your own? If so, tell us about them.
A: I have a sweet dog named Daisy, a wonderful mutt who has taught me so much. Daisy was a shelter dog who I was fortunate enough to adopt when she was six months old. She has German Shepherd, Boston Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier in her, meaning she is an alert ball of anxiety. While I had been around reactive dogs, I had never worked with one until her. While we have ups and downs, I am always so thankful for Daisy because she taught me how to be a responsible owner and truly understand dog behavior. We have strengthened our bond over the years, and while we are still working on neutralizing our triggers, she has come such a long way. She is a content pup who loves to run off leash and receive cuddles from her immediate family, and I love her dearly.
Q: Are there any favorite dog parks or pet-friendly spots you recommend in our area?
A: When I think about favorite dog parks or go-to-places, I think of my own dog who prefers solitary hikes. One of our favorite places to visit has always been Lapham Peak, and exploring the trails around Kettle Moraine State Forest. Locally, I enjoy going to Three Bridges Park or the Forest Exploration Center. All have multiple trails that you can avoid other people on fairly easily, as well as wonderful views of nature.
Q: What's your go-to tip for clients looking to provide the best care for their pet?
A: My go-to-tip for any client is to ask questions. Our team consists of many experts who want your pet to have their needs met and beyond. When in doubt, our team will work hard to provide a comprehensive answer that will allow you and us to support your animal with whatever they require.
Q: How would you describe the teamwork and camaraderie among our pet care team?
A: One of my favorite aspects about working with Off Leash is the community our team has created. Communication is an important asset for any team, and ours has it in spades. Whether it be a question about best places to take a pup for a sniffari or questions on how to best approach a nervous pet, everyone works to support one another with answers backed by evidence based practices and genuine animal understanding. I know that regardless of the situation, there is a full team ready to provide aid in whatever way they can.
Q: What do you appreciate most about working with our company?
A: Off Leash is a company that respects both its clientele and its employees. As a client, Lori and the team were always willing to work with Daisy, even on her off days, and approach her with such kindness I knew even if I was not home she would be considerably cared for. As an employee, I am always treated with decency in the questions I ask and the support I request. Above all, each member of our team is an individual with integrity, and they showcase that through their work and words.
Thank you, Taylor, 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!