Employee Spotlight: Jillian

Jillian is our stellar Weekend Supervisor. She works hard everyday and always has a smile on her face. Below are some fun facts about this month’s Employee Spotlight!

Does Jillian have a dog?

Jillian does have a dog! She and her girlfriend recently adopted Phoebe, a lab mix, from the Northeast Animal Shelter. Phoebe was recently featured on The Dodo, so she’s basically famous.

Why was she on The Dodo?

Phoebe has struggled with lots of anxiety since she was adopted, and The Dodo wanted to write about the steps that Jillian and Becky are taking to help Phoebe. You can read the article here.

What does Jillian do in her free time?

When she is not here at the Urban Hound, Jillian can be found spending time with her girlfriend, her friends, and Phoebe. Jillian loves to cook and has gotten pretty good at it after trying various recipes over the last few years. Jillian is also a theater buff. She has seen four shows in the past year, and is slated to see Hamilton next month. (Lucky!!!) Jillian is also a book nerd and is never without reading material.

Anything else we should know?

Jillian is going back to school soon to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She loves animals and we know she’ll excel in school!

Employee Spotlight: Anthony

I feel like I’ve seen Anthony around for a long time, is that true?

You are correct, indeed. Anthony has been with the Urban Hound for about 5 years now, and has probably walked one million miles around the South End by now.

What does Anthony do in his spare time?

Anthony is a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys trying new restaurants in and around Boston. He enjoys spending time at Trader Joe’s, as well. I mean, who doesn’t?

What else?

Anthony’s passion for food helped him get a 6 week gig working on an organic farm. He also does a lot of work with local non-profit organizations.

Can Anthony break-dance?

The short answer is kind-of. Anthony has been known to bust a move or two, especially the famous break-dancing move called The Windmill. He hasn’t done it in a while, but we’re pretty sure he still could. Perhaps he’ll incorporate that into his dog walking….

Employee Spotlight: Vicky

Meet this month’s Employee Spotlight: Vicky! Vicky heads up our grooming department. When she started 7 years ago, she was a department of 1. Now, she oversees a department of 4, which is only growing! Vicky is an integral part of our staff and she is likely an integral part of your pup’s life, too!

Has Vicky always been a dog groomer?

I’m glad you asked! Vicky has not always been a dog groomer. Vicky received her degree in journalism form Ohio University, and spent more than 8 years working as a reporter and editor before shifting gears to pursue dog grooming. Before she worked at The Urban Hound, Vicky had a writing job at Boston University.

What is Vicky’s favorite part of working at The Urban Hound?

There are so many great things about being a part of The Urban Hound team but, of course, everyone’s favorite part are the dogs. Vicky has had the privilege of knowing thousands of dogs during her time at The Urban Hound. She considers it a privilege to watch each dog mature and age, and to even to help send them off on their journey across the rainbow bridge. So many dogs hold a special place in our hearts long after they are gone. Vicky also loves her squad of “spa dogs” who hang with she and her team during the day.

What does Vicky do in her spare time?

When she is not at The Urban Hound, Vicky has many interests that occupy her time. Vicky is an avid reader, and some of her favorites include “The Glass Castle,” “Jacob I Have Loved,” and “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.” Vicky and her partner, Jenn, enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, especially hiking. Vicky & Jenn live with their cat, Nina, who Vicky has had since college.

What does Vicky want to be when she grows up?

Vicky is loving her career as a dog groomer, and is content to stick with that for some time. However, she does harbor many dreams, most notably moving to Maine or Vermont to raise goats and revisit her writing career.

Employee Spotlight: Krista

the urban hound boston dog daycare

Meet superstar Urban Hound daycare attendant, Krista! Krista has been with us for 2 years now, and brings a positive attitude and smiling face to each day. Learn more about Krista below!

Where have I seen Krista?

As a morning Daycare Attendant, Krista can often be seen shuttling dogs from the lobby to our play parks during rush hour. She can also be found out and around the South End walking some of our daycare and boarding dogs.

What does Krista do when she’s not at the Urban Hound?

What doesn’t Krista do?! When she’s not hanging out with us, Krista can be found walking some pups in the suburbs. Krista can also be found around New England seeing her favorite bands. So far in 2018, she’s been to 12 shows! Krista’s music taste is diverse and she is always up for an adventure. Krista loves to travel, as well, and #1 on her bucket list are the Northern Lights.

Krista also is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit dedicated to honorably recognizing active duty service members and veterans in many ways. With permission from families, Krista and her fellow Guard Riders hold flags at funerals and services to show their respect. They also attend send-offs and homecomings to show their gratitude to the troops. Krista and the Patriot Guard Riders will be attending an “Honor Flight” in April, where Southwest Airlines will be providing a plane from Logan to take many WWII and Korea vets to see their monuments down in D.C.

Is Krista secretly a cat lady disguised as a dog lady?

I’m glad you asked! The answer to this question is, well…maybe. Krista is a super cat lover, and her family has rescued many throughout the years. Most recently, they had cats named Capone and Rocky, who were rescues from the Quincy Animal Shelter. The answer, really, is that Krista is a crazy ANIMAL lady. She has a number of dogs she cares for, and she even has pet sit for ferrets, birds, and fish.

Employee Spotlight: Jess

While Jess hasn’t been at the Urban Hound for a year just yet, it is hard to remember what Hound life was like without her. Jess is a vibrant presence everyday and always has a smile on her face. Here’s a bit about Jess so you can get to know one of the awesome humans caring for your pup day in and day out!

Where you’ve seen her: As one of our Daycare Supervisors, you’ve likely seen Jess all around the hotel. Jess is either bringing your pup into daycare in the morning, or bringing them back out to you nice and tired at the end of the day. In between, she’s making sure that all of our dogs are safe and happy all day, everyday. Jess has also filled in as a dog walker when we’ve needed her – both in the South End and the Seaport – so you might have also seen her strolling around Boston, pups in tow.

What does Jess do outside the Hound? When she’s not at the Urban Hound, Jess can be found spending quality time with her fiance, Josh, and their rescue dog, Eva. Jess and Josh also have two bunnies and an ever-rotating crew of foster pups. Most recently, Jess and Josh fostered a momma Yorkiepoo (they think!) and her puppies, all of whom Jess helped adopt out to their perfect homes.

What does Jess do for fun? Jess can always be found doing any number of activities with Eva at her side. She also loves hanging out with friends and exploring the city. Josh is a lights engineer and has worked on a number of high-profile musical tours. When she can, Jess likes to catch up with Josh on tour and even went to Paris this past fall.

Will Eva be in Jess’s wedding? The answer is a resounding YES! OF COURSE! Jess and Josh’s wedding will be spectacular for a number of reasons, but the most important is that Eva will be part of the ceremonies.