Meet The Team
VIRGINIA:
Virginia grew up down the street from her Husband (and buisness partner) Andrew in Northfield, IL and they currently live in Prospect Heights. She graduated from New Trier H.S. and later Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Photography and Journalism. Ever since Virginia was a child she has wanted to save all the animals and give them all her love. It’s safe to say she has a special connection, understanding and love for all animals that fuels Doggie Dharma, as well as her Animal Advocacy and Rescue work. When she has free time you might find her in the forest with her dog Diesel, hanging with her chickens, cats, Tortoises, or managing her large Garden. She loves to unwind by hanging with her animals and exploring with her film camera, but getting lost in a good song or book is always at the top of her list too. Every morning she feels blessed and honored to be able to care for your beloved pets and consider all the heart of the Doggie Dharma family.
ANDREW:
Andrew was raised in Northfield, IL and currently lives in Prospect Heights. He graduated from Universal Technical Institute in 2008 with a degree in Mechanics. In his spare time Andrew loves to go fishing, RC meet ups, rock climbing, camping and always getting his hands dirty, whether that is working in the garden, with the chickens or in the yard, building and fixing things, inventing and creating, or just messing around in the garage . He also loves to explore the world with with his 13 year old daughter Quinn, his wife Virginia and their american bulldog, Diesel, who turns 12 October 2020. He also has fallen in love with their 20+ chickens, two 12 year old Red Foot Tortoises and two cats who turn a year old December 2020. Andrew only works part time walking dogs, but you will still his friendly face here and there! He quickly became a favorite among our furry friends and clients. It’s safe to say that he has discovered a talent for connecting with all animals when he began our Doggie Dharma adventure.
JEANNETTE:
Jeanette has been walking dogs since 2010. She has many years of experience working with veterinarians as well. She currently resides with 2 dogs, 5 cats and 9 parakeets right now. Jeanette is a lover of all animals and loves her job as a professional animal caretaker. **Pictured is her pup Brutus Caesar Achilles, because as Jeanette says, a 4 pound dog needs a 40 pound name!
KIM:
Kim is a proud parent of 5. Three “real” children and 2 four legged children. She loves animals and has always felt better with an animal by her side. She has been caring for animals in some capacity her entire life.When not walking dogs, she enjoys spending time with her family. She tries to run daily and enjoys going on long bike rides, camping and spending time outdoors.
KAYLA: Hi, my name is Kayla. I currently attend school at Elmhurst college and am studying speech pathology! I live in Jefferson Park but have worked in the Glenview area for a couple of years now. I have grown up with pets my whole life and it has made me into the animal lover I am today. I have worked with horses for a couple of years and have done some volunteering at shelters and some dog walking before joining the Doggie Dharma team! I have two rescues of my own, my kitten Wrigley and my dog Cooper who have been two of the best blessings to enter my life. In my spare time I love hanging out with my friends, working out, and riding horses!
SAM: Sam is an artist as well as a recent clinical massage therapy graduate and he is currently living in Glencoe. Sam graduated from Cornell College in 2006 with a degree in fine arts. He loves traveling and is a lover of all things. Sam had put dog walking and animal care on hold so he could journey out on a year long adventure in Australia and New Zealand. After such an amazing trip he is happy to be back with the Doggie Dharma family. When not walking with Doggie Dharma, Sam can be found in the gym lifting heavy things, painting, and hanging out with his two cats
SUSAN:
CAROLINE:Hello, my name is Caroline! I’m a senior at Eckerd College and I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. My school is in Florida, so I am only a seasonal walker. I love to be active, so I am either at the gym, walking, or walking dogs! I have had animals my whole life, ranging from fish to dogs and cats. I love horses also (if you can’t tell from my picture!) I can’t wait to meet all of the animals Doggie Dharma takes care of!
KATHY:
I love all animals! I grew up with dogs. I was a long term volunteer at Save-A-Pet volunteering as a dog walker and with special needs cats. I have been a pet parent to a dog and many cats.Spare time is spent with my cats, walking or relaxinging on the lake front and spending time with my 4 and 2 legged farm friends.
QUINN:
Hi! My name is Quinn and I am 13 years old. Andrew is my Daddy and Virginia is my Stepmom. I have an American bulldog/Pitbull mix Diesel who turns 2 in 2020, two cats, two tortisues and tons of chickens! I love them all very much. I also have a dog Rocco and Doug, and Cat legolas who I love too! They live with my Mom, Stepdad and 2 sisters. I love going to work with Daddy and Virginia. I like learning about all the animals we care for and I like to leave the owner’s notes to let them know about our time together! I can’t go to all the houses, but the ones I can go to are my favorites.
Do you love animals? Would you like to become part of the Doggie Dharma team? Email us at info@doggie-dharma.com for more information and an application!
