SUNNYVALE TEAM
DANIEL GARCIA
Manager, CPCTTeam Member since December 5, 2012
Daniel was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. For the last 12 years he lived in San Diego and now lives in the Silicon Valley area. He has been in the customer service industry for his entire professional career, which includes the Food and Beverage industry, Hospitality and Real Estate. It was in San Diego that he found his first pup, a white Mini Schnauzer he named Dietrich. While raising Dietrich, Daniel became very interested in the proper way to treat and care for animals.
Daniel and his partner currently have a beautiful rescue dog named Sasha; a Terrier and Chihuahua mix. In November 2012 they welcomed a new addition to the pack, a black Mini Schnauzer with white markings named Raven. After learning about various training programs, Daniel found that he was drawn to the program used here at ADL. He believes strongly that training dogs with positive rewards is the most humane and beneficial approach. He is currently taking courses with ABC Dog Training and looks forward to becoming a certified dog trainer.
Daniel is very active and enjoys playing softball and working out at the gym, including yoga. He is still exploring all the wonderful locations around the Bay Area, such as wine country and the beaches. With the addition of Raven, a lot of time is spent with training with the help of his partner and Sasha. Daniel brings with him many years of customer service which he is excited to share with both the pets and their owners here at A DOG'S LIFE.
Daniel is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE and has received a Certificate of Completion of CParf's Pet First Aid and CPR course.
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ALLY KINLEY
Lead, CPCTTeam Member since December 9, 2009
Ally is a dog lover through and through! She has quite the family of dogs at home- Aries, a 3 year old Pitbull/Mcnab mix. Aries is the 2009 Splash Dogs World Champion and the co-world record holder with a jump of 27'8"!! Vandal is a 5 year old Border Collie/Jack Russell mix who is in his own right the 2009 Splash Dogs Lap Dog World Champion. Last but not least, Lulu is a 10 year old mix that Ally's family found in a garbage can when she was 3 months old.
Ally is working towards saving her money and getting her K9 massage therapy certification. When she's not at work, she often enjoys hiking, hanging out with friends and doing dog sports such as flyball and dock jumping. She enjoys working at ADL because everyone is so friendly and is working for the love of dogs! When asked what she loves about dogs, Ally says, "I love everything about the dogs, they're all so different and have their own personalities."
Ally is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.
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 May 2011 |
CASSANDRA JENECKE
Senior Playgroup Leader, Lobby Host, CPCTTeam Member since March 21, 2008
Cassandra has quite the history with animals! Currently, her family counts among its numbers a former shelter cat (human-in-a-former-life) named Mama Daisy who loves to have her head rubbed! Cassandra says, "While we are only bit actors in her varied and hectic life, she remains a loyal and loving member of our clan." Unfortunately, she and her family are currently without a canine presence in their home, but that is something she soon hopes to change! Beyond her own family's multitude of pets, Cassandra worked all four years of high school at a dog and cat grooming shop, as a receptionist, bather/ brusher, and eventual apprentice groomer. "It was there that I had my first real-world experience working with animals and I have been hooked ever since!"
She is a very recent Political Science and American History graduate of Boston University. She comes to work with the dogs every summer (this is her third summer with ADL as a Playgroup Leader!) and in the fall, she will begin her juris doctorate studies at the University of San Francisco. Her future goals are to complete her law studies, pass the California Bar Exam and be a lawyer who specializes in juvenile/family and animal cruelty law. A position on the bench is my ultimate career goal. Outside of ADL, Cassandra is a dedicated writer and reader. " Studying normally takes up the largest portion of my time, but I am also a newly avid gym goer."
What does she enjoy about ADL and working with dogs? "I am particularly partial to our training staff and the training of employees. I believe that we have one of, if not the best, trained daycare staff in the Bay Area. I have complete confidence in all of my coworker's abilities to go above and beyond what is required of them to take care of the dogs and to make sure the dogs have fun and love daycare! There are so many reasons I can think of why I love dogs. However, I think the simplest but most profound answer is unconditional love. They never judge and they love to see you every morning! Dogs, without a doubt, are the biggest pick-me-up of any bad day!"
Cassandra is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association and has received a Certificate of Completion of CParf's Pet First Aid and CPR course.
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July 2008 & December 2011 |
KATIE JOHNSON
Senior Lobby Host, Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since September 26, 2011
Katie is from Boulder Creek, California, and has always lived with lots of animals!
Growing up, she lived with three Golden Retrievers, a Bernese Mountain Dog, cats,
rabbits, birds, rats and peacocks. Katie especially liked the peacocks! Katie moved
to Denver, Colorado when she was eighteen and began pursuing a career with dogs.
She worked at a local daycare for three years where she did basic training and bathing.
She also pursued her passion for dogs outside of work by fostering dogs through a
local rescue. After several years Katie decided to move back to California with her
Chihuahua/Terrier/Pug mix, Tyson, and an English Mastiff, Jada. Katie says that Tyson
is a big fan of California and loves to spend hours napping in the sun!
Outside of work, Katie enjoys volunteering at dog shelters, hanging out with friends, playing video games, and going to the beach. Katie hopes to continue her work with dogs by fostering, working adoption events and gaining experience with training. She also looks forward to pursuing her education in business. She says her favorite part of working at a A DOG'S LIFE is that it's "one of those jobs where you come in and everyone's excited to see you." She also loves gaining more experience with dogs and the learning opportunities that go along with spending so much time with them.
Katie is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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May 2012 |
LAUREN JENSEN
Senior Playgroup Leader, Lobby Host, CPCTTeam Member since July 3, 2011
Lauren grew up and has lived in San Jose her whole life. She went to Pioneer High School and then went on to attend college at California State University of Monterey Bay, where she is a Business Administration major with a focus on Management. Aside from work and school, Lauren has always been very artsy. She loves to paint, mostly landscapes and Alice in Wonderland themes (her favourite movie). She also loves photography, mostly of her two dogs and other dogs in general. Dogs are a huge part of her life though, as when she can, Lauren loves to just sit down and spend time with both of her dogs.
Lauren has always had animals in her life. She doesn't remember a time in which there were no animals in her life. She grew up with three cats and spent a lot of time with a friend and her Husky. She spent a lot of time with friends and families pets. She has done a lot of pet sitting for people who need someone to stay with their animals.
Currently, Lauren has two dogs that are the light of her life. Toby, a rescue, is a Welsh Corgi/Jack Russel Terrier mix. He is the first dog that she ever owned. Marley, rescued when a friend could no longer keep him, is a Black Lab/Sharpei mix. They love to play tug and fetch the tennis ball. They love to snuggle, go for walks, and see their puppy friends in the mornings. They also love to watch movies with her. Yes, they love Lady and the Tramp, Meerkat Manor, and many other shows with animals in it.
Lauren's favorite part about working at A DOG'S LIFE is the dogs. She loves coming into work and seeing the dogs happy faces. When asked about it she said "I feel so lucky that I get to see all these dog's every day. I love their personalities and excitement and the puppy hugs." She loves the bonds that she creates with each dog. She loves her coworkers. She loves the friendly, fun, and happy environment they help create for the dogs.
Lauren is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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ASHLEY ERENS
Senior Playgroup Leader, Lobby Host, CPCTTeam Member since July 18, 2012
Ashley has adored animals her whole life. She grew up in the south bay and always had dogs and cats. She currently owns two American Tabby cats named Oliver and Stinkers. Her family also includes a Pit bull mix named Tai and a Betta fish named Kaizer. In addition to spending time with animals, Ashley loves being out in nature. She enjoys going on adventures in the mountains and creeks.
Ashley's ultimate career goal is to do something she loves. She doesn't want work to feel like a burden, but rather something she looks forward to each day. Since Ashley enjoys animals she hopes to find a career in humane law enforcement and is currently attending Mission College. At A DOG'S LIFE, Ashley enjoys interacting with the dogs and helping to ensure each one has a great time at daycare. From working with the dogs and learning more about them, to her interactions with her coworkers, Ashley says, "I absolutely love everything about my job!"
Ashley is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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November 2012 |
ALYSSA NGUYEN
Senior Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since February 27, 2012
Alyssa grew up in Fremont but she has lived all over the bay area. Currently,
Alyssa lives in San Jose and attends West Valley College where she is studying to get
her general education degree. Alyssa hopes to study animal behavior at a university and
eventually become an animal behaviorist. She aspires to start her own rescue group for
domestic and barnyard animals in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Before coming to ADL Alyssa worked at a dog boarding facility and was also a certified dog trainer through a national pet care retail chain. Alyssa has a Yorkshire Terrier named Izzy, a Maltese-Yorkie mix named Opie, and a Mainecoon-Tabby mix cat named Rigby. Outside of work she enjoys taking her dogs to the dog park, hiking, and fishing.
Alyssa's favorite part about working at ADL is being able to see the dogs every day and learning all of their different and unique personalities. Alyssa says, "Without the dogs ADL wouldn't exist and they really make every day enjoyable."
Alyssa is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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KATIE JORDAN
Senior Playgroup LeaderTeam Member since July 11, 2012
ALEXANDRA CAMBEROS
Senior Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since August 12, 2012
A Sunnyvale native, Alexandra is currently enrolled at De Anza College working on her general education requirements. She aspires to pursue a bachelor's degree in Zoology at San Francisco State and work at an aquarium in the bay area. In her spare time she hopes to use her dog experience to foster dogs for rescue and rehabilitation through training.
Outside of her work, Alexandra enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach and catching up on the newest movies! She also enjoys spending quality time with her nieces, one of whom is her goddaughter. Alexandra also gives her attention to her household pet which include a beagle and Chihuahua mix named Bruno, a Persian cat named Persia, a red nosed slide turtle and beta fish.
Alexandra found her passion for dogs when she began dog sitting for coworkers and family friends. After finding A DOG'S LIFE, she jumped at the oppourunity to further pursue her work with dogs. He favorite part of her work is seeing the dogs. She says, "There isn't a single size, shape or breed that doesn't bring a smile to my face!"
Alexandra is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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MARISA PATURZO
Lobby Host, Playgroup LeaderTeam Member since August 14, 2012
Marisa is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE
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JULIANNE PIERCE
Playgroup Leader in Training, Lobby HostTeam Member since February, 2013
Julianne grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where southern home-style cooking and southern hospitality is taken to the next level. She recently moved to San Jose and loves everything there is about the city, especially the different cultures, mountain views and amazing people. She enjoys walking around the city, meeting new people, dancing and cooking.
Julianne plans to study animal behavior from the inside out and wants to learn everything there is to possibly know about animals, dogs especially. She currently has a chocolate lab mix named Chance. He was adopted from a foster parent who found him abandoned on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere Alabama. Chance is the love of her life because he is her best friend.
Julianne says, "Working at ADL is such a rewarding job. I love being up on my feet being around these wonderful dogs. Best job! Everyone at ADL is so friendly and we all share the same passion of loving animals and doing our best to take care of them. Dogs are wonderful beautiful creatures that I am so thankful to be surrounded by every day."
AMI KOTHARI
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since May 28, 2009
Whether it is for animals, or people, Ami wants nothing more than to help! Her
future goal is to become a surgeon who travels the world, providing care for those in
need. Presently a student of both De Anza College and Foothill College, she plans on
transferring to a four-year university, where she can major in Biology and prepare for
medical school. This desire to care for others extends to animals as well, since Ami
has worked in several shelters throughout the Bay Area. In one such shelter, the San
Jose Animal Care Center, Ami helped socialize, train, and track the progress of dogs in
attendance. When she is not walking dogs in her free time or visiting museums around
the world to experience new cultures, Ami enjoys wildlife photography, reading, hiking,
playing basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
Due to allergies in one of her family members, Ami is not able to have any pets of her own. Because of this, she looks to A DOG'S LIFE for her opportunity to interact with animals. She claims, "Working at A DOG'S LIFE gives me so much happiness and pleasure. I am very fortunate to work with such amazing animals." Ami seems to be truly touched by the dogs she sees each day, saying also, "I admire how dogs find happiness in the smallest things. I value the loyalty and joy they provide every minute, and I am thankful that they can put a smile on my face."
Ami is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.
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November 2009 (MP) |
SIMRAN KLAIR
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since November 12, 2010
Simran was born in Dubai, U.A.E. and moved to California as a baby; she has been here ever since. Before joining ADL, Simran spent time working with dogs at cats at both HSSV and a large retail chain. About her time there, Simran says, "I learned A LOT about working with animals and that working and having pets is a lot of responsibility but it's all worth it in the end!" Simran has had pets all her life (up to 9 at a time!) and currently shares her home with 3: a 12 year old German Shepard named Tiger, a Spaniel named Gambler, and a stray cat that she rescued named Sassy.
Simran attends De Anza College where she is studying Economics and English as well as some extra curricular classes in communication and CPR. Her goal is to become a Financial Analyst one day! Outside of work, Simran enjoys painting pottery, reading, playing Sudoku, and window shopping.
Simran says her favorite part of working at ADL is "the relationship I form with the dogs and how I know I am helping making their day a little brighter." She also notes, "I LOVE dogs that have smiles!"
Simran is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association and has received a Certificate of Completion of CParf's Pet First Aid and CPR course.
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JESSICA MANSFIELD
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since November 28, 2010
Jessica was born and raised in central San Jose and moved to Sunnyvale when she was 17. She has always had a love for animals and has had pets almost her whole life including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and fish. Currently she lives with 4 cats named Cosmo, Mackenzie, Paige and Cole, an American Eskimo dog named Sugar, a cockatiel named Yoshi, and a bunch of fish.
Her previous job before ADL involved working with dogs and pets as well. She was an animal specialist and cared for the small animals, birds, reptiles and fish. She was also a certified dog trainer through a national pet care retail chain. Jessica has her A.A in Liberal Arts from De Anza College. And while currently not in school she plans on getting her B.A in Music at San Jose State University. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her Husband, infant son and friends and family going to parks, beaches, zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks. She also enjoys home activities such as reading, crocheting.
Jessica's favorite part about working at A DOG'S LIFE is playing with the dogs, and learning the different aspects of their behavior. She also loves the management and the people she works with because they are all super friendly and very willing to offer help and advice. Lastly, she loves waking up and knowing she is going to a job that really matters, not only to her, but also to the dogs whose lives she's helping to enrich, and to the people who love those dogs.
Jessica is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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ANNA TRIGLIA
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since July 11, 2011
A Bay Area native, Anna was born and raised in San Jose CA. She has had animals ever since
she could remember....first an Australian Shepherd named Willie-Nillie and two cats, Daffodil and
Daisy. Now her family has a black lab named Mojave that they trained with Guide Dogs for
the Blind. She didn't graduate from the program, so they adopted her.
Before coming to ADL, Anna studied nursing at Seattle Pacific. After taking a break from school for a while she is now going back to DeAnza College and hopes to return to Seattle Pacific to finish a degree in Psychology. Along with dogs, Anna has always had a love for dance. She's competed and performed in many different forms of dance. She says it was her number 1 passion for 15 years. Anna also likes spending time with friends and family, close and extended.
When asked about her favorite part of working at ADL, Anna says, "I love the atmosphere at ADL. Everyone here loves dogs so much and has the same goal in mind as everyone else, to provide the best experience they can for our dogs and their parents. Everyone is so friendly and warm and welcoming, I felt part of the 'family' from the first day I started working here!
Anna is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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November 2011, July 2012, and January 2013 |
MATT COSIO
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since October 11, 2011
Matt is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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PATRICK BIGGS
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since November 28, 2011
Patrick is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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SAMANTHA DeMOSS
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since December 2, 2012
Samantha grew up in the south Bay Area and lived on a small farm with many animals (dogs, cats, chickens, cow, goats, etc.). She has a long history of working with animals as she rescued and fostered animals from a young age and did 4-H during her teens. During high school she ran her own equine care business, and did pet sitting and dog grooming through college. She even ran a rattery, breeding and showing pedigreed fancy rats, as well as a rat rescue! Samantha currently participates in dog scouts.
Samantha's goal is to obtain as much education in the fields of canine and equine care, training, and rehabilitation. She hopes to one day start an organization to rescue and rehab both dogs and horses. On the same token, she wants to utilize her organization to help both adults and children from less fortunate situations and backgrounds.
Samantha has an A.A. in Business Administration, is a Certified Massage Therapist, has completed courses in Canine & Equine Anatomy & Bodywork, and is pursuing full certifications in Canine & Equine Bodywork and education to assist in becoming a Certified Pet Dog Trainer!
As you can imagine, she has a number of her own pets: Labs Bear and Harley, a Papillon mix named Angel and Angel's daughter, Cheerio, a Papillon/American Bulldog mix who was born on Samantha's birthday. She also has three cats and two horses. Outside of work she enjoys horseback riding, gardening, spending time with my family and fur kids.
"The enthusiastic greetings I receive from the dogs first thing in the morning make me eager to get up and go to work everyday," says, Samantha. "However, also being able to talk 'dogs' with my coworkers and the customers makes everyday that much better. 'Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life' - Confucius, is what I have found here at A DOG'S LIFE."
Samantha is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE and has received a Certificate of Completion of CParf's Pet First Aid and CPR course.
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VERONICA GIBSON
Playgroup Leader in TrainingTeam Member since January 14, 2013
Veronica grew up in San Jose and recalls that there was never a time when she didn't have at least one dog. Currently, she has a new addition to her family, a German Shepherd named Nala. Spending a lot of time pet sitting and socializing, her role at ADL was a great fit! Veronica says her favorite part about working at ADL is the way the dogs "brighten up my day in a way I can't really explain…I'm just always happy to see them and they're happy to see me."
When she's not at work, Veronica enjoys art, writing, photography and traveling. Her ultimate dream is to work in her own art studio and live by the beach with her animals.
LAURA LIN
Playgroup Leader in TrainingTeam Member since March 4, 2013
MAXIMUS GRISSO
Overnight Attendant, Playgroup Leader in Training, CPCTTeam Member since May 7, 2012
Max was born and raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains where he grew up with a variety of animals including goats, horses, dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, hamsters, bunnies, parrots and many more! For as long as Max can remember he has worked with and ridden horses. During his early years of high school Max volunteered at Trinity Ranch, a therapeutic riding center, where he helped care for, train and exercise the horses. Max also did pet sitting for friends and family throughout high school. Currently, Max lives with a Bernese Mountain Dog, Annie, a McNabb puppy named Millie, two cats named Momba and Daisy, and his parson's terrier Peeka.
Max is currently attending De Anza College pursuing a degree in English. He plans to continue working with animals and participating in activism but after college he hopes to pursue a career as a college professor. In his spare time Max enjoys baking, hiking in the mountains, taking Peeka to the beach, riding horses, photographing nature, and participating in LGBT activism. Max's favorite part of working at ADL is getting to know all the different dogs. Max says, "I love spending time with and getting to know each and every dog."
Max is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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MELISSA HILL
Groomer, CPCTTeam Member since February 28, 2008
Melissa was born in Mountain View, but grew up in San Jose with her grandparents, mom, dad, younger sister, her first German Shepard, Hiedi, and her first cat Mr. Strawberry. She attended Branham High School and graduated in 1979. Melissa has two great kids—one punk rocker starting his junior year at Branham High School and mechanical studies at CCOC, along with an academic overachieving daughter who is a 1L at University of San Francisco Law School.
Melissa started her pet career grooming her parents Lhasa Apsos and then started her formal grooming career at the Foxy Hound in Los Gatos in the late 1970s. A groomer for over 30 years, Melissa has worked for private grooming shops, mobile grooming companies, corporate and private veterinary clinics, and even owned her own shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she lived for almost ten years.
Melissa has worked for ADL in the past and is incredibly pleased to be back! She was Palo Alto's lobby host from January 2008 until May 2009, where she was also able to groom! Her favorite dog is still Steve, the Corgi/Shiba-Inu mix at Palo Alto, but looks forward to meeting the dogs of Sunnyvale! During the week, Melissa works at Microsoft as a cashier but is really excited to be a groomer for ADL. Dogs continue to be her greatest passion and she hopes to bring her years of knowledge to the grooming clients of ADL!
Melissa is restarting her life and she is trying to find her way and knows that the animals will lead her in the right direction.
Melissa is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.
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September 2008 (PA) |
CRYSTAL CAPELLA
GroomerTeam Member since December 19, 2011
Crystal started working with dogs about 5 years ago, starting off as a bather. From then on, she knew she wanted to do more than just bathing the dogs, so she went to grooming school and became a dog groomer. She has always loved all animals, but loved dogs the most. From her own dogs to other people's dogs, she knew they all deserved the same amount of care and love. Aside from grooming her own 11 year old chihuahua mix, she has also groomed dogs from two weeks old all the way to twenty years old, so she knows how to accomodate her grooming to any type of dog. She also has worked with many difficult dogs who have had hard pasts and have started a new life with new owners. She knows that it takes patience and time, but eventually and hopefully, most dogs do well in the end. She loves getting to know each dog as if they were her own dog and knows that each dog deserves to look as beautiful as they possibly can!
In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her husband Nick and new son, Michael. She has taken on a new hobby, aside from drawing and playing computer games, which is photography. Crystal and her husband share this hobby together and make it a family outing when going to do photoshoots. Sometimes, they even manage to get their son Michael in the shots too!
SHAY GIRARD
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since August 31, 2009
A Mountain View native, Shay is currently studying at Foothill Community College. While he hasn't yet selected a major, he keeps high aspirations for his professional career; when asked about his future career goals, he responds that he wants "to become a millionaire." Outside of school, Shay enjoys skating, hanging out with his friends, and scoping out new hiking trails.
Shay comes to A DOG'S LIFE with a love for animals, and he currently has two cats and a dwarf hamster of his own. After gaining experience at another doggie daycare, Shay has found that he really enjoys working with animals, dogs especially. He is very interested in discovering the differences between the dog breeds, but there is one thing he says he loves about all pups: "their soft ears!"
Shay is a Certified Pet Care Technician through the Pet Care Services Association.
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July 2010 and September 2011 |
ZILA TIONGSON
Playgroup Leader, CPCTTeam Member since September 27, 2011
Zila was born in the Philippines, but was raised in California for the majority of
her life. Animals have always been a big part of Zila's life since her mom is a
veterinarian. Zila grew up as her mom's "little veterinary assistant" :) However,
her passion for animals came from within, and animals truly have a special
place in her heart.
Zila is currently attending Foothill College where she's studying to become a Veterinary Technician. Before working at ADL, Zila worked in animal research, but really wanted a more rewarding and enjoyable job. Zila says her favorite part of working at ADL is being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about dogs as she is. In the future, she would love to do volunteer work for dogs and one day even own and operate a wild life animal rescue sanctuary.
Zila currently lives with three Miniature Dachshunds, Jazmyne, Jayla, and Jojo. Outside of work, Zila loves to travel. She also competes professionally in a Polynesian Dance Group, which she's been a part of since she was 14 years old!
Zila is a Certified Pet Care Technician through A DOG'S LIFE.
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