Meet Our Team
Jodi Dempsey ~ Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
Jodi has been passionate about animals her entire life. Growing up, her household was never without pets; dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, fish and hermit crabs to name a few. Numerous pets "followed her home" and became members of the family. She also brought animals home from school - the science class mouse was quite a surprise! She's been pet sitting since she was in junior high and continued to do so for friends and family while working her "real" job. As an adult, she's shared her home with dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, a chinchilla and a gecko.
In 2010, she adopted Dakota, who was quite fearful of other dogs and could be a handful at times. Never having worked with a fear reactive dog before, but determined to make life better for Dakota, Jodi completed Penn Foster's Career College Dog Obedience Instructor/Trainer program and found every class, webinar and book on dog behavior that she could, to learn how to help Dakota. After extensive behavior modification training, Dakota lived happily with Sammy (a yorkie) for five years before he crossed the rainbow bridge. She also made a few doggie friends with her neighbors. Jodi had found her true passion. In 2013, Jodi began training dogs professionally. During this time, she found many of her clients didn't have the time to walk or exercise their dogs due to busy lifestyles or health issues. Many clients couldn't find a reliable pet sitter, but didn't want to impose on friends and neighbors either. Seeing a need, she opened Dakota's Dogs and is now blessed to be doing what she loves, every single day.
In 2010, she adopted Dakota, who was quite fearful of other dogs and could be a handful at times. Never having worked with a fear reactive dog before, but determined to make life better for Dakota, Jodi completed Penn Foster's Career College Dog Obedience Instructor/Trainer program and found every class, webinar and book on dog behavior that she could, to learn how to help Dakota. After extensive behavior modification training, Dakota lived happily with Sammy (a yorkie) for five years before he crossed the rainbow bridge. She also made a few doggie friends with her neighbors. Jodi had found her true passion. In 2013, Jodi began training dogs professionally. During this time, she found many of her clients didn't have the time to walk or exercise their dogs due to busy lifestyles or health issues. Many clients couldn't find a reliable pet sitter, but didn't want to impose on friends and neighbors either. Seeing a need, she opened Dakota's Dogs and is now blessed to be doing what she loves, every single day.
Lisa Dooley ~ Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
Lisa was a client of Dakota's Dogs before becoming a member of the team and she has always loved animals. She has a very special place in her heart for dogs and is devoted to making sure her dogs are walked and pampered as much as possible! She currently shares her home with her husband, son, and two rescue dogs.
Her sweet boy, Max, who recently crossed the bridge, was a terrier mix that would have you believe that he was an old curmudgeon, but anyone that had ever met him knew better. He was a real sweetheart and is missed very much. Laney, her silly little puggle is a happy girl and always ready to meet a new friend. She's a high energy girl with lots of opinions that she will gladly share with you! And last, but not least, is Allie, a super sweet and easy going jack-a-bee.
Lisa has many years experience volunteering with The Lake Humane Society in Mentor and The ARC in Eastlake. Her volunteer work is very important to her and she is deeply committed to helping animals in need. She also has an extensive background in customer service, which makes working with pets and their families the perfect career for her.
Her sweet boy, Max, who recently crossed the bridge, was a terrier mix that would have you believe that he was an old curmudgeon, but anyone that had ever met him knew better. He was a real sweetheart and is missed very much. Laney, her silly little puggle is a happy girl and always ready to meet a new friend. She's a high energy girl with lots of opinions that she will gladly share with you! And last, but not least, is Allie, a super sweet and easy going jack-a-bee.
Lisa has many years experience volunteering with The Lake Humane Society in Mentor and The ARC in Eastlake. Her volunteer work is very important to her and she is deeply committed to helping animals in need. She also has an extensive background in customer service, which makes working with pets and their families the perfect career for her.
Marianne Chrzanowski ~ Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
Marianne’s love for animals began in her childhood. She was raised with her older fur brother Ralph for the first 13 years of her life. After he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, her house felt a bit empty and her parents allowed her to get a couple of hamsters and from there her family included rabbits, frogs, birds, lizards and rats.
Her husband has grown to be an animal lover over the years. They have “parented” a couple of large iguanas, rabbits, dogs, hamsters and a turtle. Luckily, they are raising three children who adore animals of all kinds, so if she ever suggests they rescue a new family member, the kids are always on board.
For as long as she can remember she has been that person who finds all the stray animals. Her family has temporarily provided care for lost dogs, cats and their most interesting find, Tina the stray Guinea Hen.
She has provided animal care for friends and family over the years and has experience working in a humane society, childcare and working with the elderly. She also enjoys photography, reading and crafting.
Her family includes Gentle Mack, a flat coated retriever mix. He’s been a member of their family for 11 years and is an amazing guy who loves everything and everyone he meets. A 5-year-old bunny named Sadie and a 25-year-old turtle named Ferguson.
Her husband has grown to be an animal lover over the years. They have “parented” a couple of large iguanas, rabbits, dogs, hamsters and a turtle. Luckily, they are raising three children who adore animals of all kinds, so if she ever suggests they rescue a new family member, the kids are always on board.
For as long as she can remember she has been that person who finds all the stray animals. Her family has temporarily provided care for lost dogs, cats and their most interesting find, Tina the stray Guinea Hen.
She has provided animal care for friends and family over the years and has experience working in a humane society, childcare and working with the elderly. She also enjoys photography, reading and crafting.
Her family includes Gentle Mack, a flat coated retriever mix. He’s been a member of their family for 11 years and is an amazing guy who loves everything and everyone he meets. A 5-year-old bunny named Sadie and a 25-year-old turtle named Ferguson.
Marcia Merritt ~ Office Assistant
Like Lisa, Marcia was a client of Dakota’s Dogs before becoming a member of the team. Marcia’s experience and love of pets started later in her life, when she had children. While her kids were growing up, the family cared for and loved myriads of fish, guinea pigs, frogs, cats, dogs, a horse and a snake. Both children are now in college and Marcia currently lives with her husband, 2 cats and a dog.
Annie recently crossed the rainbow bridge and is still very missed. She was a sweet, happy Shih Tzu that could put a smile on anyone’s face during their worst day. Her tall, wagging tail and bright eyes said it all. Annie’s best friend, Ginger is a Bichon Shih Tzu mix. She is also Marcia’s baby girl. Although she is 12, Ginger loves to play tug of war and thinks she’s fierce; we know better, but we’re not telling Ginger! Not a smell gets past her while she is on a walk. She enjoys napping in the sun and saving most of her snuggles for Mom. The family cats, Ava and Tigger are both 10 but that’s where the similarities end. Sweet, quiet Ava is a bit of a recluse. She comes out for food and the occasional chin rub. Tigger on the other hand is outgoing and fearless. She barks at birds and chipmunks, comes when called, eats Ginger’s food if she’s too slow and bathes Ava any chance she gets. All of the pets that have crossed the Merritt threshold have brought endless joy to the entire family.
Prior to children, Marcia worked for Progressive Insurance in sales and training for 10 years. Once the kids were in high school, she went back to work as the Director of Annual Giving at Hathaway Brown School. She currently serves as a council member in Waite Hill Village. Now that she is an empty nester, Marcia would like to find the perfect canine to become a therapy dog and help her volunteer at hospice or assisted living facilities.
Annie recently crossed the rainbow bridge and is still very missed. She was a sweet, happy Shih Tzu that could put a smile on anyone’s face during their worst day. Her tall, wagging tail and bright eyes said it all. Annie’s best friend, Ginger is a Bichon Shih Tzu mix. She is also Marcia’s baby girl. Although she is 12, Ginger loves to play tug of war and thinks she’s fierce; we know better, but we’re not telling Ginger! Not a smell gets past her while she is on a walk. She enjoys napping in the sun and saving most of her snuggles for Mom. The family cats, Ava and Tigger are both 10 but that’s where the similarities end. Sweet, quiet Ava is a bit of a recluse. She comes out for food and the occasional chin rub. Tigger on the other hand is outgoing and fearless. She barks at birds and chipmunks, comes when called, eats Ginger’s food if she’s too slow and bathes Ava any chance she gets. All of the pets that have crossed the Merritt threshold have brought endless joy to the entire family.
Prior to children, Marcia worked for Progressive Insurance in sales and training for 10 years. Once the kids were in high school, she went back to work as the Director of Annual Giving at Hathaway Brown School. She currently serves as a council member in Waite Hill Village. Now that she is an empty nester, Marcia would like to find the perfect canine to become a therapy dog and help her volunteer at hospice or assisted living facilities.
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