Melinda joined our team in February of 2018 as a kennel and daycare tech. Melinda is a certified dog trainer through CATCH canine trainers academy. Melinda is a certified evaluator for Canine Good Citizen. Her passion in life is to keep dogs out of shelters and to rehabilitate those dogs who need a second chance.

What is your favorite part of your job?  Getting to use all my training knowledge all day everyday and being able to educate others. I also love getting to know all the dogs as if they were my own.

What is your best memory or day on the job? I have so many memories however I have 3 that really stand out. I loved when I got to be a part of Money’s adoption. He was a rescue dog from Rescue Village. Being able to meet the adopters and be able to see him off was bittersweet. I also loved working/training with Stevie a pup with many behavioral challenges. Connecting with her and gaining her trust was amazing. I also loved that some of the pups in daycare who are regulars ended up in some of my classes and I not only got to know them, but there owners as well!

Where did you grow up?  I was born in Carona, California. When I was 4 I moved to Cleveland and grew up in Twinsburg.

What is your birthday?  December 20^th.

What are your hobbies?  Outside of work I am big into fitness and I love running, especially with my dogs. I love hiking and kayaking. I have run many 5k’s, 10k’s, and 10 milers and half marathons. I am also big into aquariums, owning a large 55 gallon freshwater cichlid tank.

What is something unique about you?  When I was much younger I used to be a swimmer and I did figure skating on roller skates. I also play the flute and piccolo. I also volunteered in an animal shelter for about a year. From age 5 to 18 I was involved with girl scouts.

If you didn’t work here what would you be doing?  Still working full time at my 2^nd job at Pet Smart as a dog trainer. Or I would be trying to start my own training business or dog walking/dog sitting business out of my home.

Tell us why you are passionate about dogs and any involvement outside of All About Dogs that you have with dogs or animals.  I am passionate about dogs because I believe every dog deserves a 2^nd chance. I have a goal to help keep as many dogs out of shelters as I can. Being around dogs teaches me a lot of about myself and how to be a much calmer person.

What is your favorite dog breed and why?  Honestly I do not have a favorite breed. Whether being 2lbs or 200lbs as long as I connect with him/her that Is all that matters. However mixed breed mutts I love! They are really unique in coat coloring and personalities.