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Our Team: Team Members
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Akira

Co-owner

My husband, Alton, and I were inspired by our lovable rescue, King, to ensure other pet owners could have the same confidence we look for when it comes to pet care providers. From birth, there has always been a dog in the house, so the connection is just organic. Even though I am a part-time dog walker, I am certainly a full-time dog lover. In addition to meeting wonderful dogs, one of my favorite parts about this job, is the amazing people it has led me to meet. When I'm not spoiling your furbaby, I enjoy traveling and spending time with loved ones.

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Tonya

Team Manager, Walker, & Sitter

Hello! I am an avid animal lover. I have had dogs my whole life, and I started walking and sitting for friends and neighbors when I was still in elementary school and worked professionally as a dog walker and sitter from April of 2016 until August of 2019. After completing my master’s degree in public history, I realized I no longer wanted to be tied to a desk and decided to return to my passion: working with animals! I strive to make sure every pet I visit feels safe and loved and I will take care of them just as if they were my own. Whether your dog weighs 10 pounds or 110 pounds, they are all good girls and boys, and they will receive the attention and affection they deserve!

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Rachel M.

Walker 

Hello! I am a pet owner and animal lover. I have always had pets growing up as a child, and there has always been a special place in my heart for animals. I just love taking care of them! We currently have a golden retriever/ German shepherd mix that we rescued from New Mexico. I enjoy meeting different kinds of animals and getting to know their personalities. 

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Carey

Walker & Sitter

Hi there!  My name is Carey, and I have always had dogs and cats of my own from as far back as I can remember. Pets are an integral part of my family; my dogs and cats are my kids!! I have had all sorts of dogs from Gordon Setters, Border Collies, Hound dogs, Lab mixes and Rottweilers too! My husband and I recently adopted two cats…the cats certainly keep my husband & I on our toes as they are quite mischievous!!
I have been working in the animal profession for almost my entire career! I begin working at an animal hospital when I was a teenager and have remained at the same practice for over 25 years. I worked in almost every role from a vet assistant to a technician and now a manager. Taking care of pets is what I’ve always done and what makes my heart happy - I can’t imagine ever doing anything different! I’m so happy to be a part of the be BwB team and look forward to meeting you & your furry kids!

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Rosie

Walker & Sitter

Hello! I'm Rosie, a dedicated animal enthusiast and entrepreneurial spirit. Since the age of 13, I've immersed myself in the world of pet-sitting and house-sitting, blending my love for animals with business acumen. With experience in the veterinary field, I've nurtured a profound commitment to ensuring the well-being of pets. My passion for customer service and animal care is unwavering. Given the chance, I'm eager to extend my heartfelt dedication to your beloved furry companion, promising diligence and tender care in every moment.

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Michelle

Walker

Hi, I’m Michelle! I’ve been a professional dog walker for 10 years, and I love making walks both fun and productive by adding obedience training into the mix. I’m passionate about pet nutrition and have always been the go-to dog walker in every neighborhood I’ve lived in. Caring for animals has been a lifelong calling, and I’m excited to bring that dedication to you and your furry friends!

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Florence

Walker & Sitter

Throughout my personal life and pet sitting career, I've cared for almost every type of domestic animal you can think of: dogs, horses, cats, hamsters, frogs, turtles, fish and birds... of course not all at the same time! I love to educate myself on each animal and breed to understand the care they need.
Even at a young age, I knew my future was to be a loyal companion to animals, and to have the utmost integrity to give the proper care to animals of any shape or size.

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Alton

Co-owner

After buying our first puppy together (King), Akira and I met a lot of our friends at dog parks and puppy play dates. During this time, we would assist friends with dog sitting and walking. That's when the love and passion grew, taking care of other people's dogs and showering them with love. I have always had a passion for dogs and grew up with them as a child. I love working with different breeds and getting to know each one and learning more about them- “it’s like making a new friend with four paws!” I hope to ensure that every pet is left healthy and happy, so their owner doesn’t have to worry. They can know that their pet is being cared for when they are gone. Other than working with dogs, I have a strong interest in weightlifting and spending time with family.

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Nico

Online Marketing Manager, Walker, & Sitter

Hi there! My name is Nico, and I'm thrilled to be an addition to the BwB crew! I've had a lifelong love for animals, especially wildlife! Even though I don't have any of my own, I adore dogs and how unique they all are. My favorite breeds are sighthounds, like greyhounds and borzoi - I love their pointy faces! I've worked at a boarding facility for nearly three years, which has given me a huge range of experience and skills that I'm excited to use here!

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Janet

Walker & Sitter

My name is Janet, and I am so happy to be part of the BwB team!  I have a lifetime of experience being around animals, and understand how stressful it can be when life commitments separate you from your pet.  I am experienced in caring for pets with dietary restrictions, medical conditions, anxiety, and special needs.  My family and I raised or cared for a variety of dog breeds ranging from toy breeds, like Pomeranians, to large breeds, like Coonhounds, and even an Akita.

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Kerry

Walker

Hi! I am excited to be a part of the BwB team and care for your animal. I am a customer who loved and appreciated what the BwB team was doing and wanted the opportunity to share the same level of care I experienced for your furry family member. I grew up with animals and have always loved dogs.

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Kaylee

Walker & Sitter

My grandparents handed over the responsibility of their animals with every kind of pet, all having different needs and specific routines to follow. I cared for their three elderly dogs, two cats, and birds for a couple years before moving to Northern Virginia. I have had pets in all age ranges with special needs like arthritis or the beginnings of blindness/loss of hearing and cared for each and every one like I would my own. I have had many puppies in my care, as well as, more problematic pets that have had trauma or abandonment issues who need extra support!

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Amanda

Walker & Boarder

Dogs have been in my life always. From childhood pets, dog sitting in college and now owning my own dog, I know just what to do to treat your pet with love and respect. We look forward to hosting and caring for your pups! 

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James

Walker

Hello, my name is James, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the BwB team! I've lived with dogs my whole life, including poodle mixes, terriers, labs, and German Shepards. From my own dogs, I know pets can have a range of distinct personalities, from anxious, to guarded, to goofy, and that they all deserve love and attention. With experience in the veterinary field and wildlife rehabilitation, I can adjust how I work with any animal to help suit his or her own needs and disposition. I enjoy caring for dogs of all sizes and temperaments, and I look forward to using my skills to help enrich the lives of your four-legged family members.

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