Dog-Ma COVID-19 Precautions to Help Protect Everyone’s Health
Learn more about what Dog-ma is doing to limit our clients’ and staffs’ exposure to COVID-19.
Menu
Meet the wonderful management staff at DogMa! All of our staff are certified by a member of the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals). These dog lovers along with the big man fuzzy-butt himself, Izzy, keep things running smoothly at our busy outdoor-indoor facility.
Hi, I’m Izzy! My human owns DogMa. Her pups started coming to DogMa in 2001. When DogMa’s founder decided to retire in 2014 and contemplated closing, my human couldn’t imagine D.C. without DogMa. So she bought it! And recruited top-notch canine professionals to manage the place. That means I’m the fuzz in charge, kind of… It’s a big job for a young mutt rescued from a high-kill shelter down south. Really, I just do whatever the smart women who run DogMa tell me. I get paid in belly rubs and biscuits and lounge by DogMa’s pools most of the year. I’m pretty sure I’ve got it made. I enjoy trips to the beach and butt sniffing. My dislikes include being brushed and squirrels. Well, maybe I like squirrels. I don’t know, I’ve never caught one despite my best efforts.
Gizmo. Jimmy Choo. Kenzie. El. When I am not thinking about my four pups, I am thinking about DogMa’s pack. As General Manager, I hire, train and certify the staff; create our strict safety and health protocols and make sure they are followed by all; ensure the play packs in each yard provide maximum fun for the dogs and maximum safety for all; and communicate with pack parents. For nine years I have worked as a canine professional, including as a handler and then assistant manager at DogMa. I left to manage another daycare, but came back to be General Manager here because there’s no other daycare like DogMa. I am a certified dog trainer, conduct a Continuing Education Credit course on canine behavior wellness for many local vets and serve as the dog behavior specialist on the board of Rural Dog Rescue. I grew up in a dog-loving family. My first pup was Benji, when I was nine years old. I have never been without a canine companion since. And, yes, I do know the names and personalities of every DogMa pup. It’s my job – and my pleasure.
Here’s some things you should know about me. I live dogs. I know you thought I was going to say love right there, and don’t get me wrong — I do love them (!) But I stand by the “live dogs” statement. My whole life is about dogs. Straight out of high school, I started off working as a handler at DogMa. Fast forward to over a decade later, and you’ll find me working alongside with some really great people (& Izzy!), helping manage this amazing doggy daycare. I have three dogs of my own and they are spoiled rotten. When I’m not at DogMa, or out on dog training visits or brushing up on some good ole’ canine literature (or walking my dogs…woof), you might find me taking a hike, kayaking or just vegging out in front the TV with my doggos by my side.
From childhood, it has always been my passion to work with animals. Everywhere I went, there was a dog, cat, bunny, or any other four-legged animal that I would immediately love. That same passion has followed me into my adult years and to D.C. where I originally moved to attend Howard University. I have been working with dogs for eight years now. I wouldn’t have it any other way. The joy and healing it has brought me is unmatched. I am forever proud to be a part of this profession. There will always be space in my heart for an infinite amount of furry friends (the hairless ones too).
I have been working at DogMa for three years now. I started out as a part-time handler on the side of my job at TSA. Petting DogMa’s pups beats patting people down, so I came over full time as an assistant manager in 2017. My favorite thing about working at DogMa is well… everything!! I get to work with amazing people, but also so many amazing dogs. Since working at DogMa and getting to see so many breeds of dogs, I have figured out which one is my favorite… all of them! It’s too hard to pick just one. I am the type of person who will stop midsentence to look at a dog walking by! Some of my hobbies are reading, listening to music, hiking, and cooking. I love being by any body of water.
I been working with dogs for eight years. I love everything about my job. Making sure my pack is safe and playing with all of the dogs of all different sizes, shapes and personalities are what I look forward to coming to work every day. I enjoy dancing with them and running after them, or playing ball – even getting in the pool with them. I especially look forward to cuddling with them during naptime or on an overnight shift. When asked what my favorite breed is, I can’t seem to choose; I just love them all! When I’m not all about dogs, in my spare time, I love to read, write poetry, play basketball and go shopping.
© 2018 DogMa. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Designed by clay+group.
Learn more about what Dog-ma is doing to limit our clients’ and staffs’ exposure to COVID-19.