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.
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated with animals. And, for the past nine years, I’ve been working with them. So, since I’ve always wanted to work with animals, I’m currently doing what I’ve always wanted to do. As a manager at DogMa, I get to work with doggos of all breeds and sizes and it has been great. I used to work at Petsmart as a floor salesman. Then I went on to work as a Certified Dog trainer. I’ve been working at DogMa for six years now and have enjoyed every day of it! Being able to personally get to know the dogs and owners of the dogs is one of the things I enjoy the most. I have three dogs of my own, Jett, Grayson and Nami. When I’m not playing with my dogs or working, I enjoy watching anime, playing video games, and rooting for the Baltimore Ravens and Toronto Raptors. I look forward to continuing growing with DogMa and meeting you and your Doggos!
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.
Gabby brings her passion for dogs and years of experience working with dogs and canine grooming to DogMa. She adores dogs of all breeds and sizes, but her heart skips a beat for Schnauzers (of all sizes!), Cocker Spaniels, and Airedale Terriers. Whether it’s a breed-standard haircut or a fun, elegant style featuring skirts, Gabby’s artistry shines through in every snip.Gabby’s favorite part of grooming? Creating a calm, safe, and positive environment where dogs can feel at ease. She specializes in working with nervous, anxious, and even aggressive pups, going the extra mile to ensure they’re comfortable and cared for. Building trust with her furry clients is what she loves most, and she treasures the moments when she sees a once-nervous dog growing more confident with each visit.When she’s not pampering pooches, Gabby enjoys curling up with a good book, exploring the outdoors on long walks, and spending quality time with her family – including their two beloved cats.Whether your dog needs a stunning new style or just a little TLC, Gabby is here to help them look and feel their best. Book an appointment with her today!
© 2018 DogMa. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Designed by clay+group.