President, Heidi Wise

Heidi's dogs have garnered numerous titles and awards. Her most recent accomplishment was placing second at the 2021 AKC National Rally Obedience Championships with her rescue dog Coco Chanel.  It was a happy day for them that was accomplished through extensive positive training. This accomplishment also demonstrates the very strong training bond that Heidi has with Coco Chanel. She says they are a good team and have lots of fun together!  

Heidi also works in the exciting field of show biz including, modeling, tv and film with her dogs.  Although one might think that working in tv and film is just about a dog looking pretty..it is not. More importantly it requires a very high level of commitment to training and a sophisticated understanding of the finer points of dog training, behavior modification, and handling of dogs. The wonder dogs on tv make it look easy, but show biz is the most challenging environment to train in requiring complex behaviors to be trained on short notice...not conditions the typical pet owner has to work under.  

Our Pet Care Specialists and Client Service Representatives

All of our pet care specialists have completed the Coddled Creatures Training and Certification program.

Katherine, Client Services Representative

Katherine was the first Client Services Representative to join the Coddled Creatures Staff. In the past she has also worked for us as an Overnight Pet Care Specialist. She joined the Coddled Creatures staff in 1998. 

Mother of three grown sons and matriarch of a spotless, efficient and warm home, Katherine enjoys caring for and nurturing all living things.Katherine had the pleasure of caring for a variety of animals as her sons grew, each of them having inherited her animal-loving nature. The most beloved pets were the family’s dog who lived 18 years, and the family’s cat who lived 19 years. In addition, she and her family enjoyed the company of hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, lizards, turtles and fish, all of whom were well-coddled creatures! When not providing TLC and companionship to a pet, 

Katherine pursues her hobbies of writing poetry, reading and gardening. She has a beautiful home garden that she enjoys nurturing.Katherine recently had an article published in the Suburban News. She wrote a compassionate article about the plight of the circus elephants. Katherine says: I have a natural affection for animals… I like them and they like me!”

Julianne, Ramsey NJ, Pet Care Specialist

Hello, my name is Julianne. I'm 21 years old and I currently reside in Ramsey, New Jersey. I am currently attending Bergen Community College and expect to graduate by June 2013. Once finished, I plan to complete my bachelor's degree in English.

Growing up I had many pets which included cockatiels, chicks, guinea pigs, leopard geckos, dogs, hermit crabs, and a wide variety of fish. I attended camp at the Bergen County Zoo many summers in a row learning about all of the animals that they have there, have raised and hatched chicks, and spent much of my preteen years riding and caring for horses.

I believe that there is something that is both special and therapeutic about human and animal bonds, and it is this belief and my unbridled love for all animals that led me to work at Coddled Creatures. As a lover of all animals, I take great care to ensure that every pet I am looking after, no matter how big or small, receives as much attention as it deserves.I have grown up loving all animals, especially dogs, however I will always have a special place in my heart for the breed I've grown up with my entire life. 

My family first adopted a Brittany when I was very young. Her name was Roxanne, and she lived to be 16 years old. While she was never a very active dog, she was content to have company and a loving hand scratching her back. 11 years ago we adopted another Brittany named Bailey. Though both were the same breed, Roxy and Bailey could not be more different. 11 years later Bailey is still a bundle of boundless energy, constantly running in our backyard, scaring off squirrels and rolling in the grass. His youthful spirit and ever-wagging tail are always a delight to see when I walk in the door after a long day of classes. My pets are uplifting! I know many people feel the same way, and I am ever grateful for the pets I have had and the ones I am so lucky to work with through my job at Coddled Creatures.

Jordan, Pet Care Specialist, Mahwah, NJ

Ever since I was little my family always had cats. I was taught to have respect and love for our pets as they were a part of the family. Today, my husband and I are happy parents to our two dogs Skippy (Pomeranian) and Libby (Chihuahua). I am also a recent graduate of Ramapo College of NJ with a degree in Biology and I hope to become a Physician Assistant. Even though I'm pursuing a career in healthcare, I still find it very rewarding to work with and care for animals.

Tiffany, Pet Care Specialist, Glen Rock, NJ

Hi, my name is Tiffany and I live in Glen Rock, NJ with my husband, two sons’ ages 13 and 8 and our two dogs. Clarabel our lhasa apso is 10 years old and Sophie our peekapoo is 5 years old.We have lived in Glen Rock for the past 5 years and really enjoy the area. I grew up in the Midwest and have a B.S. in Family and Environmental Resources from Northwest Missouri State University.

I have always had a big passion for animals. I grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, birds and fish my entire life and couldn’t imagine not having a pet. When my older son was in fourth grade, he decided to bring home an anole that was part of a school science unit. That honestly was my first experience with any sort of reptile, as coming from a family of all girls; we didn’t have anything like that! 

I am excited to be working for Coddled Creatures and look forward to caring for your pets. I am reliable, responsible I and will take care of your pets as if they were my own. I look forward to doing what I have always wanted to do and that is caring for animals!

Tom, Pet Care Specialist, Wyckoff, NJ 

Tom has been a resident of Wyckoff for the last 30 years. He joined the Coddled Creatures, staff in 2003. He was raised in Allenhurst on the Jersey Shore. Tom grew up with horses and dogs and has over, the years, volunteered for a local animal shelter. Tom is now retired, but his career background involved work in the Securities Industry. He worked both for regulators and various brokerage firms. He and his wife, Terri, and son have had dogs and cats as well as fish. They presently share their home with their, adorable and full of personality, Pug named Frankie. In addition to being a Pet Care Specialist, Tom all trains all the new hires for Coddled Creatures!

Rachel, Pet Care Specialist, North Haledon NJ

Hi. My name is Rachel and I am thrilled to be a member of the Coddled Creatures PetSitting family. Growing up my family had a Miniature Schnauzer named Schnitzel and she was wonderful. She would always greet me at the back door when I came home from school and I knew someday I would have a Miniature Schnauzer of my own. I attended Douglass College, which is a part of Rutgers University, and received a BA in Psychology. From there, I went to William Paterson University to get my New Jersey Teacher Certification in Elementary Education. For 10 years, I have been working with children both as a classroom teacher and teacher assistant. 

Recently, I decided to pursue my love of animals and go back to school. I will be returning to my alma mater, via online courses, to become a Veterinary Assistant. In October, I got my Miniature Schnauzer! His name is Otto and he is joy to have in my life. My husband and I adopted Otto from RBARI (Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuse, Inc.) and he just celebrated his 1st birthday. We enjoy taking Otto to the dog park to play with friends as well and walks to visit four-footed friends in the neighborhood.

Daniela, Pet Care Specialist, Allendale, NJ

Hi! My name is Daniela, and I'm 28 years old, and current resident of Allendale, N.J.Right now, I own two dogs (having owned a total of four), and believe that their constant presence over the past 18 years has truly enhanced my life. What's not to love about animals? They're loyal, attentive, highly energetic and entertaining, and have an even stronger desire to give love than to receive it. 

I am responsible, caring, trustworthy, extremely patient, and possess an outgoing personality which often brings smiles to the faces of those I meet, both humans and non- humans! I eagerly started working at age 16, my past experiences including a cumulative 6 years in retail and food service, 7 years as a massage therapist, 6 months as a booking assistant in a lower east side of Manhattan music venue, 2 years as a telemarketer, and most recently, as a nanny caring for a 5, 7, and 11 year old.When not working and helping others, 

I enjoy reading, writing, appreciating and (hopefully pursuing) art, listening and dancing to music, ethnic food, etc.... and just about everything having to do with New York City. I look forward to making the acquaintance of you and your pet(s)!

Kathleen, Pet Care Specialist, Hohokus NJ

As a child, I had every pet you can imagine. I brought home stray kittens and raised gerbils, rabbits, frogs, fishes and turtles. One day while driving through town, my mother and I saw a sign that read “Free German Shepard puppies.” I made her pull over, picked one out of the box and brought him home. This love for animals has stayed with me throughout my life.I now live in Ho-Ho-Kus with my husband and four beautiful, growing children.We have two dogs, Max (a Westie) and Oliver (a Scottie), who make our family complete. As a pet owner, 

I understand the difficulties of leaving your pet behind while you work or travel. Hopefully, my services, at Coddled Creatures Pet Sitting and Dog Walking will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your pet is in capable, loving hands.

Betty, Pet Care Specialist, Waldwick NJ

My name is Betty. I live in Waldwick with my husband, two great children and our sweet 3 year old Maltese Angel. I earned my B.S. degree in Business Administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey. I was a Salary Administrator and then left the business world when I had my children to be a stay at home mom for ten years. 

It was upon my son's upcoming entering of kindergarten that I decided to go back to school and become a certified Nursery School Teacher. I currently am a p/t aide at Hillside School in Allendale.

I've always loved animals and my family has owned quite an assortment of pets from newts to parakeets to a ferret, guinea pigs, a cat, multiple fish and a dog. We will be obtaining two frogs this spring. I love all animals and feel that they are alot like children. Both bring great love and joy to my life. Animals give unconditional love and need and depend on their owners and caregivers for their overall health, care and well being. I am a responsible, dependable person who truly loves working with both children and animals and I will give your pet the best care and attention that they need and deserve.

Ann, Pet Care Specialist, Ramsey NJ

Hi, my name is Ann and I currently live in Ramsey, NJ with my husband and two sons, ages 19 and 17 and our two golden retrievers, Katie and Maggie. I grew up in Allendale and have lived in Ramsey for the past 25 years. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ with a degree in Accounting and have worked in Human Resources and Accounting, as well as a number of years working as a Teacher's Aide in both nursery and elementary schools as we raised our children. With our two sons moving off to college, 

I am looking forward to a new phase of life and work that I am truly passionate about. I am excited to be a part of the Coddled Creatures Pet Sitting team. I have always had a love for animals, and dogs have been part of my life since I was a child. I feel that our dogs, cats and other pets are truly members of our families and are in fact "children in fur coats." I also believe that when we must be apart from them, the best and most comfortable place for our pets is in their home environment where they are most comfortable and happy. I have truly enjoyed caring for friend's and neighbor's pets over the years whenever they were away, and have enjoyed their unique personalities and the relationships established with each one. I am happy to have the opportunity to work with and get to know many new animal friends and provide them with the special care and attention that they so deserve. 

Melissa, Pet Care Specialist, Nyack NY

Hi, my name is Melissa I am 33 years old. I live in Nyack, NY with my 2 year old French Bull Dog, Zoey. I just moved to this town in the summer and I love it, its a great dog town. I am originally from New York and moved to Rockland County when I was 13. I work for a Pharmaceutical Company in Woodcliff Lake, NJ full time and thought if I needed to get a second job that working at Coddled Creatures would be perfect. I am a big animal lover, had all types of pets growing up fish, rabbits, birds, cats and dogs. I think to have a pet is the most wonderful gift that you can have in your life, they bring you so much love and happiness. I just recently started to work at Coddled Creatures and look forward to taking great care of your pets as if they were my own.

Sara, Pet Care Specialist, Glen Rock NJ

I’ve grown up with animals my whole life. We have always had a dog in the house, and I have had gerbils, lizards, fish, guinea pigs and a duck! I have also been riding horses for over 16 years and even owned my own Shetland pony! I have always been interested in training and have trained my current dog as well as lots of different horses and ponies. 

I graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Film and Television. I have held several jobs in this field including work at a sound studio, being a camera operator for college hockey games, and doing video editing for the United States Olympic Committee.

I am currently freelancing with several organizations in NYC. I have also worked as a camp counselor for a horseback riding day camp, and at the Van Saun Pony Track. I hope someday to be able to combine my media skills with my love of animals.

Melissa, Pet Care Specialist, Franklin Lakes, NJ

My name is Gracie and I have the most wonderful master. Her name is Melissa. I am a Bernese Mountain Dog, as big as life and I share my residence with two adorable Cavaliers. At times they drive me to distraction but my master has a way of entertaining them. This is just a short introduction to our three canine lives. 

Now, I'll turn the story over to Melissa. Having completed a masters in education I married, and am in the midst of raising three children ages sixteen, thirteen and eight, all of whom adore any three legged creature. If you are wondering what they could be they range anywhere from salamanders to a horse. And why have I not pursued a teaching career? Because the time involved would keep me from my children and pets. Caring for other people's pets is the perfect solution to fulfill my hearts desire. I know this to be true as I have cared for the pets of my friends and family. I am loving, responsible, caring, honest and above all trustworthy.

Kerri, Pet Care Specialist, Allendale, NJ

Hi. My name is Kerri and I currently live in Allendale, NJ. I have been working at an animal hospital for about 4 years. I give medication to animals at work and I am used to all types of dogs and cats! My family has fostered a few dogs in the past and now we have a Brittany Spaniel named Shane. I feel extremely lucky to have such a great dog because i know he will always be by my side. He is full of energy and excitement but has a sensitive, caring side to him. 

I currently attend Ramapo College and I am looking to be a Vet Tech. I am a responsible person. I know how to make people laugh and i have many hobbies that i like to do outside work including hiking with Shane, playing soccer, going to the beach, reading, and many more! I love working at the animal hospital because I love animals and I am very interested in working with them in the future. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to continue working with animals and i look forward to caring for your pets!  

Mike, Pet Care Specialist, Ramsey, NJ

I was born in New Jersey and have lived in Bergen County my whole life. My wife Davelyn and I have lived in Ramsey for the past 25 years. It’s a great area for raising pets and since we live on a “Designated Bike Path" we get to meet lots of people walking their dogs and even some riding their horses. 

My wife, Davelyn, and I have a an “Orange kitty” a sweet little guy named Cocoa. He is a very deep rust orange with incredible markings separated by snow white bands and a Scarab marking on top of his head that is beautiful in detail.I have had various types of pets from the time I was a toddler. One of which was a big beautiful Golden Retriever. Barabus holds a very special place in my heart and I can’t say enough about him. He was one of a kind and can never be replaced. Petey, my Cockatiel was a constant companion who I let my mother have after Barabus because I felt she needed a pet “companion” in her life.At another point in my life, not long after Petey came into it, I had gotten into fish. Started with the fantail guppies and progressed to 17 tanks at once. Four salt water, of various sizes, and a couple African or Brackish water tanks, feed tanks, breeding tanks.I really enjoy caring for all of Coddled Creatures Pet clients and look forward to providing you with exceptional service!

Samantha, Pet Care Specialist, Mahwah, NJ

I have grown alongside animals all my life. My father is from Texas and I spent most childhood summers on my grandfather's cattle ranch. My brother and I would bottle feed and play with abandoned calves like they were other children. My family has owned numerous cats, rabbits, lizards, fish, hermit crabs and gerbils. Needless to say, I love all things and often brought home wild animals.My experience expanded into exotic pets at SUNY ESF, where I studied biotechnology and received a Bachelor of Science degree. My peers owned albino corn snakes, sugar-gliders, poison dart frogs (poison only through diet), tarantulas and, the ever more common, chinchillas, geckos and chameleons. 

The variety of life that surrounds us truly astounds me but it is the bond and communication formed between 2 very different animals (pets and humans) that still fills me with awe. It can only make us more human to love and understand an animal. Fostering shelter dogs has been one of those rewarding experiences.

Outside of pet care I've worked with children in an after school program/camp, which involved sailing around the Hudson on the Clearwater sloop.. However, I always come back to our furry, feathery and/or scaley friends and I look forward to caring for yours.   

Harvey and Suzanne, Pet Care Specialists, Wanaque NJ

Harvey

Having recently retired as a Social Work administrator for a not-for-profit I am truly excited by this opportunity to do something I love and that is to help individuals and/or families to continue unbroken the opportunity to provide a trusting and loving environment for their pets within their own home. I have recently joined the Coddled Creature staff and look forward to a long and positive working relationship.My entire family, wife and two grown sons have all been greatly enriched by having our ‘daughter’ Shayna, a 14 year old shephard mix as a part of our family. 

Several years ago we had to remove both of Shayna’s eyes as she suffered from glaucoma and was in terrible pain. Through it all she remained our sweet, gentle and loving dog (she does bump her head everyone once in a while) always ready to warmly greet new friends on her walks in the neighborhood.

Suzanne, Wanaque NJ

I recognize and respect the strong emotional bonds we have with our pets and will work diligently to make sure that this bond only gets stronger. I am a part time teacher and a full time animal lover. I grew up in a family with three older brothers and so I became acquainted with many different pets - from hamsters to hounds and alligators to iguanas - but mostly to our dear dog of 15 years Licorice. She was the basis for my fondness and appreciation of animals. 

For the past 14 years, along with my husband and two sons, we have raised our wonderful dog Shayna who has brought nothing but joy and love into our home. What a fantastic prospect it is to join Coddled Creatures and assist in caring for other animal lovers precious critters. I can think of few things as relaxing and enjoyable as spending time and giving attention to the creatures that give back to us their unconditional devotion and affection. I’ll care for you pets as if they were my own!  

Ingrid, Pet Care Specialist, Wyckoff NJ

Ingrid joined Coddled Creatures in October 2003. She was born and raised in Ringwood, NJ. After graduating high school, she attended Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, NJ. Following graduation, she pursued her interest in the business world, working in public relations and eventually becoming administrative assistant to numerous lawyers at two corporations.Growing up, Ingrid always had a houseful of pets that included a terrier/spaniel mix, named Rex who lived to be 16 years old, as well as rabbits, hamsters, fish, turtle, and her brother’s mynah bird, Omar.

She was married in 1982 to Chris and has lived in Wyckoff since 1985. Ingrid has two children, Eric and Kirsten, and they all have shared their home with fish, crayfish, hamsters, named Freddie, Flexi, Hamsty, and Cinnamon, and now with their black lab mix, Bailey, who was adopted from St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter and will be four years old. Ingrid has always been very involved with her children’s schools volunteering for PTO activities and school functions. 

Wanting to stay involved within the community, she was an administrator of the Community Learning Center in Wyckoff for 8-1/2 years and remains on the Advisory Board, is entering her 8th year of being a Girl Scout leader, and stays active in her church. With her children in high school and middle school, Ingrid joined Coddled Creatures at the recommendation of a friend, who is a Pet Care Specialist with Coddled Creatures. She decided this would be a wonderful opportunity to fulfill her love of spending time with animals. 

In addition to caring for her own pets, Ingrid enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and family ski trips.Ingrid says, “I have always loved animals, and it gives me great joy to give attention, care and nurturing to all special furry friends. I love working with Coddled Creatures PetSitting and being happy everyday that I can help others and their pets.”

Pam, Pet Care Specialist, Mahwah NJ

Pam joined the Coddled Creatures Staff in October of 2001. She was born & raised at the New Jersey Shore. Her family has always had a house full of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Pam was married in 1981 to Ed and has lived in Mahwah since 1987. She has four children. Three girls and one boy. Pam also has 3 dogs Gigi (12 years), her daughter Minnie (10), and her daughter Mickey (5 years) Three generations grandmother, mother, daughter - They are poodle mix. 

Pam has been a member of the Mahwah Full Gospel Church where she has been doing volunteer work for over 20 years.Pam says: “I've been with Coddled Creatures PetSitting and DogWalking for over 7 years. I really enjoy working with the animals. They are all wonderful.”

Jen, Pet Care Specialist, Paramus NJ

Hi! My name is Jen and I am 21 years old living in Paramus, NJ. I am going to be a senior at Rutgers University, studying to get my B.S. in Animal Science. I plan on going to graduate school following this year and getting my Masters before applying to vet school. I have always known that I wanted to work with animals and now I am making that happen.At Rutgers, I was a puppy sitter in the Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club and I am also involved in many leadership activities like student council and new student orientation. I am an experienced petsitter/babysitter, and have worked at a vet hospital before, as well as a boarding kennel. I have a 16 year old tuxedo colored domestic short hair cat named Sara and I love her to pieces. I have had numerous other pets including a tabby cat, a yellow lab, hamsters, bunnies, hermit crabs, frogs, fish, etc.

I am an outgoing, very friendly individual and am extremely responsible and reliable. In my free time I enjoy, acting, swimming, watching movies, going to the beach and spending time with friends. However, those activities barely measure up to the satisfaction I get out of being with and caring for animals. My main goal is to make people and animals happy and you can trust that your animal companions will be in very good hands with me. I enjoy working with  Coddled Creatures pet sitting and dog walking!.

Nicole, Pet Care Specialist, Suffern NY

My name is Nicole and I am 27 years old and currently living in Suffern NY with my husband Christopher and my 5 year old cat Izzy. I grew up around dogs and cats my whole life. My first dog was Buddy. She was a mutt that my dad brought home for me and my brother when we were kids. Buddy was the sweetest dog ever. 

The second dog I had was also a mutt. Her name was Misty and she was part husky and part spitz. Misty was a very playful and energetic dog who just loved to do tricks. I don't have a dog right now but I love to visit my parents dog Holly. She is a long haired miniature dachshund but don't tell her that. I think Holly thinks she is a much larger dog, like maybe a great dane. I borrow her all the time and take her for nice long walks around Nyack and Piermont. I want to get a dog of my own but I don't think my cat would approve. My cat Izzy is very shy when it comes to new people as well as other cats and dogs. He's really such a mush though once he gets to know you. Izzy is very smart and he knows how to sit, stay, and give paw. He loves to go and explore outside on his leash and he likes it when I take him for walks in his big blue stroller. Izzy also loves to play hide and go seek with me and he just couldn't possibly live without his catnip. My friends are convinced that Izzy definitely rules our household. 

So until I can get a dog of my own I thought petsitting would be a perfect fit for my passion for dogs. Animals of all shapes and sizes just lighten my day and I just can't get enough of them! I look forward to caring for your babies, and showing them the same love and attention as you would, while you are away.

Kathleen, Pet Care Specialist Ramsey, NJ

Hello, my name is Kathleen. I was born and grew up in Scotland, where my fathers family bred long haired collies, and we roamed daily amidst the sheep and cows. Eventually, we moved to the U.S. however, we traveled back to Scotland for years at a time. So, essentially I grew up here and there.While in the U.S., we had tropical finches(who would warble while my mother played the piano),Schep, my Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Kitty.

I also took in homeless animals.I attended college and became involved in nursing care. For the better part of 20 years I worked for a private facility helping special needs children and young adults. I have been given the privilege and responsibility of traveling with my dear friends, at this facility, to different parts of the country for holidays with their families. I remain in touch with all of them. 

I also worked at a diverse nursing home helping the frail and elderly, those diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and dependent young adults.I have just returned from Scotland, after 11 years. While in Scotland I lived on an organic farm handling crops as well as cattle, sheep and horses. I found out first hand what it is like in a stampede when a bull gets loose! 

I often took care of the Border collie that lived on the next farm. Everyone in Scotland seems to have a dog, so I was called upon for pet sitting all the time. I worked as a pet sitter in Scotland caring for pets from a weekend to a month. I learned a great deal about the different needs of different breeds. In the past I also worked for a kennel which trained German Shepherds for the police.Besides loving the company of animals, I am a lover of the outdoors. 

I love long distance bicycle riding,hiking and camping. One of my favorite accomplishments is having walked the Great Glen of 92 miles (mostly in the rain)while camping in mysterious Scotland.I am thankful to Heidi for hiring me to share in the care of Coddled Creatures PetSitting and DogWalking clients' special pets.

Phyllis, Pet Care Specialist Mahwah, NJ

Animals were always special to me as far back as I can remember. Growing up in New York, I had goldfish and turtles, but sadly, not the furry, cuddly pet I always wanted. Unfortunately, I had bronchial asthma and the doctor told my mother I could never have a dog. That was not only devastating to me but also unacceptable! 

When I married and moved to California, I bought my first dog, a miniature smooth dachshund. After that,there was no stopping me.A few years later, we moved back to New York, one child and one dog in tow, and while there, rescued another dachsie and a poodle. 

On to Maryland, with two children and three dogs, where we bought a house, a collie and also got involved in obedience at the dog shows. Our collie received his AKC Companion Dog (C.D.) certificate and I also started checking out the conformation rings. That’s when I saw my first miniature long haired dachshund and I was hooked!

After learning about the breed, I bought two show males from two very reputable breeders, started showing in conformation and that’s when I really ‘went to the dogs!’ At about that time, we moved to Pennsylvania, where we eventually bought an old farm house on five acres with a huge barn which was turned into the kennel. Along with all the dachshunds, we added another collie and a border collie. 

Over the years, I bred and showed some top mini longhairs as well as making lots of people very happy with their wonderful puppies. In addition, I professionally handled dogs for other people in the show ring and taught handling classes. Presently, I no longer breed or show but I am still “in dogs”, as we say.I am an AKC approved judge for part of the Hound Group and hope to eventually judge the entire group. 

After a divorce and my boys went out on their own, I moved to New Jersey, closer to my family. I’ve lived in Mahwah for more than ten years now, most recently with two very good dog, Lilly and Todd, who are always so giving of themselves. If you haven’t guessed, they are both miniature long haired dachshunds! 

Dogs aside, and as mentioned above,I am first and foremost, mom to two terrific guys, each having two wonderful children. Professionally, I am a graphic designer who worked in both advertising and educational publishing for over twenty years. I now do freelance work when something of interest comes along. But truly, the most rewarding, interesting and fun job I’ve had in a while is working for Coddles Creatures PetSitting and DogWalking. Can’t think of anything else I’d rather do!

Sharon, Pet Care Specialist, Wyckoff NJ

I was born and raised in Essex County, NJ and always had a love for animals. I've spent the last 21 years raising my family. I currently reside in Wyckoff where I live with my daughter, Rachel, an elementary ed major and son, Sean, a freshman at Ramapo High School. Now that my children are older and I have more time on my hands, I was eager to get back in the work force and what better way than to care for animals! We share our home with 5 cats: Noah -11, Jeremiah -6, and the "triplets" Bubba, Cassie and Katie 3-years old. We wanted one more kitty and ended up adopting the whole litter!We also have 2 dogs. Dakota is a 2-year old blue-merle collie who I trained to be a therapy dog. We visit the Christian Health Care Center every other week and we both find it extremely rewarding. Our other dog is a 6-lb. chocolate chihuahua named Joey just a year old.

Laurie, Pet Care Specialist, Oakland NJ

Hi, My name is Laurie Horne and I live in Oakland. I have been raised with animals my entire life. My love for animals came from my mother who always rescued strays. When I was a child we had a Great Dane that we rescued. A neighbor told my mother about a Great Dane being abused in the park by children and she hurried down there and, without a moment's hesitation, she rescued the dog from the abusive situation. We later found out that this dog was deaf and were glad we were able to provide him with a loving home. We also have had numerous cats over the years. 

Growing up my family also rescued ferrets, rabbits, fish and even a squirrel. We raised the squirrel until he was old enough to take care of himself and then released him back into the wild. Currently we have 7 cats. (yes, they are all fixed). I really enjoy working with Coddled Creatures PetSitting and DogWalking and I enjoy the many rewarding relationships that I have established with all the animals I care for and love.

Tiffany, Pet Care Specialist, Mahwah NJ

I have always owned animals. I have owned a cat, dogs, hamsters, turtles, and even a snake! Even though the snake was my brothers LOL, I still held it a few times and was able to familiarize myself with the care of snakes. I have two huge passions in life, theater and animals. I am an avid animal lover and can't bear when animals are being hurt in any way. When all of our family's pets had passed on, my family began dog sitting. We did this for quite some time and it was a wonderful experience. 

When I moved out on my own, I knew I wasn't ready for owning a dog or cat because I work very long hours. It wouldn't be fair to leave an animal alone for such a long period of time so, in order to fulfil my passion to work with animals, I decided to join the Ramapo Animal Refuge in Oakland NJ to be around them. I used to work in the hotel industry, and when they allowed dogs to stay, I always kept treats behind the desk. Guests knew what a dog lover I was and started to ask me to watch their dogs, walk them, and feed them while they were out for the day.I have nothing but wonderful things to say about animals. The only thing I wish was that dogs lived longer, because they simply don't live long enough. My basset hound was born with health issues and she only lived for 9 years, but she will forever live in my heart. I still carry her key chain around my key ring. 

I am very happy to work for Coddled Creatures Pet Sitting and DogWalking and I get excited each and every time I get assigned to a job. Every moment I spend with all of the animals I watch, I try to make as special as I can and I try to make the animals feel as comfortable as possible. I owe great thanks, to my boss Heidi, for allowing me to have the opportunity to be able to do my one greatest passion in life.

Joan, Pet Care Specialist, Tuxedo NY

Hi my name is Joan, but mostly everyone calls me Joanie. I live in Tuxedo, NY with my boyfriend, Justin and my little three pound Yorkie, Sky who is five years old. I have loved animals all of my life. Growing up I have cared for many creatures including fish, guinea pigs, cats, birds, and dogs. . I was so happy when I found Coddled Creatures PetSitting and Dog Walking because it enabled me to start petsitting. I look forward to making tons of furry and feathery friends :)

Pennie, Pet Care Specialist , Butler NJ

I’ve been passionate about animals since I was a child. My parents got used to me bringing home injured or lost animals. I grew up in Virginia and throughout my life have owned dogs, cats, chickens, ducks,cockatiels, a goat, rats, hamsters, snakes and lizards.In 1998 I moved here to New Jersey to marry my wonderful husband. We're the proud parents of four dogs and two kitties: Razz (12 yr. old Dalmatian), Finnegan (6 yr. old chocolate Lab), Peanut (4 yr. old mini-Dachshund) Ruby (2 yr. old American Bull dog mix) and kitties Severina and Penguin. In 2001 I lost my Dalmatian, Chase, to auto-immune disease made worse by a failing liver. I decided to start researching into a more holistic way of rearing my dogs (fondly called the mutley crew). I started raw feeding nine months later and have never looked back.I decided to follow my passion of animals and began working at my first animal hospital in 2000. 

I started as a receptionist and worked my way to veterinary assistant. My goal was to get closer to the patients coming into the hospital. I learned to do nail trims, clean ears, administer medication and SQ fluids and monitored surgery patients in recovery (measuring vital signs and taking temps.). More importantly I learned compassion and what a kind word and loving touch can do to help in the healing of a pet.

After Hurricane Katrina I headed down to Tylertown, MS (with two other technicians and a veterinarian) to work with the Humane Society of LA at Camp Katrina. I traveled into the 6th ward to help give immediate first aid to pets coming in from rescuers. At night the camp became a M.A.S.H. unit when the rescues arrived and we preformed life saving measures until the wee hours of the morning. It was the hardest, most rewarding experience I've ever been through.

Animals truly are my number one passion in life, but I also enjoy gardening (vegetables, flowers and herbs), canning and cross stitch.

Sarah, Pet Care Specialist, Wyckoff NJ

I joined the Coddled Creatures staff in 2003, working summers, for them, when I am off from college. I am a 20 year old senior at the Richard Stockton College of NJ. I am a Pre-med Biology major with a certification in forensic science. After graduation I hope to go onto medical school to study pathology. I live in Wyckoff, NJ where I have lived most of my life.

I graduated from Indian Hills High School in Oakland in 2003 as a member of the National Honor Society and in the top 11% of my grade. I have always loved animals. In my household we have had many pets. We have had several fish and two cats. We recently lost one of our cats and are currently looking to adopt another one. I also worked at the Ramapo Animal Shelter walking dogs when I was 13. It is where I adopted one of my cats from. are.