We’re back with another Behind the Leash feature where we shine a light on the amazing humans behind the paws we care for! This month, we’re excited to introduce Lindsey, one of our newer team members who brings a strong background in pet care, a heart for nervous pups, and a love of all things animals (and game nights!). Her passion for positive pet experiences and support for both clients and coworkers makes her a wonderful addition to the Off Leash MKE team.
Let’s get to know Lindsey a little better!
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been a part of our team?
A: I have been working with pets for the past 4.5 years and I have been a part of the amazing Off Leash MKE team since April ‘25.
Q: Share a memorable or heartwarming moment you've had with a client's pet.
A: One heartwarming memory that comes to mind is when I was working with a nervous dog who has a really hard time meeting new people. At the beginning of the service, she was only taking treats from me if I tossed them on the floor as far away from me as possible. By the end of the service, she had warmed up to me nicely and was happily accepting treats from my hand. I love seeing dogs come out of their shells!
Q: Besides working with animals, what are your hobbies or interests?
A: When I’m not busy working with animals, I play on a league volleyball team with my friends, enjoy the outdoors with some hiking, swimming, and biking, and I also love to host game nights playing all types of games including Dungeons and Dragons.
Q: Do you have any pets of your own? If so, tell us about them.
Lindsey with her dog Laika
A: I have a 6.5 year old Husky named Laika - she’s the reason I started working with pets! I've always had a passion for animals but she was the one that pushed me to further my education and skill set so I can make the best life for her. She is very husky-like: sassy, independant, does what she wants, when she wants. I'm so proud of how far we have come in training - she has definitely been a tough one at times but that has been the fun of it!
I also have two cats: 5 year old Archer is my little attention-seeking love bug and 4 year old Marci the Tortie always has something to say. The two of them can be found cuddling up together somewhere in the house, usually in a cat tree or on a bed. They are the sweetest pair!
Q: Are there any favorite dog parks or pet-friendly spots you recommend in our area?
A: Laika is not the most fond of all dogs - she can be very picky with the dogs that she likes so it can be tricky to bring her into dog spaces. One of my favorite spots is Riley’s Social House because of their tag system - they have color coded tags for dogs that indicate how your dog likes to socialize (Green=Good to say hi to anyone; Yellow=Please ask first; Red=No greetings please). I love to go there on weekday afternoons to work on training with Laika. Everytime we walk in there, we are greeted by smiles and such a kind atmosphere. Rileys is somewhere I always recommend to people!
Q: What's your go-to tip for clients looking to provide the best care for their pet?
A: My go-to tip is stimulation! Working as a dog trainer for years, I feel a lack of stimulation is one of the biggest factors why dogs have behavioral issues. Proper stimulation is a HUGE part of your dog’s life! It doesn't need to look a certain way - it’s a variety of things like training, puzzle toys, licky mats, short walks with a lot of sniffing, long walks in a new area, finding treats around the house. Stimulating their senses is both mentally and physically enriching, and works their mind AND their body!
Q: How would you describe the teamwork and camaraderie among our pet care team?
A: I love the team at Off Leash! Since I started, everyone has been so welcoming and I love how open the communication is. Even though you are working in the field alone most of the day, you never feel truly alone because someone is always just a message away! I'm so happy to be a part of this amazing team!
Q: do you appreciate most about working with our company?
A: I truly appreciate everything with the company! I love my work environment and how each day brings something new and exciting. The other team members are always willing to lend a helping hand and all the pets and pet parents make this job what it is - and I am truly grateful for all of it!
Meet Lindsey, one of the passionate pet pros behind Off Leash MKE! From helping shy dogs build confidence to sharing her favorite enrichment tips, Lindsey brings heart, knowledge, and a whole lot of love to every visit. Get to know her in this month’s Behind the Leash feature!