 Valerie
Link - Partner/Owner CAPCT
I began with Four Paws 8 years ago as one
of four original partners. Owning and operating this
business has been a valuable learning experience
for me. I have learned about dog behaviors and how
individual they all are. I have also educated myself
on the business side of it. I enjoy every day and
wear many different hats. I work right along with
my competent staff doing “doggie duty” as
well as doing management functions, pick up and delivery
and in home pet-sitting. Although my focus should
be on running my business, I will never give up my
time that I spend with the dogs. I have met so many
wonderful and helpful people along the way and made
many new friends. I could never thank everyone enough.
Although I am the only remaining partner and things
get real crazy at times, I wouldn’t change
a thing.
A
little background:
I began college
studying to be
a Veterinary
Assistant. Regretfully,
I never completed
the program. Since
then I have had
several jobs while
raising my daughter.
I spent several
years in the banking
field and earned
a General Banking
Diploma through
the American Institute
Of Banking. At
home, in Northeast
Philadelphia I
have 1 dog and
5 cats of my own.
Christine
Engler - Groomer -CPCT
I
am the Groomer here at Four Paws. I have been
grooming since 2000 and I love what I do. For
16 years I was a Veterinary Technician and a
Bather for The Morrisville Veterinary Hospital,
where I got my first taste of working with animals
and bathing dogs. I do miss the medical part
and the people I worked with but now I can make
your dog feel better on the outside.
Not every dog loves a bath or
the dryer but with the proper training we can
make it a little easier. At the Morrisville Vet
I received that training .
I
learned how to groom hands on, by watching other
groomers and picking up their tricks. I had a
great teacher who convinced me that grooming
is a form of art. Every dog is different and
Grooming can be difficult and
some days I get beat up. There are some dogs
that just won't get into the tub. There are others
that will bite to get their way but I need to
make them understand I'm not going to hurt them,
just make them clean and feel better. They eventually
come around.
I have
2 dogs of my own, a shih tzu and a bull dog.
I also have a rabbit and and an amazon bird.
I love animals but most of all I love what I
do. I hope to see your dog soon.
Sue Lapchon – Administrative
Manager – CAPCT
I have been working at Four
Paws since late October 2002. I’ve done
a little bit of everything. I used to work in
group, supervising the dogs and then cleaning
and closing up at night when we used to be at
our old location. Then after we moved to this
location, I started to work at the front desk
and was doing that for a while. Then I got promoted
to Evening Manager, and I was the person everyone
saw at night. Now I’m the Administrative
Manager and work mostly in the back, although
you’ll see me pop up front here and there.
I’m very grateful for the opportunities
I’ve had here. I’ve learned a lot
about dog behaviors and breeds that I never knew
before. I also enjoy how small a business Four
Paws is, where I can get to know everyone and
where my opinions count. It’s a very flexible
job, and I feel like I’m part of a family.
I also provide pet-sitting services for those
customers who don’t want to kennel their
dogs. A little background: I’ve worked
with my dad (who’s a contractor), at the
post office, at an insurance company, as a writing
tutor, and at Target before I started working
here. I found this job to be the most enjoyable
because I get to be around dogs, who I consider
to be the best creatures on earth. My hobbies
are watching movies, reading, and listening to
music. I also love Star Trek, and I do writing
on the side.
Dan
Ciccaglione, Canine Care Manager - CPCT
I’ve been working at Four
Paws for a little over 3 years now. I am now
the evening manager at Four Paws. I am making
sure everything goes smoothly here at night,
and it pretty much does. I like outdoor things
to do, am a pretty easygoing person, and like
helping others out if I can.
I
have loved dogs my whole life. I worked at
a kennel just to be around them. Working at
Four Paws and getting to play with the dogs
a few hours a day is fun. I have an English
Mastiff at home. He’s a trip sometimes
and acts goofy a lot. Taking care of him is
a lot of work too. In my down time I enjoy
playing paintball. It’s a fun time with
a few buddies.
Lori Dale, Front Desk Manager,
CPCT:
My name is Lori, and I’ve
been employed here at Four Paws since May of
2006. I’m a graduate of The Art Institute
of Philadelphia where I majored in graphic design.
I spent the last 5 years, before joining Four
Paws, working as a printmaker at a fine art studio.
Besides art, my other love is
animals. I’ve always had a menagerie of
animals growing up, but dogs were always my favorite,
so being able to work with them on a daily basis
is fantastic. It’s been a very rewarding
experience here hanging with the dogs and learning
their individual personalities.
I live in Philadelphia with
my 2 dogs, Karma and Rocky, and my rabbit, Mr.
Bojangles. In my off time, I enjoy traveling,
reading, drawing, and playing with my dogs!
Lynn
Watson - CPCT - In
Memory of 7-31-45 to 1-17-08
Lynn had worked at Four
Paws from August of 2000. She was the first
employee hired by Four Paws Inc. From the time
she started, she knew this was what she always
wanted to do. Within six months Lynn retired
from her full-time job, working for the State
of New Jersey, and focused her time on having
fun and her canine friends at Four Paws. She
had worked here ever since. She loved playing
with the dogs and giving them lots of TLC.
Lynn is very much missed by her human and her
canine friends.
Dot
Kerr - CPCT
My love for animals goes way back as a child
with my first love is the dog, a very fun loving
and dedicated creature. At age 16 I worked as
a Cattery assistant of Persian cats for about
22 years. I started working weekends at Four
Paws and decided to leave my weekday job. I am
a dedicated self-starter. My hours start at 6:00
A.M. greeting the dogs and their owners. I love
most of all the one on one with the dogs, playing
with them and watching them have a great time
with their friends.
Mary
Hernandez - CPCT
I’ve been with Four Paws for a total of
3 years. I think it’s wonderful working
here, and I enjoy getting to know all the dogs.
It’s interesting observing the many different
dogs that attend here. Finding out their likes
and dislikes, their habits and who they befriend
each time, and who plays the role of alpha dog.
Most of the time you can catch me with a group
of dogs, but now and then you’ll see me
in the lobby behind the desk.
A little background: All of my jobs, except one,
have been working with animals. My first job
being Petsmart, I’ve worked at Beech Hill
kennels, The Women’s Humane Society and
the Pet Campus. All fun in their own ways.
Also,
growing up in my household always had numerous
animals. My mom didn’t mind welcoming
new pets because my brothers and I took full
responsibilities in cleaning and caring for
them. The dogs always being my favorite, because
you could do so much more with them and they
love to play. Plus, It’s always a good
feeling to come home and have a loyal friend
rush to the opening door and greet you with
a wagging tail. Thanks for taking the time
to meet me and hope to see your best friend
at Four Paws.
Joyce
Grieco – CPCT
I’ve
been working at Four Paws since October 2001
and have enjoyed every minute of it.
I’ve
seen the great progress Four Paws has made
over these many years and I’m glad I
could be part of it. I love being around the
dogs. Watching them play and interact with
each other is amazing. Each dog has his own
distinctive personality and that makes for
a very interesting day. My goal is to make
sure all the dogs are playing nicely together
and all getting along. When a “new” dog
comes into my group and is a little timid,
I like to spend some extra time to make him/her
comfortable with the group and teach them how
to have fun at Four Paws.
In
addition to working at Four Paws, I am a volunteer
for a Springer Spaniel rescue group. I foster
springers in my home, assist in transporting
dogs, retrieve dogs from local shelters, and
help with adoption interviews. My dog Riley
is one of my fosters and we adopted her right
away. We knew she was the one for us and she
is a wonderful dog. It’s very rewarding
knowing I can make a difference in these dogs’ lives.
Janet
Taylor - CPCT
I've
been working at Four Paws since November 2005
and I absolutely love it! I started working with
dogs at a grooming shop about five years ago
and found that I really enjoyed learning about
the different breeds and personalities. Four
Paws gave me the opportunity to get back into
the field, and I have not regretted it at all.
I love playing with the dogs all day and I try
to get the shy ones involved too. Some people
may think I'm crazy, but I give them lots of
hugs and kisses and pats on the head all day!
I have my favorites but I treat them all as if
they were mine. If your dog is in my group, I
will do my best to make sure they come home tired!
I love this job and don't mind the hair and slobber
that comes along with it.
In my
spare time I enjoy running, sports, and music.
My husband, Jim, and I share our home with Quincy,
our yellow Labrador Retriever.
Eileen
Thompson - CPCT
My
name is Eileen and I've been an apprentice dog
groomer for about a year now.
I have
been at Four Paws since November of 2005 and
I love my job here. The dogs here are all o sweet.
They all have their own unique personalities,
which makes this job interesting and fun. I love
them all from the big ones to the little ones.
I enjoy caring , playing, and loving each and
every one of them.
Mary Paterra - CPCT
I have been working at Four Paws since April
2007 and enjoy every day I spend here. I've loved
and respected animals my entire life and having
the opportunity to care for and play with the
dogs is very rewarding. Learning about the different
breeds and watching the dogs interact is fascinating,
as well as, a lot of fun. Every day, I am committed
to providing the best pet care possible. As Four
Paws continues to grow and working alongside
others who are also passionate about animals
makes for a great place to work.
Lauren
Keller, CPCT
Hi Everyone! My
name is Lauren and I recently graduated from
Neshaminy High School. I am attending Penn State
and studying Secondary Education. I'm at the
Abington Campus for 2 years and then will go
to the main campus in State College. I
have one dog, Bo, who is a German Shepard/Black
Lab mix. I love working at daycare because of
all the dog's personalities. They are all wonderful.
In my spare time I love to travel, watch movies,
and spend time with my family, friends and Bo.
Alexandra
Malfas CPCT
I
have been an animal lover all my life, especially
dogs.
I
currently have a Jack Russell Terrier named Trena.
She is my child.
I
have worked in the healthcare field my whole
career. I enjoyed it and the pay was very good,
but I was layed off 16 months ago and have been
unable to find a comparable job.
I
came to Four Paws because I wanted to be around
the dogs. They give me so much joy and many smiles.
(and kisses too!) I was a dog groomer about 30
years ago, but did not stick with it. I am currently
working on my Certified Pet Care Technician Certificate.
I love
working here and being able to take care of and
watch all my "babies".
Lynell
Pastormerlo
I
began my relationship with Four Paws about one
and half years ago as a customer when my Labradoodle,
Spalding, was about four months old. I was so
impressed with the way the business was run that
I had to be a member of the team. I have worked
at Four Paws part-time as a group leader for
almost a year now and love it....so does Spalding.
Spalding is a notorious gate jumper, food stealer
and garbage rummager and has never missed a shift
with me.
What has impressed me the most
over the past year is the dedication and patience
of the staff here at Four Paws. Everyone on the
staff is a dog lover...and it shows. I feel confident
knowing that when I drop my dog off for daycare
(which I still do occasionally) or leave him
for an overnight stay, that he is getting the
best care available.
I recently
received my MA in counseling from Rider University
and will be pursuing a career as a school counselor
in the fall. I enjoy traveling, cooking, reading
and, of course, playing with Spalding.
Diane Clark
I’ve been an animal lover
my entire life and was always bringing home small
animals I’d rescued from strange situations,
to the dismay of my cats (and probably my parents!).
I began pet and house sitting when I was in high
school and loved the chance to interact with
and care for other people’s dogs and cats.
I have always loved dogs, but was unable to adopt
one of my own until later in my life. Bryndy
is a pointer/pit bull mix who has just turned
6 years old. Once the adoption was complete,
I began training her and researching and learning
more about pit bulls and Breed Specific Legislation
(BSL), and found my true calling. I began fostering
dogs for the Trenton Animal Shelter and found
it a very unique and fulfilling experience. I
had to make the difficult decision to stop fostering,
however, when Bryndy and I fell in love with
Lyla, another pointer/pit bull mix. I look forward
to fostering homeless dogs once more when I have
more space and time to devote to them.
With Lyla’s adoption I
learned that not all dogs are alike and she presents
her own unique training challenges. I have had
to expand my training repertoire and make adjustments
for her particular behavioral issues, and have
enjoyed every step, as frustrating as they can
be! Because I’ve enjoyed the training aspect
so much, I am looking forward to receiving my
Certificate in Proficiency in Dog Training from
the HHAART School for Dog Trainers, which opens
the summer of 2008. It is my intention to take
my certification to the field and begin a specialization
in pit bull training and education, in an effort
to stop the proliferation of BSL. I am also looking
forward to being a consultant to the Animal Control
Board of Feasterville, which is currently forming.
Currently, I volunteer my time
on internet-based rescue groups and organize
and participate in the emergency out of state
transports of pit bulls and other breeds. I am
also an artist with an online store (temporary
closed due to moving house) and I dedicate 20%
of my proceeds to various dog charities as well
as a California based farm animal sanctuary.
I love the work I do at Four
Paws. It is a privilege to be able to play with,
love, and care for everyone’s dogs every
day. I have found that it’s just impossible
to be in a bad mood when you are surrounded by
dogs who wiggle their way over to you, rub themselves
on you, and just want to cuddle, play, and love
you all day long. I look forward to keeping the
relationships I’ve built with the animals
here.
I would encourage everyone to
consider foster care for homeless pets, to adopt
shelter animals, to spay and neuter, and to vote
against any and all BSL proposals.
Katherine Gehris
My name is Kate Gehris and I
am happily employed by Four Paws. I attend Neshaminy
High School. I love animals and also horseback
ride. Besides watching dogs I am an avid reader
and an artist. I have an interesting sense of
humor but the dogs don’t seem to mind.
My friends say I have the best job… I
agree. Better than making fries any day. I have
two dogs of my own, Brock and Indy. They both
attend daycare.
Jackie Shales
I’ve been working at Four
Paws since May of 2007. I am a huge animal lover
and love being around all of the dogs here at
the daycare. I really enjoy spending time with
the dogs and taking care of them. I treat each
dog as if it were my own and always give them
lots of love and attention. Working at Four Paws,
I often find myself looking forward to coming
to work and seeing which dogs I get to care for
that day. I love watching them play, playing
with them and getting to know each of their personalities.
I love coming to work and seeing all the familiar
faces. Animals age a huge part of my life. I
have a few at home. I have a pitbull mix named
Boy. He is my big baby. I also have a cat, a
guinea pig, a bird and fish, all who I really
love and enjoy taking care of. In my free time
I enjoy going to concerts, reading, watching
movies, and spending time with my pets, friends
and family.
Debra Lapihuska
I’ve been with Four Paws
for almost a year. I’ve always enjoyed
animals and love working with the dogs! Throughout
my life, I’ve had a variety of pets including
birds, fish, gerbils, hamsters, dogs, and cats.
Horses are also a passion. And I enjoy riding
as often as I can. Four Paws is a great place
to work for any animal lover and a great place
for any dog!
Gina Schenck
Riding my bicycle on the canal,
I bump into a husky and his dad and I say, “That
looks like Duke.” He says, “It is.” Duke
kisses me and hugs me. Walking my collie in the
neighborhood, I hear Bruno, the yellow Lab, calling.
We stop and get kisses. This is because I have
been working at Four Paws for a year now.
As a volunteer at BCSPCA, I
meet beautiful dogs and cats. I doggie sit for
friends, and Four Paws has taught me to find
the best part in every dog.
My 2 teenage daughters, husband,
and 2 dogs, Luke (a rescue Lab-Akita-Shepherd
mix) and Holly-go-lightly (a rescue collie) will
welcome a beagle puppy to our family. Wish me
luck walking 3 dogs. We’ll have to practice
doga (doggie yoga) for relaxation. Namaste.`
Dale Boyer:
We moved to Morrisville in 2000
to be nearer to our grandchildren. I worked as
a Machinist-tool maker until retiring in July
2005. The next week, I started working part time
at Four Paws. I have a German Shepherd, Hank,
and 2 cats.
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