About Us

Hometown:

Norwich, CT

Pets:

Amelia, Hazel, Sirius, Misty and whatever foster animals she is loving until they find their forever homes

Interesting Fact:

She played roller derby for 7 years

Biography:

Elizabeth’s love for animals started with her first kitty, Bubbles, who she trained to open doors, “speak” and to stop attacking her feet under the covers! She attended an agricultural high school and groomed dogs for 6 years before joining corporate America. She spent 15 years working for a large company before landing her dream job at a non-profit animal rescue. She spent the next few years learning everything she could about animal behavior, training, enrichment techniques, vaccine protocols, and animal health and nutrition. Elizabeth enjoys using those learned skills in conjunction with her natural intuition with animals while providing company and exercise for your fur babies!

Hometown:

Pawcatuck, CT

Pets:

Toby the Tabby and Sassy, a  black tuxedo 

Interesting Fact:

I studied abroad in Portugal rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles!

Biography:

I am an ocean child at heart but have an extreme love for all animals.  I grew up with dogs, cats, ducks, and rabbits but I’d say I’m definitely a cat person.  As a child my dream job was to become a killer whale trainer at Sea World.  I wanted nothing more than to develop a trusting relations with an animal that big and powerful. I spent most of my time reading about marine life, animal behavior, and training techniques.  I got my Coastal Studies degree at UConn and spent years volunteering at the Mystic Aquarium.  I later realized that getting a paid job training sea creatures was nearly impossible in this area so I had to put that dream on hold.  For now, in my free time,  I love taking online classes that focus on animal care, behavior, and anything else that will help me create that special bond with every animal I come across.

Hometown:

Bozrah, CT

Pets:

Izzy the Great Pyrenees mix and Kitty the calico

Interesting Fact:

I have an identical twin 

Biography:

Emma has been an animal lover her entire life. She grew up having cats, dogs, fish, and guinea pigs. She graduated from Delaware Valley University in 2016 with a degree in Zoo Science, and has worked and interned at zoos in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Kansas. Despite working with many different species, dogs and cats have still always been two of her favorites, and she also has experience working in kennels and doggy daycares. She loves providing a safe and happy environment for pets and their owners. 

Hometown:

Niantic, CT

Pets:

Dogs: Wyatt & Mackenzie (Labrador Retrievers)

Interesting Fact:

Worked my way through College and Grad School as an EMT

Interesting fact two: Barbara, Mackenzie & Wyatt were clients before joining the B&R team!

Biography:

Hometown:

Waterford, CT

Pets:

Remy (German shepherd/lab), Pip (chinchilla), Captain and Journey (goldfish)

Interesting Fact:

 I won a fencing tournament in high school

Biography:

I have loved animals my entire life. I grew up with a group of cats, a rabbit, as well as a dog. Now I own a hyper dog named Remy, an adorable chinchilla named Pip, as well as a handful of fish. I recently graduated with a bachelors in biology with the intention to one day apply to vet school. I am currently working as a vet technician assistant and love seeing all of the adorable dogs and cats that come in. For me, a day full of furry friends, big and small, is a perfect one!

Hometown:

Groton CT

Pets:

Jazz (cocker spaniel) and Coco and Jasper (cats)

Interesting Fact:

I grew up in the Uk! 

Biography:

I absolutely love animals and being around them – which is why this job is a dream! I have grown up with dogs and cats (and some Guinea pigs, fish & chickens) and will take any given opportunity to be around animals! I am fairly new to this lovely area and loving exploring the many scenic trails it has to offer. In my spare time I also love to cook exciting recipes, read and binge a good Netflix series. 

Hometown:

Noank, CT 

Pets:

Currently thinking about adding a dog to our family but always on the list to pet-sit for our friends’ furry companions!

Interesting Fact:

I once sang back up at a Barry Manilow concert

Biography:

 I am a pet lover and always grew up with a family dog.  While I love all breeds, most of my experience is with miniature schnauzers.  Our family returned to Connecticut recently and we are waiting for the right time to add a furry friend to our lively household.  For now, I scratch the itch with spending time with our friends’ pets and taking care of them when they travel.  My background is in elementary education and I have spent over thirteen years being in a classroom setting, as a teacher, paraprofessional, and/or substitute.  Our family has moved all over the world; some of our favorite spots are Italy, Guam, and Hawaii.  We are glad to be back in Connecticut reconnecting with old friends and our east coast family.

Hometown:

Houston, TX

Pets:

Bailey, golden retriever 

Interesting Fact:

My dad worked at NASA; I studied piano in college and for a summer in Europe; I love to paint and make jewelry; Halloween is my favorite time of year!

Biography:

I grew up in Texas and moved to SC for college. Sold everything and packed my car to move to CT summer of 2022. Met my now husband after two months here! I’ve always had pets: cats, dogs and a hamster. I love animals and being outdoors!

Hometown:

Waterford, CT

Pets:

Trestle, Abby, Juno, Zira, Sabria, and Phoebe

Interesting Fact:

I have a huge passion for art

Biography:

I have been a huge animal lover my entire life! From the moment I was born until present day, I have always lived in a house full of pets (dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, etc.) Growing up, I used to love volunteering at farms; my favorite animals were horses and goats. Prior to working with Barks and Rec, I worked at a dog kennel caring for dog and cat breeds of all kinds. I’m currently in college majoring in graphic design so that I can further my art career, but someday my dream would be to have a small farm as well!

Hometown:

Bridgeport, CT – current Newington London, CT

Pets:

Star (morkie-shih-poo), Teddy (Shih Tzu), Mango (leopard gecko), Mochi (leopard gecko)

Interesting Fact:

I am a dog groomer with a passion for styling and creativeness! I also paint, draw and want to dabble in pet dye grooms!

Biography:

As a pet lover, I have had an abundance of pets growing up from cats to exotic pets and even ducks! I currently have a second job as a dog groomer and get my artistic needs met there. I want to evolve my grooming experience and learn to do more creative grooms like dying and styling. I am fairly new to the New London area as I grew up in Bridgeport and spent half my life there and the other half in Florida. In my spare time I like spending time with my spoiled rotten pups and playing video games with my long distance boyfriend.

Hometown:

Groton CT

Pets:

Sammy (dog), Reese and Balboa (domestic shorthair cats), Poppy and Peppa (guinea pigs), and Domino (hamster)

Interesting Fact:

I’ve lived in 7 states and the territory of Guam.

Biography:

I was born in Maryland but moved around most of my life due to the military. Growing up we always had at least one pet in our house. This mostly included dogs of all shapes and sizes with the occasional small animal like hamsters or guinea pigs. My love and want to be around animals took me into horseback riding lessons for about a year as a kid. Unfortunately I had to stop due to moving to an area without any horses close by. As an adult, I decided to utilize my passion for helping animals by going to school to become a veterinary technician and by joining the Barks and Recreation team. I am so excited to meet all of your fur baby’s and get to know them!

Hometown:

Norwich, CT

Pets:

Oakly (lab), Sully (basset mix) and a tortoise named Killick

Interesting Fact:

As an avid Disney fan she has visited Disney World over 15 times!

Biography:

I am a new mom to a little boy, 2 dogs, 2 kittens, and a tortoise.  Growing up we always had animals, usually a few cats and our family dog named Mary.   When I was in high school we rescued a Basset Hound, Bosley, who had been surrendered from Manhattan.  Bosley was the animal who truly sparked my love for the four legged!  Since then we have adopted a black lab and a basset hound shar pei mix.

Hometown:

Norwich, CT

Pets:

Elizabeth and Becca

Interesting Fact:

These sisters are “foster fails”

Biography:

Amelia and Hazel were born in North Carolina and came to CT with their mom and 6 other siblings when they were about 5 weeks old. The family was fostered by Elizabeth and Becca and these two sister dogs quickly wiggled, bumped, and snuggled their way into their hearts and found themselves a forever home. Both Amelia and Hazel attended puppy kindergarten at My Dogs Place and learned how to be polite puppies. Hazel moved on to Basic Manners and Leave It and continues to enjoy attending daycare. Amelia is a sensitive and nervous gal who prefers to stay home and love on her people.