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:

Norwich, CT

Pets:

Amelia, Hazel, Siruis, Misty and lots of foster animals

Interesting Fact:

Becca enjoys creating things with wood on her time off

Biography:

Becca is a woman of many talents, cat whisper is one of those! She has always had a deep connection and love for animals and recently spent a few years working in a pet rescue hospice house. She cared for animals who had medical conditions, were surrendered towards the end of their senior years, or had spent their life in rescue and now needed a cozy bed and lots of love until they crossed the rainbow bridge. Aside from caring for animals with Barks and Recreation, Becca enjoys woodworking, sewing, cooking for loved ones, and figuring out how things work, taking them apart, and putting them back together.

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:

Niantic, CT

Pets:

Pepper (Miniature Schnauzer)

Interesting Fact:

I used to manufacture guitars.

Biography:

I have had animals in my life since I was a young girl, including various cats, dogs, hamsters and bunnies. There was a time in my life when I was without a pet and focused on my education. I have a degree in Genetics. I interviewed and was offered a position at the San Diego Zoo studying chromosomes in tigers. Circumstances were not right at the time and I turned down the offer. My genetics career began in a hospital clinical laboratory where I worked for 15 years diagnosing cancer. I began working on a farm 5 years ago after deciding to jump off the hospital hamster wheel. My days are fun filled with goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, peacocks, ooooh….. and dogs, lots of dogs! Pepper came to me in a dream; I was visited by a little white dog that was lost and only wanted to go home. In 2010, I decided I wanted a male, black and white miniature schnauzer and was going to name him Pepper. The breeder contacted me and said she had a white female; I was hooked the minute “Pepper” climbed on my lap. Pepper and I have been to puppy kindergarten, first grade and agility school. Our favorite time together is bath time and grooming.

Hometown:

Ledyard, CT

Pets:

Freddy (bearded dragon) 

Jay (veiled chameleon) 

Nakia (Siberian husky)

Interesting Fact:

I love to cook 

Biography:

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I was young my house was filled with all types of animals from dogs to cats to birds, guinea pigs and reptiles. I love hyper active dog’s especially having a Siberian husky of my own who loves to play outside. I started caring for exotic animals when I was going into high school and got my first bearded dragon which started my love for all reptiles. I have cared for bearded dragons, chameleons, geckos and emerald swifts. I’m now in college majoring in psychology but still have a passion and love for caring for all my animals! 

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:

Columbia, MO 

Pets:

Willow Pillow(Pug)

Rosie(Pug mix) 

Interesting Fact:

I was in a long distance relationship for 5 years and moved to CT to live with him 

Biography:

I was born and raised in Texas and spent majority of my time outside with animals. I lived on a ranch so I was around horses and cows a lot, along with chickens, cats and dogs. I’ve loved animals growing up and have always dreamt of a job working with them. I’ve had dogs consistently my entire life, all different types of breeds. While I lived in Columbia I also fostered for the local shelter and loved it! I’ve fostered cats and dogs to mice, rabbits and birds! I’ve even I’ve taught myself a lot when it comes to animal behavior and animal care and no matter the animal their safety and happiness is my number one concern!

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:

Mystic, CT

Pets:

Daiquiri (American short hair cat) Juno (maine coon cat) 

Interesting Fact:

She is a published childrens book author

Biography:

Julia has always loved being around pets and other animals. She started a dog walking business in her neighborhood when she was 12 and discovered her true passion for being an advocate for animals and giving them a healthy happy life. She hopes to one day be able to foster cats and dogs and rescue as many pets as possible. Julia has experience working with dogs, cats, fish, lizards, birds, bunnies, chickens, chicks, goats, lambs, horses, and pigs. When Julia is not working with animals, she is a preschool teacher. She also loves to spend time with family and friends, and be outside in nature. 

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:

Coming soon!

Pets:

Interesting Fact:

Biography:

Hometown:

Preston, CT

Pets:

Reese (Doberman), Hershey (Chocolate Lab), Tallulah (Siberian Cat), Boris (Exotic Shorthair cat) and Francisco (Betta fish)

Interesting Fact:

I was born 3 months early at 2 pounds, and my son was born 8 days late at 10 lbs 1 oz!

Biography:

I come from a big family of 7 girls (no brothers!) and grew up in North Stonington and Preston. I’ve always been an animal lover and suckered my parents into letting me have any and every pet I could think of growing up. I’ve had cats, dogs, hamsters, mice, bunnies, guinea pigs, geckos, lizards, turtles, fish, goats, and chickens! In my early twenties I rescued a French Bulldog named Diesel who had been passed around to 7 homes before he found his forever home with me. He used to hold his breath and make himself faint to get out of anything that wasn’t his idea. It made for some interesting experiences with pet sitters! He lived a long, happy life and I am so grateful to have spent his golden years with him. Now, my life is ruled by my toddler and my current pets, especially my queen bee Siberian, Tallulah, who is a retired multi-time World Champion from Russia. I am nearing completion of my Bachelors Degree in Psychology concentrating in Addictions, and I also have my own chalk art business on the side. In my free time, I love camping, creating art, tending to my collection of houseplants and trying to keep up with my adventurous 2-year-old son. Caring for people and animals is near and dear to my heart and I love learning each animal’s unique personality and gaining their trust. 

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.