Meet the Happy Paws heroes

Lin - Dog Walker

she/her, they/them

Lin has always loved hanging out with dogs since before she can remember. We joke her first word was “dog” even before mama. She has a soft spot for Samoyed and Shepherd breeds but needless to say she loves them all. Lin is especially passionate about taking great photos for our clients and considers themselves a creative individual in all they do.

Frin - Day Care Manager

they/them

Frin loves big dogs, small dogs, and is especially great with our “naughty” dogs. He has a unique way of understanding the dogs many others misunderstand. Frin is passionate about learning dog behaviour and is always stopping to say hi to dogs no matter where he is. He believes that every dog is special in their own way, but his favourite dog is Hank, a Bull Arab.

Tori - Day Care Manager

she/they

Tori is a creative individual who lives and breathes animals having completed a Certificate III in Animal Care Services and has a deep-seated passion for animal behavior. They are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of animals through compassionate care and a keen understanding of their needs. Her enthusiasm for animal behaviour drives their passion to learn more and Tori is hoping to continue with their studies in this field. Tori is excited about working in Happy Paws Waggy Tails and the opportunity presented through mentorship and exposure to the training and behavioural modification side of the business while also thriving in the hustle and bustle of a busy and fun day care environment.

Elliot - Owner / Dog Trainer

he/him

Elliot is the founder and owner of HPWT. Featured here with his giant dog Loki, the chief branch manager. Loki was a rescue dog who struggled with reactivity towards motorbikes. Elliot’s desire to understand and help Loki overcome this is the inspiration behind the training he does. Elliot is dog mad, most of his clothing features dogs and what doesn’t is covered in dog “glitter” anyway. Elliot holds a Cert III in Animal Training and is just weeks away from graduating with a Cert IV in Animal Training and Behaviour. Whilst Elliot loves all dogs he has a soft spot for the large breeds and has a unique and special connection with dogs with reactivity issues.

Jay - Day Care Attendant / Dog Walker

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Jay has grown up around dogs and is caring and passionate about working with animals (especially dogs) and encourages patience and care when working with all individuals – no matter the breed or personality. Jay is always eager to learn and acknowledges each dog is unique and tailors his care to each personality accordingly. Jay is yet to find a dog that doesn’t love spending time with him. Jay is eager to expand his personal and professional knowledge not only with training but also working with different breeds and being exposed to different personalities in dogs. His favourite breed of dog is the English Springer Spaniel because of its intelligence, trainability, personality and of course its beautiful coat. The freckles they have and their fluffy ears also help make them his favourite.

Anitra - Day Care Attendant

she/her

Antira is a true dog lover who will cross the street to say hi to a pup.

She is pictured with her smiley girl Sushi the Samoyed, but loves all breeds, big or small.

Anitra comes from a background in aviation, having worked as a flight attendant. She’s hung up her wings and the glamour of international travel to follow her passion for working with 4 legged clients instead of 2.

Anitra is very excited to be working with such an inclusive team who share her passion.

Zach - Day Care Attendant

he/him

Zach has had a long term love for many breeds of dogs. Spending his free time learning about a variety of breeds to deepen his understanding of their natural breed behaviours and original jobs. He is an honest and hard working individual that always puts his best foot forward for you and your fur-baby.

Zach is featured here with the boss dog Loki who he developed a great bond with.

Leticia

she/her

Leticia is sadly not often seen around Happy Paws after working for us while she studied a double degree in Nursing and Midwifery. Pictured here with her beloved Zarah, who is the assistant branch manager to Loki. Zarah and Loki, and indeed Elliot and Leticia have been friends since the pups were about 8 months old. Zarah is a superpower when it comes to helping reactive dogs and is often utilised by Elliot for training sessions. Leticia is also used to help manage when we train with multiple dogs. While Leticia loves all dogs it’s the German Shepherds who have her heart.

Tyler - Dog Trainer

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Tyler has completed a Cert IV in Animal Training and Behaviour and his special intertest is in researching bio active enclosures for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Tyler also has a Bachelor in film and TV production as well as a Master of Creative Industries. His hobbies include gaming, comics and kaiju.

He loves all animals and has two pets of his own -a Staffordshire Terrier and a domestic long hair cat. Tyler has experience working in the doggy day care industry and is well versed in different training methods.

Chelsea - Dog Trainer

she/her

Chelsea has grown up with dogs in her life since day one and always wanted to be a veterinarian until she realised she wouldn’t have as many cuddles in her workday compared to working in a daycare or shelter environment! She has completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies and a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, and wishes to continue her studies as she believes constant learning is key to positive relationships with the animals she works with! While Chelsea will love any dog that wants her attention, she has a soft spot for the seniors and bigger breeds, as shown in the photo with her three dogs.

Joanne - Day Care Attendant

she/her

Jo claims that all dogs love her (not that we would dispute this), and she’s had dogs all her life. Joanne has an affinity for high energy breeds owning Blue Heelers and Jack Russell Terriers.

Jo is pictured here with her friends beloved Kelpie, Indy. Joanne loves all breeds but Daschunds have her heart.