Meet the staff
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Megan Ferris
Owner & Manager Contact: megan@dogutopia.ca Megan has worked with animals, mainly dogs, since 1999. From her experience volunteering and working at animal shelters in Alberta and BC, to taking numerous dog behaviour seminars and training classes, she has developed skills in managing all types of dogs. Megan was also on the board for Paws for Hope Animal Foundation from 2012-2015. Before purchasing Dog Utopia in February 2010, Megan ran a successful dog walking business in Victoria for five years. Knowing it was time to move forward in life and business, she made the move to White Rock where she now lives with her life partner Mac and her three dogs Marty, Veda, and Sprout. Megan’s own dogs have taught her patience and understanding and the importance of balance in a dogs’ life. “I believe in providing a dog with exercise, mental stimulation and affection while at the same time providing structure, consistency and boundaries.” Megan will always cherish the memories of her dogs gone in body but always in her heart. RIP Lily, Jewel and Quin. |
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Liza Rader
Trainer and Daycare Manager Website: www.focusdogs.ca Instagram: @focusdogs Contact: trainingdogutopia@gmail.com or focusdogs@gmail.com Liza grew up working dogs at her grandmother's kennel Westerlea. She started junior handling at 10 years old and attended her first national specialty two years later. Over the years she has trained for therapy work as well as several sports. Her right hand man is Percy the Rough Collie, who is always around to help socialize puppies and assist with classes. She is currently raising Biscuit the NSDTR puppy. In training Liza uses positive reinforcement methods that are rooted in behavioral science. Liza believes that training should be practical, fun and that a well trained dog is a mentally healthy dog. Her experience in disability advocacy influences how she approaches dog training, focusing on teaching life skills from a basis of mutual respect and understanding. Liza is also an artist, and completed her BFA (Major in Fine Art, Minor in Drawing) from NSCAD University in 2013. |
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Jenny Whims
Chief of Operations Jenny was very excited to join the staff at Dog Utopia in early 2018. While reflecting on the areas of her life that brought her the most joy, she realized these moments were mostly the time she was able to spend with her own dog, and the community of people she met while walking, adventuring and traveling with her dog. Needing a career change, she was encouraged by her family to pursue her love of dogs. Although not formally trained, Jenny is grateful for the opportunity Dog Utopia has provided, in allowing her to expand her knowledge of dog care and behavior. She is also very thankful for the new friendships she has formed both 2 legged and 4 legged. Having graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, with a BFA majoring in photography, Jenny brings a variety of skills to the Dog Utopia team. She also enjoys many artistic hobbies, including knitting. Jenny currently lives in Cloverdale with her husband, Nathan and Keeshond, Astrid. The family’s favorite place for walking and adventuring is on Salt Spring Island. |
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Elisha Hancock
Daycare Attendant Elisha started coming to Dog Utopia when she was 9 years old to drop off her neighbours dog and she thought it was the coolest place, so 7 years later she started volunteering and fell in love with all the pups! When she was 10 years old she started a dog walking “business” with her friend, where they would go on long walks with the neighborhood dogs, they would walk 8 dogs between the two of them which is where she gained some of her experience. Elisha is graduating Earl Marriott Secondary in 2019, she is studying to get her french certificate which allows her to be bilingual, she hopes to go to a local post secondary school and pursue advertisement/design. Elisha has a completed Royal Conservatory Music theory, she has received her certificate for grade 6 piano and she also plays the drums. Elisha plays representative soccer and she’s very devoted to her school’s senior girls basketball program where she is hoping to go to Hawaii with her team next winter. Elisha got her dog Mylo when she was 13, he is a Bichon Frise/ Shih Tzu and she walks him to White Rock Beach every weekend and they play fetch on the sand. During the summer Elisha also enjoys skateboarding to work! |
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Marina Hooley
Wizard Marina has always had a love for animals. She had many smaller pets growing up, including guinea pigs, a bunny, a chinchilla, hamsters and fish, but was never able to have a dog of her own. She always appreciated being able to spend time watching the dogs of friends and family and can’t wait until she is able to support a dog of her own. As a child, Marina volunteered at the SPCA with her sister, and attended a bunny club where her passion for animals grew. Working at Dog Utopia since June of 2018 has been a dream come true for her, and she has enjoyed expanding her knowledge and skill base in her time here so far. Marina currently attends the University of British Columbia and is in the third year of her business degree, where she hopes to build up the skills to maybe someday start her own small business. Outside of school and work she volunteers as a youth leader and enjoys cooking, arts and crafts, and reading. Marina is responsible for keeping our team of passionate dog people running smoothly with her magical organizational skills. |
Hannah Martyn
Daycare Attendant and Grooming Assistant
Hannah grew up with cats as a kid but had always wished to have a dog as well. She has always had a strong fondness for dogs and enjoyed playing with her friends dogs. As of early 2019 she welcomed Wilson into her family an Australian labradoodle. Hannah graduated from Elgin park Secondary in 2017 and would like to pursue a career with animals as a veterinary technician assistant in the future. On her free time Hannah enjoys spending time with family/friends, reading, going to the gym, hiking and painting with water colours.
Daycare Attendant and Grooming Assistant
Hannah grew up with cats as a kid but had always wished to have a dog as well. She has always had a strong fondness for dogs and enjoyed playing with her friends dogs. As of early 2019 she welcomed Wilson into her family an Australian labradoodle. Hannah graduated from Elgin park Secondary in 2017 and would like to pursue a career with animals as a veterinary technician assistant in the future. On her free time Hannah enjoys spending time with family/friends, reading, going to the gym, hiking and painting with water colours.
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Maria Klerck
Daycare Attendant and Grooming Assistant Maria was born and raised in South Africa. She has always been an animal lover and has done volunteering with various animal species all over the world. She hopes to go to veterinary school in the future and continue to travel and take care of animals of all species. She adores dogs and has a golden retriever at home named Heidi, as well as, looked after dogs and cats her whole life. |