Follow Us
Team Bios
Michele - Pack Leader
In 2014, Bark ‘N Leash became a reality and former corporate maven, Michele, turned in her dress shoes and business wear for comfortable walking shoes and weather resistant outer wear. Inspired by her golden retriever Riley, was the motivation to create an unparalleled pet service to meet the individual needs of pets and their owners. Reliability, trust, and individual attention are the hallmarks of the Bark ‘N Leash experience.
A lifelong dog lover and animal owner, Michele’s introduction to dogs began at a young age with her family’s springer spaniel named “Patches”. Currently “mom” to two boxers - Brooklyn and Skylar, Michele spends most of her free time enjoying romps in the woods or strolls on the beach with her family. With unique instincts and uncanny ability in understanding animal behavior, Michele has trained numerous dogs throughout her life.
A strong advocate of animal rescue, Michele’s boxer Nauticus was rescued in 2012. Nursed from a sickly state, Nauticus lived a healthy, happy and safe life for another 3.5 years before she lost a very brief battle with heart disease. Rumour, Michele’s first boxer, was also rescued from a less than healthy breeder and blessed us with her kindness, loyalty and love for nearly 14 years, before passing away in Spring 2019. Skylar is a Grand Champion Show Dog, the baby of the family and spends her weekdays enjoying playgroups with her BNL pals and her weekends either at the beach or in the confirmation ring. Brooklyn is 6 years old was recently voted most likely to have a ball in her mouth by the other members in the Bark 'N Leash pack.
Fully bonded and insured by Traveler's Insurance Company, Michele supports the MSPCA, is a member of Pet Sitter’s International, and is a certified Pet Tech Instructor in Pet First Aid and CPR. Michele is a 17 year resident of Watertown.
In 2017, Michele and Bark 'N Leash were featured as a model success story in the "Entrepreneurship - The Practice and Mindset" textbook for aspiring business owners.
Matt - Pet Sitter
Matt is a foundation staff member of Bark 'N Leash, having joined the team soon after we launched in 2014. A dog lover, and calm and quiet by nature, Matt quickly established himself as a favorite of many of his four legged and two legged clients alike.
Originally from Arlington, Matt is a 2009 graduate of Westfield State College where he received a BS in Criminal Justice. After working in a loss prevention capacity for several years, Matt received his Master's Degree in Social Work and is currently working as a Program Manager in the Metro Area.
Matt is First Aid, CPR, and AED certified for humans and used that amazing pre-existing knowledge while completing his Pet First Aid and CPR Training. He is a full time social worker and available for weekend pet sitting.
