Reigning Pets NW

Amy - Owner and President

I have enjoyed a life-long love and compassion for animals, and have owned and cared for an extensive list of companion animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, turtles, hermit crabs and more!

When I am not taking care of your pets, I am a competitive swimmer and triathlete, and have swam in exciting endurance events such as the Alcatraz Shark Fest Swim in San Francisco, California.  With the value I place on physical health and well-being, rest assured that I will not tire before your dog during our walks together!

I also enjoy camping and hiking in our beautiful Northwest setting.  I love our Portland weather, especially those cool, rainy days. Having grown up in the Midwest, it is a treat for me to be able to work in our mild Portland weather.  For those who are not so fond of getting soaked while walking your pets, allow me!

Prior to Reigning Pets Northwest, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Portland State University.  I worked in the corporate world as a financial analyst for about 10 years, then made the decision to dedicate myself to what I truly enjoy... caring for pets.  I am so thrilled to have made this decision, and look forward to providing the best care available for your pets!

I have been happily married for over 11 years to my wonderful husband, Scott, who gives me strength and who keeps me focused on the things that truly matter in life.  We share our home in SE Portland with two 10-year old cats, a sister and brother named Luna (brown tabby) and Mortimer (white and gray tabby), who we adopted in 2007 from Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood, Oregon.  In May of 2008, we also adopted a Pit Bull / Boxer mix named Hailey from Dead Dog Walking Pit Bull Rescue in The Dalles, Oregon.  Most recently, in August of 2009, we took in a 6-month old black stray kitty who we named Piper.  Hailey and Piper have become best of friends, and love playing and relaxing together. 

I am also very blessed to be surrounded by loving family and friends who have supported me wholeheartedly in my endeavor to follow my dream of providing professional pet care through Reigning Pets Northwest.

 

Scott - VP of Operations

I have supported Amy in her efforts to develop Reigning Pets NW since its inception in October 2007.  I am originally from Wisconsin - Go Packers!  After graduating from Luther College, I spent about 9 years in Chicago where I met Amy.  Since marrying in 1998, Amy and I have lived on the West Coast, spending close to 7 years in Sacramento before moving to Portland.  I grew up with dogs and cats, and have great memories of them, especially KC the cat. 

Currently, I serve as the Finance Manager for Mario’s Inc, a high-end clothing retailer based in Portland.  During my "off" hours, I help Amy when her dog walking and pet sitting schedule is too full to accommodate the demand.  I also enjoy watching sports and sampling the fantastic food and wine Portland has to offer.

 

Matt  - Pet Care Specialist

My wife, Michelle, and I moved from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Portland about five years ago
because of our love for the outdoors and a desire to live somewhere new.  We have enjoyed many aspects of the area including snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and of course, cycling.  We're still up in the air about the rainfall, but we do our best to try and embrace it.

My wife and I are both graduates from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). Michelle has a degree in Architecture and currently works as an Architect at a firm in downtown Portland. I have a degree in Fine Arts where painting was my focus.  While in school, I worked part time as a vet assistant at the UT veterinary teaching hospital. As time went on I worked my way into a permanent position as an orthopedic and gait analysis research technician for an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital for canines. I continued with this for around three years until Michelle and I decided it was time to move on.  Ever since then, my love and interest for dogs has grown. 

When we made our journey across the US, we brought all of our companions with us as well. This included two dogs, two guinea pigs, and two rabbits.  All of them made the journey without a hitch.  Since then, we went from apartment life to moving into our first home with a nice big fenced yard, which meant one very important thing... room for more animals.  Now we have four crazy dogs running around and four chickens live in our backyard. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment at our house.  Although we both have our favorite pure breeds, our hearts go out to the shelter animals.  All four of our dogs are mixed breeds. Each one is special to us in their own unique way.  They never fail to bring happiness and laughter into our lives on a daily basis.

Now that I have been lucky enough to come on board with Amy at Reigning Pets NW, I look forward to once again pursue my love and interest of these animals that enrich our lives so much.

Matt handles many of our mid-day dog walking and running appointments, and looks forward to getting your dog out for some mid-day exercise and interaction!

Tyler  - Dog Trainer and Pet Care Specialist

In June of 2008, my family and I brought home an 8-month old Black Lab.  At first, he was just a family pet.  After one year went by, I decided to change my life around and focus on dog training as a career.  With lots of family support, I enrolled myself in Animal Behavior College and started studying to be a trainer. Although my dog Jake is a one hundred pound crazy lab, he’s been my partner through this process and has come a long way in obedience.

I have lived in Oregon my whole life and I love it here.  Twelve years ago, I met my wife Breah and seven years ago my beautiful daughter Julia was born.  Together, we live in Troutdale with our dog Jake and cat named Kita, and are happily surrounded by our extended families.  When we all get together, we like to play Cribbage and Rummy.  My daughter may only be seven years old, but she will take you down in a game of Rummy.  Although I’m not very good at golf, I still crave to play every summer.  And with Mt. Hood as my neighbor, skiing is a huge passion of mine.

I met Amy through Animal Behavior College and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work for Reigning Pets Northwest.  I believe my future is bright and filled with enjoyment, and look forward to taking care of your pets.     

Tyler is one of our dog trainers, and also covers many of our pet sitting and dog walking/running appointments.

 

Photo of Hailey courtesy of Sean Morrison Photography.