Mila Vaskov, Owner
I created Lucky Dog after not really enjoying my job in the typical office environment and I often found myself daydreaming about the time I spent walking dogs while I was in college. After coming to this realization, I began Lucky Dog based on what I had experienced while working with different clients and different companies. I used all of that information to put together an array of services that I believe best allow every dog to be able to get the exercise, love and attention they need from their walkers, all the while giving you the commitment, flexibility and assurance that your dog is receiving the best possible care available.
Mark Whitaker, Walker
I’ve been an animal lover my entire life. I grew up around horses, dogs and cats, but dogs have always had an extra special place in my family! Our first dog was a miniature schnauzer named Lucky. Since then we’ve also had two lab mixes, Zeus and Nani. Since moving to Boston in 2003 I’ve had Maddie, who is most likely a pomeranian / chihuahua mix. One of my favorite dog stories is about Nani, our dog at home in Maryland. I had recently come back to Boston after having been home for a visit. My mom called me and said that she couldn’t find Nani, who is usually right by her side. She checked all of the typical places she would expect to find her, but still no Nani. Eventually she checked the room I had been staying in and found her sleeping on my bed. Since then it has become a habit for Nani to hangout in my room for a few days after I leave from a visit. Stories like these remind me of how strong a connection we can have with our dogs, which is why I couldn’t be happier walking dogs, contributing to keeping them happy and healthy.
Tony DiMarsico, Walker
I have had a profound love for dogs my entire life. I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t a dog around the house; whether it be the chocolate lab Josie or the rescued greyhound Gail in my home town of Fairport, New York. I eventually came to Boston were I attended Mount Ida college and got my bachelors in business and also got my dog training certificate. Being so far from home, I had no dogs around until I eventually adopted a puppy when I went back home my sophomore year. This is when I got Rodney, my now 3 and a half year old boxer/lab mix who I couldn’t be happier to have. To me, nothing could be more satisfying than working with dogs all day and that is why I love my job.
Mary Joy (MJ) Patchett, Walker
I feel so excited and “lucky” to join the Lucky Dog team! I have always been a big animal lover. I grew up with a lot of different pet animals on the North Shore, including anything from cats to iguanas, and even a pet squirrel at one point! Currently I have a cat called Fenway and a guinea pig named Sweet Potato. I have been longing for a little doggy love in my life, and working for Lucky Dog provides me with just that. I just moved back to the Boston area after finishing two years of graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. I am a professional musician, playing saxophone whenever I am not out happily walking your dog!
Kristin Ward, Walker
At 8 years old, I received a beautiful Australian Shepherd puppy as a birthday gift and I’ve been devoted to caring for dogs ever since. After many years of exploring various professional realms and being disappointed by just about all of them, I’m thrilled to be able to spend my days developing such mutually rewarding relationships with the dogs I walk! We get each other out of the house, exercising, breathing fresh air and making friends. It’s a win-win deal and I couldn’t be happier!
Collin Woolcock, Walker
There is something about dogs that I really connect with. Maybe its the sleeping all day, maybe the drool. Whatever it is, it makes my job all the more enjoyable. As an artist and a musician I have the utmost respect for any species with neither the patience or the cranial capacity for creativity. As an active member of the human race I have the utmost respect for any creature lacking that extra baggage that seems to come with certain cerebral areas and opposable thumbs. Simply put; Dogs just are. And I dig that. I also dig the Lucky Dog team and being apart of it. Taking care of animals comes natural to me. Whether I’m volunteering at a shelter or making weird oinking noises with my pet pig Lucy, there always seems to be something furry with four legs around me. It is truly my pleasure to work with this great group of people, and to walk hand in leash with your “Lucky” dog.
Boo, Quality Control
I’m responsible for customer satisfaction. I personally make sure all the services that Lucky Dog offers are up to the highest possible quality standards. By accompanying all major services at least once a week I am able to test everything to make sure it is running smoothly. I’m very happy to report that i have found Lucky Dog to be perfection, as proven by all the naps I have to take in the afternoons!
