Rover-Time is proud to hire the very best pet professionals to support our clients.

Julia: Tell us about your all your work and experience in the animal industry!
Rachel: I began working with animals in Wicker Park, where I was raised. I was an animal lover since birth, and most picnics and neighborhood BBQ were spent with neighbors pets versus humans. Around the time I began middle school, I began walking, and watching friends’ pets when they took their vacations. I got my first “real” animal job when I returned from my freshman year at Beloit College. I began as a kennel assistant for my childhood Veterinarian. I was able to learn first handed and shortly became a Veterinary Assistant. At the age of 18, I was lucky to have had such an intense introduction into the animal world. I took a year off from the animal world, after working for Mid-North Animal Hospital for 3 years. When I returned, I tried my hand at grooming! Turns out shampooing was not for me, but it was great to be back with the fluffy and furry. I decided to go back to school, and found walking dogs was a perfect way to earn a living while doing so. I already had several families and friends who needed someone they trusted to care for their little ones. After 3 years with these families, I was able to attend school and earn my Certified Professional Dog Trainer status. I continued to walk and began training in a private and retail setting. At this time I met began my life with my husband and decided to return to the Veterinary world. For the past 4 years I have been working for local Veterinary offices as a Veterinary Technician. Now, my daughter is in kindergarten and I am eager to be available for her after school needs. I am very happy to return to dog walking!

J: What are your hobbies?
R: As so many others, my life has become a balance of my work, my family, and my pets. If I do find personal time I enjoy curling up with a good book and my favorite singers. My guilty pleasure is historical fiction. I also love mystery novels. I am a big fan of “adventures” as well! My husband works for an airline, so we enjoy free flying. There is nothing better than packing the family up and heading out to museum half way across the country. Traveling to places like New York, Los Angeles, Austin, has become our version of traveling to the Dells for the day!

J: Who was your favorite celebrity as a child?
R: I admit, I was quite an impressionable child. I had a group of sisters who used to baby sit me as a child. I can remember them blasting Prince in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I have been a Prince fan since. Embarrassing as it is, I was also a Sara Michelle Gellar fan. Not so much the actress, but the Buffy the Vampire Slayer character. Who wouldn’t want to be fit, sassy, and able to save the world from vampire domination!

J: What word describes you best?
R: I have been described as many things, I think happy is the most realistic and genuine. Some would go so far as to say I am annoyingly cheerful, but my sass and quick tongue will kindly correct them! I sincerely believe that keeping a fun attitude and a constant smile has saved me from many of those moments when you just want to throw your hands up and scream. My level of energy and nonstop humor amazes people. I believe it comes from the fact that I am truly happy. There are many things in life that get me down, but as long as I do what I’m meant to…it always works out.

J: Who do you admire?
R: I really admire Temple Grandin. She is a wonderful human being. She is best known for her work in the animal field. She works to understand animal behavior from an animal’s perspective. Instead of being burdened by Autism, she views it as a gift that allows her to genuinely connect with the animal she is working with. I look up to her for several reasons. Her overcoming prejudice and self doubt, towards her illness, is amazing. Also her books are fascinating, very well written, and insightful.

J: If you were invisible, where would you go?
R: If I was invisible I would definitely live in the workshop of the show Duck Dynasty. I admit, I am in love with the show and can’t get enough.

J: How do you want to be remembered?
R: I would like to be remembered with a smile. I want people to think of me and think of “that one time when….” and let the laughter flow to healing tears. I think its important to be remembered as being a strong individual as well. By strong I mean, someone who others can rely on; and someone who is strong enough to know when to ask for help. The word wise always inspires images of the elderly, but I wouldn’t complain if it was thrown in my direction.

Rachel manages a route that spans from Old Irving Park to East Irving Park. And she loves it. Welcome aboard, Rachel!!!