Hi, my name is Emily Miller and I started Dogs at Play in March of 2000. I have always been an animal lover and as a child tried to bring home everything from a variety of small mutts "who followed me home" to the Doberman and the Pit-bull I was given by two separate neighbors. Mom never gave in! In 1994 I returned home from college in London and tried to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I worked at Kinko's for two years where I became a shift supervisor and head of quality control. After two years at Kinko's I moved on to Xerox where I tested hardware, software, and eventually ended up gathering data and running reports for engineers. It was during this time (1994-1999) I volunteered for the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm. My volunteer work allowed me to get my hands on just about every breed and behavioral issue imaginable. When I first began volunteering I was living at home and somehow convinced my parents to let me take home a year old Rottweiler who came from a Rochester Police Department raid on a drug house. I named him Magnus and realized I needed help quickly. It was then I met my friend local dog trainer Bob Minchella. I was hooked on the behavioral aspect of dogs immediately. Under Bob's tutelage I garnered knowledge about training and behavior. In 1999 I had an opportunity to join a New York State program that helped people open their own businesses. Dogs at Play was officially born in January of 2000 and opened its doors in March that same year. Presently I am owned by 4 dogs Lucy, Little Leets, Terry and Trey. I am a current member of Schutzhund USA and Empire Working Dog Club.

Lucija De Las Aquas Mansas CGC (Canine Good Citizen), or Lucy the Dogo Argentino came to me in the summer of 2002. After a long time fascination with the breed I purchased her from Still Water Dogos in Florida one year after I lost my Rottweiler Eva. I had hopes of some competitive endeavor with Lucy but she had other plans. She wanted to be a running partner and a couch potato!

In December of 2003 I had the opportunity to procure a Belgian Malinois puppy from Joefarm Kennels in Belgium. Crazy Van Joefarm, also known as Terry T., came into my life and turned it upside down! My love for dog sports drove me to the Malinois. Originally I was training for the sport of PSA. I changed my focus to Schutzhund when Terry was roughly 1 year old. Schutzhund is a 3 phase sport comprised of tracking, obedience, and protection. Terry earned his Schutzhund 1 title in October of ’08 and is now retired from sport work.

In February of 2006 I rescued a little Boston Terrier whom I dubbed Scarlito "the thumb" Judge Alito (long story!) but I call her Little Leets. It took about 24 hours to realize why this cute little dog was in rescue. She was a handful. She is the perfect example of a dog that truly benefits from a good dog daycare program. She may be 16 lbs. but her energy level is through the roof. It is imperative that this little dog be exhausted a couple of times a week.

Katie Rodas

Dogs at Play Assistant Manager and Agility instructor

Growing up on a farm in Hilton, NY Katie always knew animals would be a part of her life. After graduating from Hilton High School Katie went on to SUNY Brockport and graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration in 2000. As a teenager Katie competed and trained Hunter/Jumpers locally. After graduation she continued her work with horses and has been a barn manger full time since 2002. Along with managing the barn Katie has been working with miniature horses training them for halter classes, jumping, and driving. For the last 6 years Katie has volunteered for Lollypop Farm working with foster cases laying the ground work for a successful adoption. Katie began training agility with local competitor Sue Fleig in 2006 and during the summer of 2007 and 2008 she has taught agility classes out at Lollypop Farm with her sister Leslie German. Katie brings her vast experience in working with dogs and animals to Dogs at Play as an employee and instructor of agility classes. Katie lives in the country with her husband, 4 dogs Russo German Shepherd, Mack Rottweiler, Quasi Lab Mix, Cindy Lab mix, 3 cats Dodger, Rascal and Cheetah, 1 Parakeet, 24 call ducks, and her childhood Welsh Pony Harvey.

Melissa Phillips

Dogs at Play Team Member

Melissa came to us an assistant to Bob Minchella out at Lollypop Farm. Growing up with a greyhound mix, cocker spaniel, Brittney, and a Border Collie it's no surprise Melissa landed in a dog occupation. She is owned by Allie a German Shepherd mix, Lloyd a classic Lollypop Special, and Nash a German Shepherd Dog from Big Dogs Big Hearts. Melissa is currently exploring Search and Rescue training with Nash.

Cheryl

Dogs at Play Team Member

Bio coming soon...