NEW PET PARENT?
If this is your pup’s first time at Dogtopia, there are a few things pet parents should prepare prior to rewarding your dog with the most exciting day ever!
At Dogtopia, our passion is giving every single dog the best-individualized care with their health, safety, and comfort as our top priority! Owners, David & Jennifer Giardino, are happy to welcome your pup to their home away from home! The perfect place for your pup to learn, play, and socialize with their BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever).
Meet the Team
David & Jennifer Giardino, Owners
David & Jennifer wanted to open a dog daycare in Rhode Island that made a difference in the lives of as many dogs – and pet parents – as they can. Why Dogtopia? Their favorite part is not only making a difference in the dog’s life while they are in their Warwick facility, but also the concept of ‘fetching it forward’ through The Dogtopia Foundation, a nonprofit connecting dogs with organizations that support causes like service dogs for veterans, youth literacy programs, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. The Giardino’s wanted to operate a business together that could be passed down to their children. David oversees operations of the Warwick facility while Jennifer handles marketing and lead generation.
Marissa Crudale, Groomer
Having worked with dogs, cats, horses, and other small wildlife from a young age, Marissa’s love of animals is evident as soon as you meet her. She brings a ton of experience to our grooming table and is comfortable handling all different breeds, sizes, and personalities. In our spa, it’s ok if your dog may be a little nervous about grooming. Marissa has lots of patience and tricks to ensure their spa time is a great experience. Whether it be a haircut or just a bath, she loves making the before/after happen and seeing each dog prance around because they know they look their very best! Her favorite part? Being rewarded by every pup when they give her their own little “thank you” at the end. Marissa loves pampering her own German Shepherd, Nalah, and will treat each of your fur babies as her very own!
Canine Coaches
Our certified Canine Coaches receive over 100 hours of classroom and in-room training prior to supervising a playroom. They know the language and body message of dogs and how to safely manage a playroom. Dogtopia Canine Coaches training platform is nationally recognized by two Canine Behavior associations.
Colleen Demling, Dog Behaviorist
At our national support office, Colleen is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist with over 30,000 hours and 15 years of HANDS ON dog training experience. She is a frequent contributor to local and national media including Yahoo, The Huffington Post, Woman’s Day and many more. Colleen was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in the Pet Industry Network. She was also named a 2015 Woman of Influence and one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Pet Age Magazine. She’s ready to answer your questions related to puppy training, dog socialization and manners.
Dr. Antje Joslin, Veterinarian
At our national support office, Dr. Joslin brings 14 years of small animal experience in both private and corporate practice. Her love of animals is not just professional; along with her husband and four children, she shares her household with several loveable pooches. In her free time she enjoys many outdoor activities and traveling with her family. Dr. Joslin earned Bachelors degrees in Business Administration and German, as well as her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. She can answer any questions you may have related vaccine protocol, general wellness like heartworm prevention, flea and tick, the spay and neuter process, first aid, and diet and exercise for a healthy weight.
Lorraine Rhoads, Environmental Biologist
At our national support office, Lorraine is an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist with a background in environmental safety testing and biological surveys. Additionally, Lorraine has more than 6 years of experience managing veterinary hospitals and keeping up accreditations with the rigorous standards of the American Animal Hospital Association. Using her understanding of environmental science and canine health science, Lorraine is passionate about Dogtopia’s commitment to health and safety. Outside of her role at Dogtopia, Lorraine finds endless happiness as a wife and mother of three children and volunteers for Liberty Wildlife. Ask her questions related to safe doggie environments, including safety of toys, play equipment, car or travel safety, emergency preparedness and safe cleaning products and procedures.
