Jayleen

Front Lead — 8 Years

Hi, my name is Jayleen I’ve been working at ULD since I was 17 years old, I’m now 25 and it’s about to be my 8 years in July. And I can honestly say I wouldn’t want any other job or work for any other daycare. I love being here, I love all the fun we have, I love seeing all my dog besties every day. I’m extremely grateful for the special bonds and the trust I’ve built with every single dog that comes to ULD. All these pups are one of a kind and there’s no other place would be able to fulfill the relationship I have with the ULD pups.

I’m thankful for all the dogs accepting all the love, the hugs, and kisses we give to them every day. I’m thankful for all the parents allowing us to become a part of their dog’s lives and daily routines allowing us to see all their pups grown from little babies to adults. I’m glad I get to experience the excitement and love we get from our four-legged friends every time we enter our play groups. ULD has become my home away from home my escape from all the negativity that’s going on in this world. I look forward to seeing my work besties everyday i look forward to all the hugs and kissed i receive when entering our play groups. The smiles on all our dogs’ faces are so contagious and just seeing all the pups’ happy faces can change my mood.

I also would like to say how much I appreciate my teammates I appreciate all the help, the love and gratitude they all give to the dogs as well I appreciate the bonds I’ve made with all my team I appreciate and will always remember those that help me and my family in a hard time when my own pup was recently hit by a car and helped me get my girl her surgery. This crew has become more than just my coworker they have become my work family.

I’m very glad with the position I’ve achieved to working here at ULD. Starting as a daycare attendant to becoming a late-night attendant to becoming a back lead and groomer to now becoming a front lead. And all I can say every position I’ve worked has helped me build the relationships I have with every dog, with all our staff, and now our clients. I love my job and will forever be grateful for Club ULD.

Heather

General Manager — 7 Years

I love working at ULD because it’s where I discovered my true purpose.  After nearly seven years (this August), I have grown in ways I never imagined. I refound the ability within myself to put others’ needs first, leading with care, compassion, and genuine customer service. Stepping into leadership has truly moved mountains in my life, and my growth is reflected in the meaningful relationships I’ve built with each furry friend who walks through our doors and in the daily conversations I share with their devoted parents.

I began my journey as a late-night attendant, a position I gladly still help with on weekends and holidays — because these furry babies truly have my heart. There is no place I would rather be. When COVID brought uncertainty, I wasn’t sure what the future would hold. As a newer employee at the time, I worried about how ULD would be affected operationally. Through that uncertainty, I was given the opportunity to step up and learn front lead duties. That trust changed everything for me. I’m forever grateful to the devoted parents who stood by us during that challenging time.

From there, I grew into the concierge role, where I found my voice and built strong communication skills and lasting relationships — even if it was just over the phone. My confidence deepened, and so did my leadership, which led to being entrusted with becoming manager. I still have true “pinch me” moments. To be trusted in that way is something I carry with pride and gratitude every single day of my life, inside ULD as well as outside of ULD.

What truly makes ULD different from any other facility is the heart behind everything we do. We don’t just provide a service — we build lasting relationships. Every furry friend is treated as if they were our own, from the time they walk through the door until it’s time for them to go, and every parent is welcomed like family. The care here isn’t transactional; it’s personal. We remember the little things — favorite toys, special routines, quirks, and comforts. That level of intentional love and attention comes from a team that genuinely cares.

Our culture is built on respect, dedication, teamwork, and compassion. We lift one another up. We step in when someone needs help. We celebrate wins together and grow through challenges together. That kind of environment is rare, and it’s what makes walking through our doors feel different — not just for our clients, but for our team as well.

ULD is not just my workplace; it is my sanctuary. These amazing dogs inspire me daily to be better than I was yesterday. No matter what the day may bring, there is love here. I feel it. I see it. I’m lucky enough to receive it. I am honored to be part of something so special.

This isn’t just my job — it’s my dream.

Madi

Front Lead & Late-Night Attendant — 6 Years

I’ve worked here for almost six years, and somewhere along the way, this stopped being just a job. This place, and these dogs, became part of who I am. As a front lead and a late-night attendant, I see every side of this place — the morning chaos, the happy reunions at pickup, the nervous first-timers, and the quiet moments late at night when the building settles and it’s just me and them. Those late nights mean everything to me. When the lights are dim and the barking softens, I walk through and check on each one, and I’m reminded why I’m here.  These dogs don’t know if I’m tired. They don’t know what kind of day I’ve had. They just know that I’m someone who shows up for them. And on a lot of days, showing up for them is what keeps me going.

There’s something grounding about being needed in such a pure way. A nervous dog learning to trust me. A regular who sprints through the door because they’re excited to be here. The shy boarder who finally eats because I sat with them. Those small moments matter more than I can explain.

Being a front lead has also taught me strength and patience — for the team, for our clients, and for myself. I’ve grown here. I’ve learned how to lead, how to advocate for the dogs, and how to stay steady even when things are overwhelming. This job has shaped me.  I love that we’re not just supervising playgroups or feeding dinner — we’re giving peace of mind to families. We’re creating a safe space. We’re part of these dogs’ lives in a real, meaningful way.

On my hardest days, walking into a room full of wagging tails changes everything. It reminds me that what we do matters. This job keeps me grounded, gives me purpose, and fills my heart in a way I didn’t know a workplace could.

I don’t just work here. I belong here. And I’m grateful every single day that I get to do what I love.