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Meet Our Staff
At Play with Sparky™ is owned by a local father-daughter team who have been dog owners/lovers all their lives. Russ and Tara Erickson have lived in the Asheville area for almost 25 years. Asheville is a place where people appreciate and respect their animals and that there is a real need for a safe, fun place where people can leave their pets. Both owners are involved in the day-to-day operations of the facility (and the night-to-night operations too, come to think of it) and almost always have dirty pawprints on their clothes to prove it!
As we grow, we make additions to our "family" here at Sparky's. Our pups have lots of friends that come to play and help out, here's a bit about our "regulars".
Jeremy Huffman is our morning dude. You'll see him scurrying around the office when you drop your dog(s) off in the mornings. And since he can't seem to get enough of the place, you may see him again when you pick your pooches up. We promise he's not here 24/7, just stops in frequently to pick up his own dogs - which makes sense, because he started here as a client!
Laura Elofson has been with Sparky's since the spring of '08. She knows the dogs better than most anyone - although she may have dubbed your critter with her own special nickname!
JP Winterbottom has been rescuing animals since she was a mere tot. She's a sucker for any cute muttly face. Which makes her job here at Sparky's the perfect fit. If you're looking for an addition to your furry brood, she probably has a foster who'd love to go home with you!
Kate Dinwiddie is the cheery face you'll see most evenings when you pick up your worn-out beasts. She is an all-around employee: watching dogs, feeding everyone, cleaning up after them, running the office & building a dog board worthy of a 5-star kindergarten classroom! If you don't see your dog's picture up, Kate's your girl!
Kandance Thompson has been chillin' with the dogs since the fall of '09. She doesn't mind getting down and dirty to make sure all of our furry friends are having a great time!
Tristan Erickson is a constant (although sometimes infrequent) visitor to Sparky's. Being that he's a member of the family, we put him to work as often as possible. He's grown up in the biz, so he's a natural with dogs. In April 2010, he became a first-time daddy to a human baby. Welcome to the family future Sparky's employee Marlie!
The spring of 2010 brought us several new staff members. Keep your eyes peeled to greet SeDonna, Desiree & Molly!
Shannon Bruce has relocated to Charlotte, NC as of May 2010. We sure do miss her here, but watch for her to be running our Gastonia location - opening fall 2010!
We also have several local college students and part-time staff who are here to help play with and care for the dogs. The safety and happiness of our canine clients is our top priority, so please be assured that all staff is appropriately trained.
Tara Russ
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At Play with Sparky™
542 Short McDowell St Asheville, NC 28803
828-254-5772 atplaywithsparky@bellsouth.net