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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".

Emilly Althaus is our trainer and staff supervisor. She's been a friend of Sparky's for several years, and we were excited to add her fulltime in the summer of 2011. If a dog or staff member need an extra kick in the pants, Em's our gal!

Beth Rue is the shining face you see most mornings. She's awesome with the doggies and the people love her too! She's called Sparky's home since 2010, and we hope she'll be around for many years to come.

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!

Kelly Wilson joined the Sparky's staff in the fall of 2008. Last year she tried out a second job for a while and realized that dogs are way cooler than a lot of people, so she's back fulltime now. We're thrilled and so are the pooches!

Lance Tilson has a special gift with dogs, and he's pretty wicked with a weed eater, too! He's been kickin' it with the mutts here at Sparky's since early 2011 and is always willing to lend a hand.

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