It's no secret. We have the best team around.
The Paw Owners
Frank
Being an owner of Brandon Hills Veterinary Clinic, but due to an unacceptable work environment, with sadness, Frank resigned much earlier than planned in 2013. …well maybe not retiring exactly – because he is such a great guy and really knows his stuff, clinics all around started calling him to help out here and there doing locums, and we all know what that led to… so when Frank is not doing appointments or surgery or helping in our groom room, he is the maintenance guy around here blowing snow, cutting grass, or fixing the vacuum and computers. His special outside interest is animal behaviour, which he constantly studies. Frank is also a very accomplished cellist, and we would like to give him a bit of time off so we could all enjoy listening to a recital or two! Meredeth the Long Coat Weim adores her dad and tells us how wonderful he is all the time… ssshh Merideth.
Joanne
The power house behind The Paw Resort Joanne along with her Fabulous Fabio and Francesca, Wonderful William and Funny Fiona they run the day to day on goings here at the Resort. She has been an essential element to the rapid growth and organization that The Paw has transformed into. Joanne has incredible work ethic and perseverance that has made her the leader she is today. And unlike most she can get lots of work done by staying up until the wee hours of the morning and that happens regularly! When not busy grooming in her office (groom room) she can be found chatting with customers, researching, attending seminars, business meetings and caring for her staff family …. she finds herself not only being a mother of 4 but friend and advisor of 25 now!!!! Other than having to take time off while undergoing cancer treatments, Joanne rarely takes time off but when she does, best friend and hubby Frank is always close by. They like to spend time with their family, horses, dogs, birding and shopping for antiques.
The Paw Staff
Gabi
Olivia
Introducing Olivia, the reigning monarch of small dogs’ hearts! With an infectious energy and heart full of compassion, Olivia stepped into the enchanting realm of The Paw in early 2022. Juggling her commitments as a high school student at Vincent Massey High School, this 17 year-old dynamo is a shining example of dedication and passion beyond her years.
Despite being one of the youngest members of our vibrant team, Olivias enthusiasm and love for animals are truly ageless. She’s a force to be reckoned with, proving that size truly doesn’t matter when it comes to making a big impact. At home, her heart and hearth are shared with an impressive feline family – six beautiful cats, each rescued stray with a tale to tell. The cast also includes two canine companions: Leo, the jovial Bernese Mountain Dog whose antics bring endless laughter, and Phoebe, the spirited husky cross who infuses every moment with boundless puppy energy.
While Olivia might be a versatile animal enthusiast, her heart finds its true home in the company of small doggies that grace The Paw. As she steps into the small dog room, her face lights up with joy, matching the twinkling eyes of her pint-sized furry friends. It’s no secret, if you are in search of Olivia, her natural habitat is admits these bundles of joy.
With every passing day, Olivia continues to redefine what it means to be young and passionate: Long live the queen of small dogs! A true inspiration to us all.
Ashley
Meet Ashley, the animal-loving dynamo who embarked on a journey from the heart of Minnesota. Her destination? None other than BU, where she set her sights on fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Fast forward to 2023, and Ashley proudly dons a bachelor’s degree in biology, a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Ashley has an unwavering passion for our furry friends.. The love she holds for animals is beautiful. Witness her in action, a whirlwind of boundless energy, ensuring every task is tackled with gusto. And when she finally pauses to catch her breath, you’ll find her cradling a precious bundle of fur, providing comfort and care with a heart full of compassion.
Your pet’s are extremely lucky that she works here for them.
But Ashley’s devotion to animals doesn’t end when she clocks out. When she’s not working her “buns off l,” as she humorously puts it, at The Paw or advancing her veterinary skills, she’s immersed in quality time with her partner Graham and their very own furry family. Picture the scene: a loyal canine companion named Odin, and not one but two enchanting feline sidekicks, Jinx and Ciri. Together, they form a loving, animal-loving family that’s as heartwarming as it gets.
Kseniya
Allow us to introduce you to Kseniya. We are honored and grateful to have her work along side of us. Kseniya is a brillant and compassionate veterinarian who hails from the city of Poltava in Ukraine. Her journey from Poltava to Canada is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her profession.
In Ukraine, Kseniya specialized in the care of animals with skin conditions, and today, she works alongside Doctor Nichols, contributing her valuable skills to his practice. Her love for animals dates back to a tender age, a passion that has remained with her since she was just 6 years old.
While Kseniya had to leave behind her two beloved cats and faithful dog during her move to Canada, her heart for animals continues to shine brightly. Beyond the clinic, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as camping, knitting, and cultivating a green sanctuary. In fact, she’s already nurtured an impressive collection of 15 avocado trees since her arrival in Canada.
Kseniya’s gentle spirit and love for nature make her a cherished member of her Canadian community, where she continues to make a positive impact in the lives of both people and animals not excluding the team and pets at The Paw.
Claudette
Claudette is a dedicated animal lover with a rich and diverse background. She has a strong passion for animals and expresses it by providing exceptional care to the dogs at the PAW Resort and Wellness Center. In addition to her work at the resort, Claudette also contributes to her daughter’s farm, which houses a variety of animals, including dogs, chickens, rabbits, cats, and ducks.
Before her current role at the PAW Resort, Claudette had a long career as a CSA at Westjet, showcasing her commitment and versatility in various roles. She also gained experience at a horse training facility, demonstrating her extensive knowledge of animal care.
At the PAW Resort, Claudette wears many hats, ensuring that both the animals and the crew feel welcome and receive the assistance they need. Her active lifestyle is evident through her high step count, suggesting she’s always on the move.
Outside of work, Claudette enjoys spending summers at her seasonal campsite in Killarney with her husband Ken and two daughters. She’s also an avid traveler, having explored many places, including Vancouver, where her oldest daughter resides. Her involvement in Quartet “Unique”, which won the Best New Voice award from the Manitoba Choral Association, showcases her musical talents.
Claudette is known for her big heart and willingness to help both people and their furry friends whenever they need assistance. Her warm and caring nature is a valuable asset to the PAW Resort and Wellness Center. If you ever hear someone humming a tune at the resort, it’s likely Claudette, adding a touch of music to the animals’ lives.
Jasmine
Jasmine, a delightful addition to our front desk team, who joined us in April 2022. Her wealth of customer service experience and her recent completion of Web Design studies at ACC in Brandon two years prior made her a seamless fit for our team. Jasmine has a natural affinity for both people and pets, thanks to her upbringing surrounded by animals, making her perfectly at ease in her role.
At home, Jasmine shares her life with her husband and a captivating Great Pyrenees named Ghost (Town) – a clever choice of name, (get it?) adopted in December 2022. Their family also includes three senior cats with distinct personalities: Moose, Dean, and Oz.
In her cherished moments of leisure, Jasmine revs things up a notch by hitting the open road on her motorcycle. But when it’s time to unwind, she immerses herself in the world of video games, indulging in thrilling adventures from the comfort of her own home. With her vibrant personality and diverse interests, Jasmine brings a unique flair to our team and we are so happy to have her.
Colby
Another one of our strong men,introducing Colby, one of our dedicated pet specialists known for his gentle and calming presence, which is a true asset when it comes to helping our shyer animal friends feel at ease. He may not say much, but his quiet energy speaks volumes.
Colby is a hometown hero, born and raised right here in Brandon. His own dog, Archie, is a cherished part of his life, and they make quite the dynamic duo. When he’s not caring for our furry clients, Colby enjoys spending quality time with his friends, often heading to their cabin. There, they engage in relaxed activities like ping-pong, bonfires, and leisurely walks with their dogs.
But Colby has another passion, one that gets his heart racing – hockey. He’s an avid fan and makes regular trips to Grand Forks to catch the University of North Dakota hockey games. His love for the sport mirrors his dedication to our pet care team, where his calm demeanor and genuine care make a world of difference to our beloved animal visitors.
Kyan
This is our Kyan! A true Brandon native whose roots run deep in this charming city. As he would tell you with a hint of humor, Kyan is “predictably” an enormous animal lover. In our team, he’s known as the gentle giant, as no dog is too big or too small for his boundless affection. There’s a magical quality about Kyan – dogs of all sizes seem to pick up on his serene and cheerful disposition and simply melt in his presence. His dream is to dedicate his entire life to the well-being of animals, a goal he passionately pursues.
When Kyan isn’t busy showering pets with love and care, he enjoys immersing himself in the captivating world of Dungeons and Dragons. As a dedicated host and player, he weaves tales of adventure and wonder, sharing fun moments with friends. But that’s not all – Kyan really enjoys spending time with his husky Kenai and on a weekend likes going for drinks with friends.
Tara
Tara Surprenant is a passionate dog lover whose life revolves around her two four-legged companions, Ghost, a Shepsky, and Jethro, her loyal Beagle. Formerly immersed in the world of IT, Tara has since transitioned her career path to follow her heart’s calling and now works at “The Paw,” where her dedication to dogs shines through.
When she’s not at work, Tara can often be found outdoors, camping alongside her beloved dogs and her husband. Her adventurous spirit extends beyond the woods, as she also loves traveling to Mexico, making unforgettable memories with her family and exploring new horizons.
Tara’s unwavering love for dogs is not just a part of her life; it’s at the very core of who she is, shaping her journey and enriching her world one pawprint at a time.
Connor
Connor is our anchor! Often known as “Ask Connor,” seems like he has been with us forever ( maybe because he has) We love summer because we see more of him as he takes on extra shifts. Currently Connor is studying to become a lawyer (secretly we hope he has to re-do something so we can keep him longer!) Connor displays patience and passion when working with our other staff and your furry family members. He goes to great lengths to ensure that your pet is safe, happy and very comfortable at all times. Connor seems to see the good in everybody and every pet that stays with us. He takes the time to let them relax and always has a calming voice and soft touch. Connor is one of our tall boys, our own personal ladder when you just can’t seem to find that darn stepping stool….and we ALL use him to fetch things for us! In his down time, he enjoys volunteering at the Brandon Humane Society and spending time with his chocolate lab Clark. Rumour has it he is one heck of a curler one not to reckon with for sure. He is a very good sport always attending all our extra events, lending an extra hand not Paw related and being teased about having his own harem of woman. Connor traded in his spanky wheels for an even spankier truck that you may see leading the way up Mt.Paw or rescuing other staff in blizzards!
Denzell
Tiffany
Tiffany has been working with animals since she was old enough to have a job! She eagerly joined our team as a Pet Care Specialist in September 2014 and has loved every second of it! Her love for animals started at a very early age, dressing her cats up and taking them for stroller rides and they didn’t seem to mind one bit! Tiffany is always able to quickly get to know the pets and understand each one’s individual personality. While walking dogs has always been her favorite, she adores being in the Zoom Room with the little pups piling on top of her. She looks forward to making cozy and inviting beds for your pet and tucking them in. Her hard-working attitude and attention to detail ensure each and every guest always has the best time possible at our resort! She is often found giving extra TLC to the new visitors that are nervous and need a little extra loving – she makes sure they get spoiled with their favorite treats and lots of hugs and snuggles! Tiffany always welcomes a loving puppy smooch or a friendly kitty cuddle.
In 2017, Tiffany spent a month in Bali receiving her Blissology yoga teacher certification. She was in a bicycle accident while on holiday after her training that required intensive spinal surgeries and long recovery of healing. Although you may not have crossed paths with her over the last two years, she has been spending time at home resting, healing and rehabilitating. We are happy to finally have her back with us at The Paw! As she is slowly building herself back up, she has been helping the girls up front and is thrilled to be back sharing tons of love with your furry family. While at home, she enjoys sharing time with her two sweet orange tabbies Bodhi + Burnaby and her lovable dog, Nalu. She also loves sharing her passion for yoga and meditation throughout the community and hopes to one day bring DOG YOGA into our resort!
Monica
Ashley-Joy
The Paw Volunteers
Julieann
Shirl
Staff Reviews
“The Paw is one of the best working environments I’ve ever worked in. There is always a positive attitude from not only Joanne and Frank, but all the other staff as well. It was like having a second family. Everyone works hard together to make sure all the pets have the best stay possible. Joanne and Frank also take time out of their day to teach employees on animal behaviour, grooming, and animal tricks. It was truly my favourite job to this day. ”
— NICOLE
“My first day at The Paw was about seven years ago now. The day I walked into the building for my interview, I knew I had to work here. The building is beautiful and was nothing that I imagined a pet boarding kennel would be like. The Paw is much more, it is nothing shy of a resort! The work environment is light and positive. We are considered a family not just a group of employees. Joanne and Frank, well you couldn’t ask for better people to work for. They strive every day to make sure your work experience is the best it can be. Even giving you room to grow and step into new positions, along with educating you along the way. Working for The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle. You must have a passion for animals and caring for them. The pets may come in at the beginning of their stay as someone else’s but by the end of their stay you grow connections with them, knowing their eating habits, favorite toys and who their best friends are. In between schooling and work placements, you could say working here is one of the best jobs I have ever had. I have been back twice now! ”
— ASHLYN B
“This is the best job I could ask for, and I’m always thankful that Frank and Joanne have given me the opportunity to work here. Keep doing what your doing! ”
— CONNOR B