About Us
Abby launched Barksley in January 2017 after many years of dreaming and planning. She grew up learning how to run a business as both of her parents are business owners. Her mother is a veterinarian and has been practicing animal medicine for over 40 years. Her father owns and operates a dinner movie theater. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Business Management.
Abby moved to Richmond in 2011 and instantly fell in love with the city. She loves exploring the sights and trails with her two dogs. Before opening Barksley, Abby left her job at a law firm to work in a veterinary hospital. She learned about common issues, diseases, medications, vaccines, and surgeries for dogs and cats.
Abby is dedicated to her clients and their pets. Barksley is her full-time job and main focus. She forms strong bonds with her clients' pets and usually has great success getting fearful dogs and cats to warm up to her. She would love to meet you and your pet today!
Lindsey joined the Barksley team in May 2018 after working at a dog daycare and boarding facility. Through her work and training she learned the specifics of nutrition, the importance of play and routine, and how to best care for pets with special health and behavioral concerns. Lindsey was eager to transition to in-home pet care because she loves seeing the personality traits and quirks that pets show in the comfort of their own home.
Lindsey is from Richmond and developed a deep love for animals and learned at an early age that all creatures deserve compassion and respect. She carried this sentiment with her throughout her life and made it a priority in her career caring for animals. Lindsey is a huge advocate for adoption and has an adorable family of rescues. Her fur-family includes a hound mix named Waylon, who loves to cuddle, a herding dog named Cooper, who often finds ways to outsmart his momma, and a kitty named Little Cat who keeps all the dogs in check.
Blaise joined the Barksley Pack in April 2019 and has been working as a dog walker since 2011. He truly loves the job and spending time with each pet in his care. Blaise has a very calming presence, which allows shy and timid pets to warm up to him quickly. He learns the personality of each pet so he can provide them with the exact care they need. Whether it is power-walking with a high energy pup or cuddling inside with a low-key kitty, Blaise is happy to provide love and care to our clients' pets.
Blaise grew up around all kinds of pets: dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. His mother was a professional dog trainer and encouraged him to be hands-on with animals from an early age. He was able to learn animal body language and how best to communicate with animals using positive reinforcement techniques. This provided Blaise with a significant foundation of knowledge to be the amazing pet care professional he is today. He has a kitty named Mr. Kitty, who adopted him. Blaise looks forward to becoming your pet's new best friend.
Bridget joined the Barksley Pack the summer of 2020 after returning to Richmond from Austin, TX. She’s been in the pet care industry since 2008, working at doggy daycares, as a dog walker, in both day clinics and emergency veterinary clinics, and even owned her own pet services business. Her knowledge of dog behavior, animal medicine, and general animal care make working with animals an easy career choice!
When she’s not walking and caring for other people’s animals, Bridget spends time with her dogs. She spends as little of her time indoors as possible—you can frequently find her running, biking, or swimming outside, always training for her next triathlon. She and her pups have explored just about every trail Richmond has to offer, and she’s excited to bring your pup along with her for an adventure!
Dani joined the Barksley Pack in January 2022. Bio to come.
Jessica joined the Barksley pack in April of 2022 with more than 4 years experience dog walking and pet sitting. She provides the pets in her care with a lot of love and compassion. She would bend over backwards to make a pet comfortable, as well as their humans. Jessica is fantastic with dogs of all sizes, cats of all temperaments, and all small pets or reptiles. She's loves them all!
Growing up Jessica was always around pets, which molded her into the animal lover she is today. She currently has a house full of rescues animals, including three Staffordshire Bull Terriers and 14 various snakes and reptiles. The majority of her pets came to her with health issues and/or traumas. Through knowledge, patience, and extra special care, Jessica nursed them back to health and gave them a new home in which to thrive.
Jessica's favorite part about her job is gaining the trust of a nervous pet and seeing them open up over time. She provides the routine and care that each pet needs to feel happy and safe. She looks forward to meeting your pets!
Ciara joined the Barksley Pack in July 2022. She began pet sitting for family, friends, and co-workers in 2015. She instantly loved working with so many different dogs and cats. She enjoyed learning their personalities, especially in two pet households with fur-siblings who are very different from each other.
Ciara always meets a new pet on their terms. She allows space and time to give the pet the opportunity to get to know her without any fear or anxiety of a new person in their home. Creating that safe space is her first priority with any pet in her care.
She grew up in a family with a love of animals. Her family dog taught her a lot about respecting a dog's personal space and boundaries. She learned that dogs are similar to humans in that they need space and understanding. That care is reflected in her work with Barksley. She is excellent with big and small dogs, as well as cats. Your pet will love her and she will love them just as much!
Samuel joined the Barksley Pack in December 2022. He grew up around all sorts of animals including dogs, cats, guinea hens, ducks, turtles, and rabbits. He loves animals of all shapes and sizes. He has experience fostering cats and dogs as well as volunteering with rescue horses. He hopes to open an animal rescue to save more furry friends in the future.
Samuel learned a great deal about dog behavior and fearful dogs after becoming a dog dad to two Pitbulls with different personalities and needs. Through patience, training, and experience Samuel learned the importance of treating each pet individually and on their terms. He gets so much joy from becoming friends with a new pet. He can't wait to meet your furry family soon!
