Meet the Team
Blue, Oso, Baloo and Sasha
Howie, Roux, Tucker
Leah Rowe
Owner and Trainer
with Sasha and Baloo
For as long as I can remember, I wanted a dog.
When I was 11, I "adopted" the dogs in my neighborhood and would walk them after school since I didn't have a dog of my own. At age 13, the neighbor's dog had puppies and they lovingly gave me one! Even though I finally got my dog, Enkidu, the dog walking didn't stop. Instead it grew! What you see now is a product of love, hard work and animal lovers who want to share their passion with you!
When your pup joins my family for daycare or sleep away camp, they get the added bonus of cat and kid exposure thanks to our three dog-like cats and my young niece!
In my downtime, I still keep busy! You might find me crafting or behind the camera catching the sunrise or sunset at Battery Park. I lead an active lifestyle and love to run, cycle, kickbox or hike with Sasha and Baloo. In the quiet moments, you might find me reading with Howie, Tucker and Roux or practicing yoga. My other passion is traveling, I love filling my walls with personal photographs from my travels.
If you're looking for reliable and responsible pet care from people who provide outstanding service, you've found it. All of our contractors have experience caring for animals and go above and beyond to make sure you return to relaxed, happy pets and your home the way you left it. We become part of the family, caring for your loved ones when you cannot. We strive to give your pets the best experience possible and peace of mind for you!
Whether you're going away on vacation or for the holidays, if you're just taking a day trip or will be working late, we do it all from walks to visits to sleepovers.
Have peace of mind while you're away from home and call today!
We are happy to provide references upon request. Please visit our testimonial page!
2021 update! We are happy to announce we have signed on with Time to Pet!
Highlights include:
GPS check ins and check outs
Easy service scheduling (or revisions)
Access to invoices
Ease of communication during service
and more!
Leslie Acker-Rowe
Billing Administrator
(with her dog Finnegan)
I am the mother who always finds ways to say yes – so my daughter Leah’s passion for animals meant a household of pets for our family. We started small with hermit crabs and beta fish, moving through a variety of rodents, including the very unexpected birthing of many baby rats (from the two “male” rats Leah felt compelled to rescue from the next snake feeding at the local pet store!). Our pack….at the moment (because you know there is always another animal out there waiting to be loved)…. Finnegan (shepherd/collie mix), and newest rescue Bel Canto (cat).
I hold a B.S. in Accounting and am also Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA), with years of experience managing volunteers, most recently as Director of Mentoring and Student Services at the Choir School of Delaware. I currently work part time at Winterthur providing educational childrens programs.
As Leah’s business has grown, so has her need for administrative assistance. And that’s where you’ll find me now – providing a helping hand to Leah with her bookkeeping and other administrative tasks. My work for Leah is mostly behind-the-scenes but occasionally you’ll see me walking with Leah and her pack around the neighborhood. I’m happy to join the team at FTLOD and help provide the best customer service for our clients.
Hana Yohe
Senior Administrative Assistant
I was the original team member of FTLOD, and after many years hiatus, I'm back! I am a Wilmington native and I graduated from Concord High School. I received a BA in Religious Studies from Penn State University, then went on to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. I now devote my life to raising my sons, Rune and Eamon, and daughter, Cora. My other babies are 4 cats, which is still not enough (and I'm lucky to have a partner who agrees!) - Gus, Stella, Smushie, and Suki. Rune is also a cat guy, but only Stella is a Rune guy. We're looking forward to making dog friends and spending more time outside!
Kristen Bracey
Administrative Assistant
(with her dog, Arlo)
I have loved animals for as long as I can remember; when I was younger my only goal was to convince my parents to let me have a pet. Any pet, every pet, it never mattered to me. Starting small with a hamster I eventually badgered my parents into letting me get a cat and a few years later my first puppy Lucie. As my birthday present it was one of the best days of my life! Now I spend my days with my dog, Arlo. We love to go camping, hiking, and fishing, you name it. He is my sidekick whenever I wander through the great outdoors. As a transplant from Northeast PA there are so many places for us to discover! I am also an avid plant lover, watching things grow and thrive has always fascinated me and I am excited to watch your pets thrive as well!
Hi! I'm Kristen! I'm a former vet tech and current Ph.D. student at The University of Delaware, but animals are my first and oldest love. Unfortunately, I can't have pets of my own so I joined For the Love of Dogs to get my fill of purrs and puppy kisses. What's my favorite animal?...All of them of course!
Kristen Semento
Administrative Assistant
Dog Walkers/Pet Sitters
Amanda Hyman
It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm a lifelong animal lover who respects how much our pets mean to us. They're members of the family and I believe should be treated as such! I look forward to spending time with your pets and to meeting you soon!
Debbie Rosenbaum
I have been an avid animal lover my entire life. I have owned and cared for dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, and gerbils, but I love all animals big and small. To me, pets are family. Caring for and spending time with animals is a passion of mine. When I am away, I need that assurance that my pet is in great hands and I enjoy providing the same comfort and assurance to other pet owners. I look forward to meeting your pets and providing them with world class care! .
Heather
Cunningham
Daniel Trnchik
Hi I’m Amanda! I have had a love for animals ever since I was little. I remember carrying our boxer puppy around when I was 4 years old. I grew up with dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, and even horses. As an adult, I have rescued three cats and an adorable dog.
Currently, I am raising my three young daughters who are 6, 4, and 3. They also have a love for animals. On my free time, I love running, yoga, baking and taking my kids on adventures with my husband! Animals are such a fun improvement to our lives and I’m excited to help take care of yours.
Rosie Volpe
Hi! I'm Rosie. I'm an intuitive healer with a variety of gifts in alternative healing services. I believe in integrative (unified) medicine - everyone should have the right to choose the pathway they believe will maintain their health or homeostasis in spirit, mind, and body.
I'm a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). I'm also passionate about Reiki, wellness and nutrition, and overall health.
I also have a deep love for animals! I've cared for a variety of animals over the years, from rabbits, to lots of dogs, a handful of cats, and even tarantulas!! I love spending time with every and all animals and I look forward to caring for your furry family members!!
Aaron Schierbaum
Hi, my names Aaron, I've grown up around animals my whole life. My family has a small horse farm Spokane, Washington and when I was in high school, I worked at an animal hospital. Some of my hobbies are playing basketball, working out and watching movies. I also have a mini golden doodle of my own, so I understand the importance of taking care of a pet like a member of the family. I look forward to meeting you and your baby.
Maggie Holland
Hello, my name is Maggie Holland. I’m originally from Wilmington, DE and have worked in the corporate world for the past 25 years. I am a very active person and spend a lot of time on the Northern DE Greenway with my dog Jagger. I’ve been a dog owner most of my life and have recently experienced the joy of rescuing dogs and providing them a great and active life. I’m comfortable with all breeds of dogs, especially large dogs; and I’ve gone through three dog obedience trainings with my past three dogs. This was a great experience because I learned how to handle a dog the correct way and make sure they are calm and controlled. Right now I’m taking a break from the corporate life because my passion is, and always has been, taking care of animals. I look forward to meeting and caring for your loved ones!
Hello! My name is Heather. My experience with animals is both personal and professional. I am a retired psychologist who has worked alongside therapy dogs and police K9’s for the last 25 years. I have helped house sit and pet sit for many friends, family members, and friends of friends/family members for many years. My personal experience is with a broad range of pets (Dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, gerbils, you name it) and dates back to early childhood. As a child/teen I won several awards from the Montgomery County SPCA, Pennsylvania, for rescuing strays/injured pets and wildlife. I assist with Turkey Dogs, a rescue based out of NYC and Turkey, in placements and transport. When I was a child I dreamed of being a veterinarian (with 2 uncles and a cousin who are vets it was destined) but life took me on another path of education and therapy. I am a helper. There has yet to be a day in my personal life where I haven’t had a furry creature in my home. I have presently reached a space and time in life where I am afforded an opportunity to get back to what I was passionate about as a child, the care of animals. I am beginning a course towards a certification in Veterinary Massage Therapy in the Spring and wish to continue moving in the direction of pet care. Currently I have 2 rescue dogs that are a BIG part of our family. I love animals small and large, different species. I have owned dogs from 9lbs up to 160lbs and many rescue cats along the way.
My hobbies include trail riding, reading, travel, and a love of never ending learning. Most importantly spending quality time with my family and pets.
Susan Firmani
Hello, my name is Susan Firmani. I am a native Delawarean and live in North Wilmington with my husband, of 34 years, Tony. I also have two grown daughters, Kaitlyn and Erin.
My career has been in home healthcare, which has also included caring for client's dogs.
Over the last thirty years, I adopted Celia, a black lab mix, Gracie, a German shepherd mix and, currently, Widdle, a 14 year old Rat terrier.
I'm a passionate dog lover and cannot wait to meet you and your pet.
Matt Guthrie
Hi everyone, I'm Matt! I am an absolute animal lover! Proud parent of two kitties, Grandpa and Kevin, as well an Australian shepherd puppy named Edith who is the silliest goose.
I was a customer of For the Love of Dogs first and became a walker/sitter later. I love getting to meet people and their pets. I also will take any excuse to get outside and enjoy nature and what better way to do it than with the company of a dog!
Hi, my name is John. My love for animals (especially dogs & cats) sparked me to enter the wonderful world of dog walking/pet sitting. I’ve had dogs since I was a kid and I treat every pup like they’re my own! My hobbies are photography, riding my bike, and playing guitar. When I was a teenager, I would volunteer at my local animal shelter taking care of dogs and cats. As an adult, I miss having the privilege to meet so many animals. While I still have a full time job, I have a lot of free time that I would love to dedicate to animals. I look forward to meeting you and your pets!
John Panaccione
Daniel Rowe
Hi, my name is Daniel Rowe and I've lived in Wilmington, DE for most of my life.
I've always grown up around animals from a very young age. My family started out small with hamsters and gerbils before we finally got our first dog and I got my first cat. I can remember the excitement when my parents called me to tell me about my surprise Christmas gift.
I started working for Leah when I was in high school, though because she's my sister I've been exposed to her business and the services it provides since she started! For the Love of Dogs LLC is honestly one of the most enjoyable jobs I've had. I love getting to meet and spend time with all the pets we take care of, old and new, and strive to care for them like they are my own. I've also worked at Concord Pet and volunteered for a summer at the Brandywine Zoo.
I look forward to meeting your animals and providing you with the best possible service and care.
Jackie Delcampo
Hello, my name is Jacqueline. I am Delaware native. I adore animals and have my whole life. Growing up I always had a dog (or two,) mostly Labradors. Now as an adult, I have many animals, 5 cats, 3 of whom have given birth to litters of kitten, who I cared for and raised until they found their forever homes. My only dog right now is my sweet Daisy, she is an 11-year-old yellow lab that I raised and trained since she was a puppy. I have 13 chickens and have had multiple different flocks over the years. I also have 4 goats. Princess and Billy are about a year and a half and have given us two kids, Brownie and Baby goat! I experienced and assisted with the birth of the two baby goats as well. It had always been a goal to start a homestead and raise animals, and I am in the beginning stages of doing just that! I also have 3 society finches and have had parakeets. Other animals I have had over the years include, bunnies, hamsters, rats, turtles, frogs, and fish. Aside from the joy of raising pets, I love to hike and be in nature, I collect antiques and have an affinity for trains, collecting and watching them. I enjoy going to the gym and eating tacos, spending time with friends and family and listening to music. Outside of caring for pets I run a small cleaning service business, that has been in business for nearly 2 years. I look forward to meeting your families <3
Pam Queen
My name is Pam Queen. I currently reside in Wilmington, Delaware, and I am employed at the Wilmington Job Corps Center as an Outreach and Admissions Counselor. I graduated Cum Laude from Delaware State University. During my time there, I became a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I enjoy listening to music, working out, watching movies, and traveling. I absolutely love large dogs or any kind, but particularly Cane Corsos. I am very easy going and love new experiences.
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Annalisa Marconi
Hi there, I’m Annalisa. Growing up in North Wilmington, my family home was the known sanctuary for the neighborhood’s unwanted and injured pets. Not only because of our love of animals but also because of my mother's skills as a nurse. Over the years we housed everything from birds and bunnies to possums, while of course keeping a few more conventional felines and canines of our own. I still reside in the North Wilmington area and have 2 cats of my own. Chloé, my childhood cat, who is soon to turn 20 years old, and her new little brother,10 week old Pasquale (the little guy in the picture). I’m excited to meet you and your pet and look forward to providing you with the best care possible.
Hey! I'm Kailah (pronounced Kayla). I've been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. I grew up with dachshunds, cats, hamsters, gerbils, and fish. And now have the privilege to be a mom to my 14 year old husky mix, Kaia. I adopted her from western North Carolina and she's the best thing to ever happen to me. I am also a cat mom to a 6 year old tabby cat named Miko. One of my favorite jobs was working at a dog daycare. I'm comfortable with caring for all different types of dog breeds and loved meeting the unique personalities of each of them. I've also worked at PetSmart so I'm familiar with all sorts of animal products and needs. Some of my favorite things to do is to go camping or for a hike with my pup Kaia. We like splashing around in creeks and rivers in the summer. We also like visiting dog parks on the weekends. I live locally in Wilmington, DE off Kirkwood Hwy. I look forward to meeting and caring for your fur babies!
Alicia Sorenson
Hello fellow pet parents, my name is Alicia. I am the mother to three children ages 10 to 17, but I've been a loving pet parent my whole life. I graduated college becoming a dental hygienist for 10 years, and for the past ten years a stay-at-home mom. Having the opportunity to stay home and take care of my family also gave me the opportunity to take care of some extended family members, FUR BABIES! I have been caring for, sitting, walking, bathing, playing with and loving the pets of family and friends for some time, and I love every minute! So clearly I jumped at the chance to be part of a team who love their pets like family and will love yours just the same. I am super excited to meet you and your pet (I love ALL kinds) and hopefully build a loving, trusting relationship that will last for years to come.
Kailah Neal
Erika Vazquez
Vicky Bowman
Courtney Hinson
Hi, I'm Erika!!
I'm originally from the Lancaster area, living in Wilmington for the past 7 years. I'm currently studying Occupational Therapy, and completing my first clinical at an equine therapy program at Bellevue State Park. Ever since I was a kid I've loved all types of animals! My dad was raised on a farm and his love for animals has been passed onto his children. Growing up, we had the usual cats and dogs but we also had exotic birds, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, and goats. I have loved growing up with animals and I look forward to caring with your beautiful pets!!
Hi! My name is Vicky. I have had at least one dog in my life since I was 5 years old. I grew up with German Shepherds and then from there I have had all kinds of dogs from big to little. I currently have 3 wonderful, adorable chihuahuas. I have always been an animal lover and have had many pets from gerbils and hamsters to guinea pigs and rabbits. I even currently have a rescued red footed tortoise! My passion is animals and I am looking forward to giving your pets the love and care they so richly deserve!
Hi, I’m Courtney Donahue! I have been working with all kinds of animals for the last ten years. Over the last six years, I have worked specifically with dogs! I am currently a certified veterinary assistant going to school for my technician license. I have two furry babies myself; Bean a pomeranian and Lilybug a pekinese mix. I hope to be able to pass on my love of animals to my son as he grows up.! I cannot wait to meet your furry family member and take care of them for you!
Kelley Schulke
My name is Kelley Schulke. I am a long-time resident of Delaware. I attended Padua Academy and University of Delaware where I graduated with a BS in Elementary and Special Education. As an educator with over twenty years of experience, and a mom of three adult children, care giving is my passion! I am also a pet parent to Harper, a 2 ½ year old Boxer-mix, and Lila, a gray tabby cat. I enjoy being outdoors in nature, taking my pup on adventures, the beach, reading and enjoying time with my family!
Mike Jamieson
Hey there, I'm Mike! I was born, raised, and continue to live locally in Delaware. I've been constantly surrounded by dogs and cats since I was a child. Then, when I was a teenager, I volunteered and even did fostering at Faithful Friends! Animals have been a part of who I am for my entire life and I'm thrilled to get a chance to extend that to you and your pets! To me, pets are one of the most equal opportunities we can experience in life - we truly get what we give. It's an immensely strong bond, and I hope to get a chance to connect with your furry friends as I have my own!
Robert Inskip
Hi, I'm Robert! I grew up in Yorklyn, Delaware and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Growing up I developed a love for wildlife and nature. When I was young, my dad brought home "Mike" a young stray tabby kitten from Wilmington, I learned how to care for pets. Growing up, I would love to catch fish, crayfish, and other animals in the creeks and streams around my parent's houses. I even had a reptilian pet! I found a baby snapping turtle and my parents let me raise it. As the years went by, my family adopted Chester, who was a chocolate labrador puppy. Now, I enjoy taking long walks outside and playing with my girlfriend's cat Porsche. I love being outdoors and caring for pets. I'm excited to care for your furry family member!