Bark n' Roll's Band Leader
Owner/Operator Francine DiChiara is a Massachusetts native. She has never had a time when a special dog (or two, or three!) was not a part of her life. She is the proud "mother" of three rescue pups, an ABC (Animal Behavior College) certified dog trainer (Honors Graduate), and a Northeast Animal Shelter volunteer and volunteer trainer. While living in Los Angeles for five years and working in the film industry, Francine got involved with volunteering at various dog rescue organizations and shelters and found this to be an interesting and incredibly rewarding way to devote her time. Now she's back on the East Coast and via Bark n' Roll has incorporated her love for all things canine into a service that promises to bring some free spirited and friendly fun into its clients' daily routines by getting to know their dogs and giving them the rock star treatment.
Bark n' Roll strives to bring out the rock star in your dog! Dogs need exercise & stimulation to be happy and healthy. They are creatures of habit and den animals that feel most comfortable and safe in the home that you have given them. They rely on us to take them out and about in the world for proper socialization. We understand the importance of individualized canine care as each dog and family has different needs. We will work with you and your schedule to help your dog to expend his or her energy in positive ways that can help curb problem behaviors as well as spend time on the activities that he or she enjoys doing most whether that be a game of fetch, a run around the neighborhood, or some simple cuddly play time in the house. While you are out working hard, running errands, or enjoying some well-deserved “me” time, we want you to know with confidence that your beloved buddy is in good hands.
Meet The Band
Walker/Sitter Heather Wade comes to Bark n' Roll after working in the medical field for the past 15 years. With three school-aged children, she now finds herself wanting to get back to her roots—her first paying job was for sitting a Cockapoo! She loves all animals, and before she started a family, volunteered at local shelters. She has always had dogs of all sizes and personalities in her life and is currently a mom to two rescues, Max, a Shepherd and Tessie, a Cavachon. She makes it her top priority to treat each dog with love, care and a focus on positive reinforcement. She is excited to meet you and your family, furry or otherwise!
Walker/Sitter Sara Corbett was born and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts. Sara has had one sustaining passion her whole life: dogs. She has never been without one and she currently owns two rescue dogs, Milo & Lupita, a retriever mix and a blue heeler mix. After attending the University of Massachusetts, Sara became a veterinary technician and she worked at the Angell Memorial Hospital Boston (MSPCA) for ten years. This fun and intensely rewarding experience gave Sara a strong foundation on the workings of the canine world. While living in New Mexico she worked at a doggie day care running playgroups and other services for her pals there. Whether it is helping to heal, play, walk, or train your dog, there is nothing that brings Sara greater joy than working with dogs. Whatever the needs of your canine friends, Sara is excited to help them get the most out of what it means to have a “dog’s life” through her work with Bark n’ Roll!
Walker/Runner/Groomer Kelly Willing comes to Bark n’ Roll with a background as a certified pet groomer and many years working with pet care centers and kennels. Animals have always had a special place in Kelly’s life and it shows in her interactions with the pups. She comes from Florida, but as a member of the US Air Force she has seen a good deal of the country. Lucky for us she has settled down and now calls this area home. Besides caring for animals Kelly is a Certified Personal Trainer for Willing Fitness and enjoys running her human clients around as much as her canine ones.
In-Home Sitter/Walker Tracy Ottina looks forward to shedding her suit and ditching the briefcase to, in her words, “rent your dog” in the evenings and on weekends. In addition to having grown up with Hercules, a purebred West German Shepherd, Leo, the Lhasa Apso and Peanuts, the family’s beloved rescue dog, Tracy worked at a boarding kennel during undergrad as an assistant groomer and dog walker. Tracy’s training is specific to behavior modification using rewards and positive reinforcement to help you and your furry family member feel safe, secure and loved. Throughout the years, Tracy has provided in-home pet sitting for colleagues, friends and acquaintances and believes that it is important to replicate the home environment you provide so that your beloved canine (and feline) feel minimal disruption to their routine while you’re away. Tracy recognizes that each dog has his/her own personality and, as such, modifies her approach accordingly. You can trust that Tracy will not overwhelm your little shy guy and she will redirect the enthusiasm of your rambunctious puppy in positive (and playful) directions. Tracy is both honored and thrilled to join the team of Bark n’ Roll and help further its philosophy of canine care and training!
In-Home Sitter/Walker Aprille Joy has been an animal lover her whole life. Growing up in a house where, at one point, there were four rescued dogs, it was always an adventure! Horses are also a big part of the story. Aprille owns a 13-year-old thoroughbred named Sun Cat and has experience in horse training. She is also a certified yoga teacher and is currently pursuing her degree in Psychology. Originally from Newton, Aprille moved back to Massachusetts in early 2011 after living in Washington, DC for 10 years, where she taught yoga and had a popular doggie playgroup. Happy to be back in the Boston area, she looks forward to spending time with the doggies of Bark n’ Roll.
