About Us

Cathy is The Puddle’s owner and swim coach. After a demanding career in advertising, Cathy followed her heart and opened a business offering healing water rehab and exercise for dogs. Her goal was to build a safe and trusting environment where owners can witness firsthand the many benefits of canine swimming as well as gain valuable information about their pet’s nutrition.

Cathy grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Illinois State University. Prior to opening The Puddle, she ran an advertising agency for 25 years. “I loved designing very much, but in the later years the stress was enormous and it just wasn’t fun anymore. Then, life threw me a curve-ball and I went through a challenging time. I decided to take a chance and do what I’ve always loved the most – working with dogs! That’s when my dream of The Puddle became a reality and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve loved every minute of it!”

Cathy is a graduate of the La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program Level One & Two. She is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid, and by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). She is a member of the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT).

Cindy joined our team in May 2016 and serves as swim coach. She graduated with a degree in finance, but decided to leave her career and make her dreams come true by working with animals. She has a natural gift for putting dogs at ease when handling and working with them in the water. Her passion for animals also extends beyond the Puddle. Cindy is furthering her education with animal health science classes and she is involved with the Anderson Animal Shelter Foster Program. She enjoys caring for shelter dogs until they find their forever home. She is also the proud parent of 3 dogs of her own.

Cindy is a graduate of La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program Level One & Two and is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid.

Amy is our massage therapist. She owns and operates Amy’s Animal Massage and is available at The Puddle on a weekly basis.

“As far back as I can remember I have loved animals. Over the years I have had many different kinds of pets and have loved them all. I have always known that one day I would help and work with animals in some capacity.

After high school I attended St. Xavier University in Chicago where I graduated with a bachelors degree in biology. I then went to Joliet Junior College where I completed the veterinary technology program. I passed my certification exam in the summer of 2003 and have been a certified veterinary technician ever since. I have worked at a few animal clinics over the years and was at one place for just over twelve years. There I was head technician for 6 of those years. In 2014, I had my second little boy and took a step back from my career to raise my children. During that time I learned about canine massage and its amazing benefits and I knew it was something I had to do.

In February of 2016 I began the 10 month program at the Chicago School of Canine Massage. This school not only offered great lectures but countless hands on practice and experience. Each class we had the opportunity to work on several dogs. We also worked with shelter dogs at Animal Care League and Anti-Cruelty Society. We did post event massages at Bark in the Park at Soldier Field in Chicago and Puppy Up in Wheaton, IL.”

If you would like to schedule a massage appointment with Amy, please call her directly at 773-306-3930.

For more information about Amy, visit www.amysanimalm.com

Beth serves as our nutritional advisor. She has been involved in health and training for animals and people all her adult life. In 1994, Beth began teaching dog training and producing education seminars on dog training and nutrition. Researching fresh food diets for dogs led to her work with Steve’s Real Food for Pets as regional manager and veterinary consultant. She taught veterinarians and retailers the importance of fresh food diets. This work led to the writing and publication of See Spot Live Longer with Steve Brown.

Beth has worked in the practice of Carl DeStefano, DC, assisting him in his chiropractic work, and assisting the practice of Dena Jersild, DVM. Beth has produced seminars with Karen Becker, DVM on health topics, and co-wrote the very popular Dr. Becker’s Real Food for Dogs and Cats.

Beth is a graduate of La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program Level One & Two and is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid. She is also a member of the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT) and the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB).