- Since 2013 -
THE PUDDLE
Pet AquaFitness & Nutrition
The Puddle is an independent canine aquatics facility with an indoor pool, self dog wash
and natural pet food store. We are located in the heart of the Fox Valley in South Elgin, IL.
We believe that your dog or cat deserves proper nutrition and exercise and
it is our goal to provide the best possible resources to achieve that.
We are committed to this community, and strive every day to provide a safe,
clean environment with excellent service and quality products.
Our Team
Cathy / Founder & Owner
"My love for dogs has been a lifelong passion. I believe it is our responsibility to provide our pets with the best quality of life possible through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and unconditional love.
In May 2013, I took a leap of faith and opened The Puddle. My vision was to create a safe, welcoming environment where dog owners could experience firsthand the many physical and emotional benefits of canine swimming. I also wanted to provide reliable information about pet nutrition, empowering owners to make informed decisions for the health and well-being of their dogs and cats.
I feel incredibly fortunate to spend each day doing what I love."
In 2024, Cathy was honored with the Anderson Humane Animal Welfare Award for The Puddle's Share the Care Program, which provides rescue and shelter dogs with complimentary swim sessions for rehabilitation, exercise, and enrichment.
Cathy is a graduate of La Paw Spa's Aquatic Training Program Levels I and II. She is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid and holds certification through the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pool safety, water quality, and facility management. She is also a proud member of the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT).
Cynthia
Cynthia joined The Puddle team in May 2016. Although she earned a degree in Finance, she chose to follow her passion for animals and build a career working with dogs. Her warm personality and gentle demeanor make her a favorite among both canine and human clients alike.
Cynthia has a natural gift for helping dogs feel comfortable, confident, and secure in the water. Whether working with a nervous first-time swimmer or a seasoned pool veteran, she creates a positive and encouraging experience for every dog she meets.
She is a graduate of La Paw Spa's Aquatic Training Program Levels I and II and is certified in Canine CPR and First Aid. Cynthia is also fluent in Spanish (habla español), allowing her to better serve our diverse community of pet owners.
When she's not at The Puddle, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her husband and their four beloved dogs..
Jessica
Jessica joined The Puddle team in October 2017 and has become an invaluable part of our canine aquatics family. Her calm, confident approach helps dogs of all ages, abilities, and personalities feel safe, comfortable, and successful in the water. Whether working with first-time swimmers, senior dogs, or those recovering from injury, Jess has a natural ability to build trust and create a positive experience for both dogs and their owners.
With a background in biology and nutrition, Jessica spent five years working in the veterinary field as a veterinary technician. She has also earned her NAVC Pet Nutrition Certification, further expanding her knowledge of canine health and wellness.
Jess enjoys helping pet owners navigate the often-confusing world of pet food labels, ingredients, and calorie requirements. Her passion for nutrition allows her to provide clients with practical, science-based guidance so they can make informed decisions and support their pets' long-term health.
Jessica is a certified NAVC Pet Nutrition coach. She is also certified in Canine CPR and First Aid. She is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technician Assistance (NAVTA) and the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT). Above all, she is a proud fur mom to Lola (above) Remi and Miranda.
Adrian
Adrian joined The Puddle team in March 2021, bringing with her more than 10 years of experience working with dogs in the water. Her gentle nature and calm demeanor allow her to form an immediate bond with nearly every dog she meets, helping even the most hesitant swimmers feel comfortable and confident.
In April 2024, Adrian became a Certified Canine Massage Therapist. She now offers canine massage sessions both during swim appointments and in our office, helping dogs improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and support overall wellness. Adrian is also certified in Canine CPR and First Aid.
A lifelong animal lover and dedicated rescuer, Adrian's compassion extends far beyond the pool. Her beloved rescue horse, Lilly, has been part of her family for more than 26 years. Each morning before sunrise, Adrian heads to the barn to care for Lilly and the other horses she helps look after.
At home, Adrian shares her life with Perry, a 10-year-old Dachshund, and Patches, a 6-year-old Dachshund mix. She is also an active member of the West Burb Wiener's Club, an organization dedicated to raising funds for dogs with medical needs.
Whether she's working with dogs in the water, providing massage therapy, or helping animals in need, Adrian's dedication and compassion shine through in everything she does.
Gabby
Gabby joined The Puddle team in August 2022, but her connection to The Puddle began long before that. As a dedicated client since March 2017, Gabby experienced firsthand the benefits of canine swimming through her beloved St. Bernard, April (above). To help April avoid hip surgery, Gabby committed to weekly swim sessions beginning when April was just six months old. Today, at nine years old, April still enjoys her swims alongside her brother, Bart, a handsome Newfoundland.
Having spent years as both a client. and dog owner, Gabby brings a unique understanding of the bond between people and their pets. Her passion for dogs, combined with her natural ability in the water, made her a perfect fit for The Puddle team. She excelled in our training program and quickly became a valued member of our staff.
With her calm demeanor, patience, and genuine love for animals, Gabby has a remarkable ability to make every dog feel safe, comfortable, and confident during their swim sessions. She is also fluent in Spanish (habla español), allowing her to better assist and communicate with many of our clients.
Rosie
Rosie has been the heart of The Puddle's daily operations since joining our team in September 2014. As Office Manager, she keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, expertly balancing scheduling, organization, customer service, and countless day-to-day details. Her ability to multitask, solve problems, and keep everyone on track is nothing short of remarkable.
Whether you're scheduling an appointment, have a question about your account, or need assistance with anything Puddle-related, Rosie is always happy to help. Her dedication, reliability, and friendly personality make her an invaluable part of our team, and quite frankly, we'd be lost without her!
In addition to her role at The Puddle, Rosie and her husband, Mark, have successfully owned and operated their independent printing business for more than 26 years, bringing the same commitment to customer service and attention to detail that she shares with our clients every day.
Indoor, Heated Canine Pool for Rehab and Recreational Swimming
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@puddleaquafitness
Contact Info
The Puddle
Pet Aquafitness & Nutrition
1948 Gyorr Avenue
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
630-883-0700
Hours
