MEET OUR TEAM
Saffron
-owner/operator/walker-
Owner & operator, Saffron Medrano graduated from Florida State University in 2008 with a BA in the History & Criticism of Art. She moved to Chicago in 2009 to work at the Art Institute of Chicago, but quickly realized that was not the place for her. Rather, she was much happier in the environment in which she worked while in college—animal hospitals. She then worked in vet medicine in the city for nearly five years while she started Doggone Living. In 2014, she decided to venture outdoors with her love & knowledge for pets, taking Doggone Living full-service. She has two pups herself, 14-year-old Dougy (miniature dachshund) and 10 year old Pip (chihuahua)! Outside of spending time with furballs, she loves hanging with her husband and son.
Maya
-sitter/relief walker-
Maya is a longtime Chicago resident currently living on the Northside of the city. She has a passion for caring for animals and understands their need for tenderness and positive direction. She loves to see a pet’s personality expressed through play and enjoys active engagement. Maya finds fulfillment in pet care as a means to honor her late, good boy, Duke. You can catch Maya on improv comedy stages throughout the city when she’s not with furry friends.
Alanna
-sitter/walker-
Alanna is an artist that is new to Chicago, and she is excited to embrace the local culture by caring for the city’s pets! She has been passionate about animals her whole life and believes in treating pets with the same love and respect as human family members. She also understands that animals look to their humans for guidance, so she makes sure to remain calm and positive in every situation while they are under her care. She has one black cat, Stella, who is also loving the new sights and sounds of the city. Alanna’s favorite outdoor activity is going for walks in fresh air, and having puppy friends to walk with only makes it more fun!
Jacob
-relief walker-
Jacob was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, but has spent the past three years residing in Chicago as an Audio Engineering student at Columbia College Chicago. Since the age of nine
Jacob has been a proud owner of three cats, with his most recent baby being Rori. He is very comfortable taking care of cats and dogs of any size, and will bring his calming presence with him to every visit. During his time away from lovable furballs, Jacob can be found making music, learning a new instrument, and searching for the best sushi restaurant that Chicago has to offer!
Amelia
-sitter/walker-
Amelia had a country upbringing in the state of South Carolina. She decided to make Chicago her home during the shut down in 2020. As Chicago reopened, her rekindled her love for animals at a local grooming salon, bathing dogs and puppies alike before their big groom. She owns a dapper tuxedo cat named Richard Petty, who’s a big baby at heart. At Doggone Living, Amelia is excited to be caring for all dogs and cats alike, giving your furry friends the love and care they deserve.
Dixie
-relief walker/sitter-
Dixie is a country transplant from Michigan. She’s been in Chicago since 2019 and is happy to call this Windy City her home. She loves what the city has to offer to with the various foods options or watching a live performance. Growing up, Dixie always had a love of animals and in lieu of missing them dearly, she joined the Doggone Living team to give love and care to others’ fur babies on a daily basis.
Emma
-relief walker/sitter-
Emma has been living in Chicago since 2013. She loves the city life and is always looking for new ways to explore it. After finding a career that allows her to work remotely, she decided to use her freedom to play with fur babies who might be alone otherwise. She loves meeting new people and experiencing the city from a different point of view. Emma enjoys snuggling with her orange tabby Koriand’r (pronounced coriander) as much as she can. She occupies her free time practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Swing dancing the night away
Sharon
-relief walker-
Sharon was born and raised in Chicago--she is a true city girl at heart! She is an avid animal lover and has a strong passion for dogs and cats! She loves dedicating her free time and energy to the care and safety of pets. Growing up, she had a Miniature Doberman Pinscher named Brutus who was her greatest companion. When he passed away, she realized how much she loved animals and has actively been involved in the pet industry since! Recently, she has adopted two sweet kitties of her own. When she’s not obsessing over J. Cole, she’s out biking around the city or reading the astrological charts of her friends & family!
Victor
-sitter/walker-
Victor is a native Chicagoan from the south side now residing on the north side. After all these years, they still believe Chicago is the best city in the US and still love to explore all it has to offer, from new places to staple favorites. Their interests span fashion, music/musicals, food and traveling. Victor is the former pet custodian to cat Pogo who passed 6 years ago, but still continues to be the proud guncle to Min Pin Dodson Millie (pictured) and Shih Poo Zola. They love spending time with furry friends, because they are the best way to lift the spirits in crazy uncertain times. Victor looks forward to take care of your home and furry babies when you need the extra support.