FOUNDER & CAREGIVER

As the heart and driving force behind Gone Dog, Emily is your pup’s primary caregiver and the human they’ll bond with most. With over two decades of hands-on experience, she’s deeply passionate about canine behavior, enrichment, and the emotional well-being of sensitive, reactive, anxious, and big-personality dogs.

Emily specializes in creating a calm, structured, low-stimulation environment where dogs can decompress, feel safe, and settle into a predictable rhythm. Her care style is rooted in empathy, intuition, and understanding the subtle ways dogs communicate.

Whether it’s regulated routines, enrichment sessions, sensory play, quiet companionship, medication support, or a cozy tuck-in ritual at bedtime, Emily makes every stay feel like a warm, safe home-away-from-home — tailored uniquely to each dog she cares for.

Emily is also neurodivergent (AuDHD), which means her communication style can be a little unique — but dogs absolutely get her. She’s always been more comfortable with animals than people, and that’s part of what makes her such a calm, intuitive, and reliable presence for the pups in her care.

PART-TIME CAREGIVER

Ken is the quiet backbone of Gone Dog — the steady, grounding presence who helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. As EJ’s partner and part-time caregiver, he supports the home environment, maintains the yard and safety setup, and steps in for walks, enrichment, or cuddle time whenever he’s not working at UW.

While he isn’t involved in scheduling, messaging, or the day-to-day operations, Ken is a familiar, comforting figure for the dogs who spend time here. Many pups naturally gravitate toward him for his gentle energy, calm demeanor, and the kind of soft companionship that helps dogs feel safe and at ease.

He may not be in the spotlight, but he’s an important part of the peaceful, home-based rhythm that makes Gone Dog feel like family.

QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

Olive is our sensitive, spirited, and incredibly smart girl — full of personality, playfulness, and goofy charm. She brings joy, energy, and a little bit of delightful chaos to the household, keeping Gone Dog fun, warm, and full of life.

She’s an excellent playmate for visiting dogs. Whether she’s doing zoomies in the yard, initiating wrestling matches, sharing enrichment activities, or helping new pups feel more comfortable, Olive is always ready to bring out the best in her canine friends.

As Quality Control Manager, Olive takes her responsibilities very seriously:

She tests toys and enrichment

Supervises playtime

Oversees yard adventures

Encourages extra fun whenever possible

Her bright personality and intuitive play style help set a friendly, upbeat tone for the whole environment. Olive keeps us laughing, keeps the vibes lively, and makes every dog’s stay a little bit more magical.

SOCIAL COORDINATOR

Onion is our big, soft, lovable mastiff mix with a heart that’s somehow even bigger than he is. Calm, patient, and endlessly kind, he brings a grounding, peaceful energy to the home — the perfect complement to Olive’s spirited spark.

With visiting dogs, Onion is a steady, reassuring presence. He’s gentle, respectful, and wonderfully social, making him an ideal companion for pups who are nervous, shy, or still figuring things out. His quiet confidence helps dogs feel safe, and his easygoing nature makes him a favorite playmate for just about everyone.

As Social Coordinator, Onion:

Greets new dogs with calm, polite curiosity

Demonstrates the art of slow, steady play

Helps maintain the peaceful vibe we’re known for

Offers comforting companionship to pups who need it

He may be big, but he’s soft to his core — a true marshmallow in dog form. Onion’s sweetness, patience, and gentle spirit help visiting pups settle into our space with ease, making him an invaluable part of the Gone Dog team.