The Doggie Den Staff

Susan LaDue, Owner

Prior to opening The Doggie Den, Susan was a Human Resource Manager at a Fortune 500 computer company. Before that she was a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Finally, in 1998 she decided to do what she loves best: devote her waking hours to dogs! She is certified by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council as a "Certified Canine Specialist", and has her American Red Cross certification in Pet First Aid. Susan lives in Northboro with her beloved Sheltie, Shukhi; her Cocker Spaniel, Benny; and ChiChi the boss cat.

Jennifer Fay, Daycare Manager

Jennifer grew up in Charlton, MA, with a menagerie of dogs and cats. After working in the Graphic Arts field, she decided to return to her first love - animals. Before coming to the Doggie Den, Jennifer managed a Dog Daycare/Grooming/Boarding facility in Austin, Texas, where she lived for 8 years. Jennifer has a certificate in Pet First Aid, CPR and Emergency Preparedness and a strong interest in animal nutrition and alternative health. She resides in Worcester with her partner Randi, her Tibetan spaniel Gizmo, and five feisty felines, Kanga, Kazi, Flip, Tigress and Milagro.

Shawna Rubin, Professional Pet Stylist

Shawna came to us from Gibson Kennels in June 2010.  She holds a Certificate in Dog Grooming from The Connecticut School of Dog Grooming and has worked with all breeds.  Shawna has a sweet, 

easy-going manner that calms even the jittery among our spa clients!  

Shawna lives in Worcester, MA. with her chihuahua Lu-C and her two-legged companion.

Laurie Black , Daycare Assistant

Laurie came to The Doggie Den from Tashjian Animal Medical Center in West Boylston, MA. where she was a veterinary technician for 14 years. Before that she was a medicine technician at Tufts New England Veterinary Medical Center. What's new about The Doggie Den is that she gets to play with healthy dogs, rather than reassuring those who are under the weather. Laurie lives with her fiance, Ray, their 3 dogs, Kiwi, Cocoa, and Jasper; and their 5 cats. Kiwi is a regular in our big dog play group.

Shannon Cavanagh, Trainer

Shannon grew up raising german shepherds and golden retrievers and has been a doggie fanatic all her life. She holds a degree in psychology from Worcester State College and has worked with autistic children for years. However, having always had a strong passion for working with animals, she decided to do it professionally as an obedience trainer. A graduate of Animal Behavior College, Shannon teaches dog obedience classes both at The Doggie Den and at another store in Dudley, MA. She also does private consultations with Doggie Den clients whose pups have behavioral issues. Shannon and her husband are owned by their two huskies, Natasha and Sky; their two cats, Chloe and Lucy; and their iguana, Ernie.

Dr. Anna Crane, Chiropractor

Dr. Anna Crane grew up in Brookline, MA and has ridden horses competitively since childhood. She received her B.S. in Equine Science from Colorado State University, and her M.S. in Animal Science from the University of Missouri. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Logan College of Chiropractic, then completed the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association training program at Parker College of Chiropractic. Dr. Crane lives in Hudson, MA. with her husband and Jack Russell terrier, Iddy Biddy. She also owns our Quarter Horses: a hunter/jumper gelding (Dutch); her first horse (Jinx); and Jinx’s two babies (Toast and Razi). To contact her, fill out the wellness appointment request form or call 508-393-6970 and speak to Susan. Chiropractic sessions take place at the Doggie Den; the fee is $40 per treatment.

Aileen D'Angelo, Reiki Master