The Blackwood Acres Crew
Jessica || communications, marketing, chief of operations
Jessica handles emails, the website, social media accounts, photography and all manner of communications. She’s the voice behind everything we do. She also manages operations and handles the puppy curriculum. Jess thrives on organization, research and planning, and nothing makes her happier than a good ol’ research session and a spreadsheet.
When she’s not teaching puppies or posting cute photos on Instagram, she is either homeschooling her kids, reading a good book or whipping up another loaf of sourdough bread (which her kids devour in 5.7 seconds). Her husband teases her about planning the next vacation while still on the first (what can I say - I’m a planner!), which usually involves hiking, exploring and yummy food.
Curtis || kennel maintenance, adult dog care
Curt has over ten years of management and construction experience and handles all of our handyman projects around the kennels and property. He gives oversight to the program and handles the heavy work of putting up fences, moving heavy items, remodeling or building. He also manages our breeding dogs to ensure they are getting proper nutrition and care.
He loves to go fishing, biking and snowboarding, although he rarely has the time for any of them. His friends would all tell you he’s a great listener, which is true, much to the dismay of his wife and kids when they’re waiting on him!
Bronx || janitorial manager
Bronx is our main man. He loves organization and keeping everyone in line, including our dogs, who can get a little rambunctious from time to time. He ensures the puppies have clean bedding, fresh water and plenty of space to move freely. He takes kennel organization very seriously.
His interests vary far and wide and include riding his bike, exploring, Legos, make-believe games, drawing and reading. He can bake some fantastic desserts too! Bronx has a servant’s heart like his dad and is always looking for ways to help others.
Raleigh || puppy teacher, dog groomer
This girl was born for animals. She loves all things soft and fluffy so puppies top her list of favorites. She enjoys organizing daily school sessions for the pups and doing their temperament testing. Raleigh has a nurturing spirit and a kind soul and she flourishes when she’s cuddling something. She dreams of raising her own animals when she’s older.
She can beat anybody in a game of Memory or Mastermind and she loves to draw pictures of fairy tales. Her favorite school subjects are math and Shakespeare, which she excels at. She is quiet, funny and loves to tease anybody that will let her.
Windsor || puppy socializing expert
The shortest team member and probably the most dramatic, Winnie has loved animals from the moment she could see them. Kitties and puppies are her favorite and she learned from an early age that they should be handled with gentleness, respect and oodles of love.
Winnie shares a birthday with her big brother, although they are seven years apart. She loves to be the center of attention and does not mind at all that her older siblings dote on her. She is full of sass and spunk, and definitely keeps the rest of us in stitches with her little quips.
Essex || puppy snuggle buddy
Essex is our caboose but ensures that he makes more noise than the engine. He is 150% boy, all trucks and dirt and booms and messes and animals. His heart is full of passion for a select few things, including "Llama Llama" books and puppies.
He was born in the middle of a snowstorm with no one but his daddy to catch him, and true to his dramatic entrance, he keeps us on our toes.