Meet the human behind the leash.
Hi, I'm Anna! 🐾
I'll be the one taking care of your four-legged children, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.
My husband Mike and I started Doggie Recess in April 2026, shortly after moving from Seattle to Edmonds in 2025, a town we've fallen completely in love with. Mike comes from a tech background and keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes as our admin and tech guy. I come from 10 years in client success management, working across several startups where I honed my skills in communication, problem solving, and genuinely showing up for people.
When I was laid off, I started caring for animals through Rover and something clicked. Taking care of pets came naturally, and so did managing the humans who love them (aka the pawrents). It didn't take long for Mike and me to realize this was something we could do really well for our community.
A lifelong love for animals
I grew up with cats and dogs and fun fact, I wanted to be a veterinarian. While life took me in a different direction, that love never went anywhere. Every pet I care for gets my full attention and genuine curiosity. I take the time to understand each animal's personality, quirks, and needs, because every dog is different just like every human is different. I'm gentle, patient, and believe great pet care starts with truly listening and observing. Expect lots of pets, kisses, and encouragement, along with gentle guidance to keep every pet safe.
With Rover, I had a 5.0 rating as a Star Sitter with 57 reviews :)
When pawrents thank me for letting me care for and love on their pet, my answer is always the same, "No, thank you." Getting to do this for a living is honestly a dream come true, and it's an honor to be trusted with every pet family we welcome into the Doggie Recess family.
This is for you too, pawrents 🐾
Doggie Recess is for your four-legged friends, but honestly, it's for you too.
We all know the guilt. The Instagram reels of dogs out exploring and smiling, the caption reminding you it's their short time on earth too- a deep cut to the heartstrings. But the bills don't pay themselves. Between commuting, long workdays, taking care of kids, and last-minute errands, there are never enough hours in the week.
Doggie Recess exists for anyone who needs a little extra hand. We're not reinventing the wheel, we're just committed to giving your pet good, hearty, meaningful time outdoors. A real break for them, and a real break for you.
Meet Luba 🤍
We can't introduce Doggie Recess without dedicating this business to the girl who inspired it all, our sweet Luba Shevchuk.
In December 2019, we rescued Luba after she and her litter were found in the dumpster of a Whataburger in Texas. We were told she was a Border Collie mix. When they transferred her up to us and we finally got to hold her, she took over our hearts immediately. After a doggy DNA test, we discovered she's actually a beautiful mix of mostly Pointer, a little Pittie, and some Lab, and absolutely perfect in every way.
Luba has been by our side through every adventure, every move, and every new chapter, including the move into our new home in Edmonds, complete with a yard she has fully claimed as her own. She's 6 years old now, the love of our lives, and our daughter in every sense of the word.
When it comes to Doggie Recess, our promise is simple: we want to treat every pet the way we treat Luba.
Luba means love in Russian. That says it all.
Thank you, Luba, for pushing us to make our dreams come true. 🐾