Whether your dog is here for a training or boarding adventure with us, you can be assured that your pet is in the loving hands of people that have been educating and caring for dogs for over 35 years.
With decades of experience in applying our knowledge of dog psychology, behavior, and in-depth understanding of health concerns, you can be confident we are able to prove your dog with the finest care available. Our entire staff has been extensively trained in these areas maintaining the consistency of providing the highest quality care by all of us here. Additionally, we have our staff go through continuing education programs through the American Boarding Kennel Association.
T. Mark Stover is the owner of Stover & Opdycke, LLC. Mark attended University of Washington and completed his education in 1976 with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in History. Mark was a teaching assistant in Developmental Psychology at the University of Washington during his time at the University. Additionally, he has extensive work in human and animal psychology and taught one of the first "Psychology of Dogs" classes in the country. Mark was also one of the first trainers and behaviorists in the United States to apply behavior modification techniques to dogs.
In 1970 Mark began breeding and training German Shepherd Dogs, as well as training various breeds of dogs. He has trained well over 15,000 dogs and over 180 different breeds, not including many mixed breeds and wolf hybrids. Areas of expertise include beginning and advanced obedience, behavior modification in many arenas, aggression problems with people and dogs, agitation and decoy work for protection dogs, search and rescue, and scent detection. Mark is a certified Expert Witness for the courts involving dogs and dog bite cases in three western states including Washington. He has written many articles for publication and has been written about in many local and national newspapers and magazines. Mark hosted his own radio talk show Why Bowser Cant Read about dog behavior, and has been a guest on numerous radio and television programs such as Seattle Tonight, How Come, 30 Minutes, Seattle Today, Town Meeting, as well as television programing on the Bravo channel to name a few throughout the years.
Elizabeth Coleman - Office and Co-Kennel Manager
Elizabeth Coleman graduated from Anacortes High School in 2001 with honors. Beth has always had a deep love of dogs and animals and knew she wanted to pursue a career working with animals. She has 3 dogs, Jacey, Sami, and Amiga who are all a big part of Beth's life.
Beth began her employment with Stover & Opdycke, LLC in March of 2001. She has worked in all areas of the business and is our office manager and co-kennel manager. She is very involved with caring for the dogs on a daily basis, managing staff that care and handle the dogs, as well as overseeing and coordinating the daily operations. She also handles all of the office responsibilities including scheduling, taking reservations, corresponding and working with our customers. Beth is a very capable, talented, and bright individual whom is highly effective in handling the many responsibilities she has in top form. Her passion and love for dogs and people are very evident in every aspect of her job performance. Beth is a tremendous asset and we are very pleased she has chosen to be a part of our company and family.
Meghan Mataya - Trainer and Co-Kennel Manager
Meghan Mataya completed her schooling at Stanwood High School. Meghan has had great interest in animals from a very early age and most of her spare time was spent with animals outside of school. She enjoys many outdoor activities including hiking and fishing, camping, horseback riding, and traveling.
Meghan came to Stover & Opdycke, LLC after nearly five years in the retail business. She recognized working with animals is what she truly wanted to do. She began her employment here in March of 2000. Meghan has worked in all areas of the business including managing the kennel and staff for two years. Her care for dogs and people, and her attention to detail in every area she is involved with is extraordinary. She is now our full time trainer and still assists in managing the kennel operations on a daily basis. Meghan has developed excellent training skills through working with Mark over the past several years. Her own natural talents, love and compassion for animals are complimentary additions to her success in training dogs. She has worked with many different breeds and dogs of all ages. Meghan has been our full time resident trainer beginning in the spring of 2003. We are thrilled about her future with us, and pleased she has chosen to be a part of our company and family.
We also have a wonderful and exceptional team of dog walkers and caretakers for your dogs!
