Aboard The Ark, a division of the Pekin Veterinary Clinic

Aboard The Ark

Boarding

Grooming

The Staff

Aboard The Ark Tour

Aboard The Ark Staff

Gaye Lauss, Manager

I have lived in central Illinois all my life. I am blessed with a wonderful husband of 29 years and a 19 year old daughter. I have always loved being around animals, even as a child. My husband and daughter also share this love. We have a 6 year old "Iggy" (Italian Greyhound) named "Lady" and my daughter just recently got a Great Dane puppy named "Duke" from her boyfriend for her birthday. We love them both! They're both so much fun.

When I heard there was a position open (my sister's one of our facility groomers) at "Aboard the Ark Pet Boarding and Grooming Facility," I thought it sounded very interesting. I got the position of receptionist in July 2008 and love it! I have the pleasure of talking with pet owners as well as getting to love on their precious "babies" (big & small, young and senior) while they are in our care. Each of our little furry (and not so furry) friends have personalities all their own. Many of our clients and pets are return customers and we get to know them as family as well as their pet's "special needs" and funny "little ways".

The one thing that I was pleasantly surprised about when I first came to work here was the cleanliness of the facility. The kennel staff is very thorough and right on top of any cleaning need. I welcome the opportunity to show our facility to new or hesitant clients because it is not a typical boarding kennel.

I know how I would want my little "Lady" and "Duke" to be treated in my absence and try to make our little (and big) friends’ stay with us as pleasant as possible. We ALL do. What can I say....."I love my job!"

Alli Shea, Receptionist

My name is Alli Shea and I am a receptionist at Aboard the Ark. I have lived in Pekin for most of my life. I was actually a military "brat" growing up and was born in England. My parents were then stationed in Montana, and when my dad was finished we came here to Pekin where both my parents were from. I have always had a love for animals. I first started as kennel help at Aboard the Ark when i was in high school and i loved it! I left for a while to finish high school and I became manager at another job. In February of 2011 I decided to join the "Ark family" again, but as a receptionist this time. I have attended Illinois Central College, and plan on entering the surgical technician program in the near future.

My boyfriend, Ryan and I have two dogs. We have a Brittany spaniel named T-Bow. Also we have a Shih-Tzu named Daisy Mae, she is my little princess. I love my animals so much and show my love for everyone's animals when they come in our doors. My favorite part of my job is seeing the smiling faces people have when they pick their babies up after a "spa day" or after a long stay. They know that they can trust us with the care of their furry family members.

Tina Picken, Groomer

Hello, my name is Tina Picken and I am a groomer here at Aboard The Ark. I have been such a huge dog lover since I was born, so as far as I'm concerned, I have the best job in the world! We have 3 dogs and a cat at home, and since my husband Rick says we are "maxed out" on pets, I get to make new pet friends and see old pet friends every day at work. How cool is that?

The other thing that makes my job so enjoyable is my wonderful co-workers. Everyone here is so nice and easy going that it really is like "Family" here. I do have two sisters that work here as well, and my daughter, Chelsea, is a kennel worker in the summer months. Coming to work is always a pleasure, so when your dog needs a new ‘do’ give me a call... I'll be waiting!

Brenda G. Sherman, Groomer

I came to the Ark three years ago looking for an opportunity to groom dogs my way. Aboard the Ark gave me the opportunity to use my compassionate, pet-loving, safety conscious and artistic abilities to develop a style of grooming where the pet comes first.

I am a retired commercial artist with a love for dogs and cats. After leaving my illustration job of 15 years, I found an opportunity to learn how to groom pets through a hands-on job with Petco and an online study. After working four years for Petco, I needed a new challenge. I moved to a local grooming salon where I worked a year on hand-scissoring some pretty rare breeds to broaden my skills.

I loved hand scissoring so much that I incorporated the style when I started with Aboard the Ark. Hand-scissoring surpasses the generic shaved legs that you get from most groom shops. The dogs appreciate scissoring, finding it less stressful than having a clipper blade pressed down the legs.

This team works hard to provide the best in dog and cat grooming in Pekin. We each put our whole heart into every pet: how we handle and groom, and in the products used in our spa packages. We believe your family pet member is worth it!

I love working at Aboard the Ark with the best group of people ever. I plan on being here a long while. I believe we are the best as our clientele continues to grow each year.

Cindy Graham, Kennel Attendant

Hello, my name is Cindy Graham. I work at the Ark in the kennel room and give baths. I enjoy being with the animals that come here. I am fortunate to have a job where I can spend so much time interacting with animals, my favorite pastime. I am a mother of 3: Terra 31, Trina 24, and Trisha 21. I am also a proud grandmother of 2: Luke 3, and Landon 2 1/2. They love to visit at the Ark. I think they have inherited my love for animals.

I have two sisters that work here at the Ark with me: Tina is one of our groomers and Gaye is the front desk receptionist. It is so pleasant working with all the employees of the Ark and the Clinic. I am very happy to be one of the family here, exactly how we hope you feel when you board your animals with us.

Karla Alexander, Kennel Attendant

My name is Karla Alexander and I have lived in Pekin all of my life. I have been working at Aboard the Ark since April of 2011 and I enjoy working with the animals. I have one son, Bradley who is the light of my life. We like to shop and go for rides together. When I was growing up we always had pets and I currently have two Shih-Tzus, Gismo and Diesel. I also have a very loveable kitty Tweezer. Working at the Ark was a new experience for me. The team is wonderful and they have made me feel like I am part of the family. I love it.