About...
Susan
Susan with one of our clients, Indy
Born in New Jersey, Susan Graff spent six years in the production side of the fashion industry after earning her BA at Rowan University (Glassboro State College). Needing a change of scenery (and to escape the cold weather), she relocated to northern California and earned an MA from Santa Clara University in Special Education.
After one last relocation back east to North Carolina, and after 13 years of service as a public school teacher, Susan Graff decided it was time for a change. She enjoyed being a teacher and being around children, but wanted a bit more flexibility in her schedule and the ability to spend more time with her own furbabies, Snickers, Barney and Calvin.
After working at a dog daycare one summer, Susan found that she really liked working with dogs. She enjoyed being a caregiver, so she decided to make it her business to give her clients the personal attention every animal deserves while their owner is away, whether it is for the day or for a week or more.
Susan started her own business, A Whole Lotta Love Dog Walking and Pet Services, in 2009. She worked part-time caring for animals in the mornings, evenings and weekends while teaching middle school full-time.
After a successful first year, she decided to leave teaching to pursue her dream full-time.
In 2011, Susan hired her first employee and now the AWLL team has expanded.
When Susan is not caring for animals, she is writing about them! She writes a monthly newsletter for AWLL featuring articles about pet care. She likes to write about new pet gadgets and products she discovers “in the field” as well writing about her clients.
Susan enjoys baking homemade treats for our dog and cat clients.
She wrote a regular column in Heart2Home Magazine, Tails in the Kitchen, which included recipes for dog and cat treats.
After one last relocation back east to North Carolina, and after 13 years of service as a public school teacher, Susan Graff decided it was time for a change. She enjoyed being a teacher and being around children, but wanted a bit more flexibility in her schedule and the ability to spend more time with her own furbabies, Snickers, Barney and Calvin.
After working at a dog daycare one summer, Susan found that she really liked working with dogs. She enjoyed being a caregiver, so she decided to make it her business to give her clients the personal attention every animal deserves while their owner is away, whether it is for the day or for a week or more.
Susan started her own business, A Whole Lotta Love Dog Walking and Pet Services, in 2009. She worked part-time caring for animals in the mornings, evenings and weekends while teaching middle school full-time.
After a successful first year, she decided to leave teaching to pursue her dream full-time.
In 2011, Susan hired her first employee and now the AWLL team has expanded.
When Susan is not caring for animals, she is writing about them! She writes a monthly newsletter for AWLL featuring articles about pet care. She likes to write about new pet gadgets and products she discovers “in the field” as well writing about her clients.
Susan enjoys baking homemade treats for our dog and cat clients.
She wrote a regular column in Heart2Home Magazine, Tails in the Kitchen, which included recipes for dog and cat treats.
Steve is holding one of our dogs, Calvin.
Steve
Steve is a lifelong animal lover. And one thing is for sure...animals LOVE Steve! Steve volunteered for Durham’s Animal Protection Society (APS) where he was named “Volunteer of the Month”. He also volunteered for the Coalition to Unchain Dogs for a three day Fence-a-Thon, helping build fences for over 50 chained dogs in Durham.
Professionally, Steve works in support in the high technology industry for over 20 years.
Steve is a lifelong animal lover. And one thing is for sure...animals LOVE Steve! Steve volunteered for Durham’s Animal Protection Society (APS) where he was named “Volunteer of the Month”. He also volunteered for the Coalition to Unchain Dogs for a three day Fence-a-Thon, helping build fences for over 50 chained dogs in Durham.
Professionally, Steve works in support in the high technology industry for over 20 years.
Our Employees
We realize that clients want someone they can trust, inside their home and with their precious cargo, their pets. So we make sure to hire only the best people. All of our dog walkers and pet sitters are bonded and insured and undergo a thorough background check and training before hiring. You can find out more about some of our amazing pet sitters below.
Barbara
Barbara Wendel is A Whole Lotta Love’s book keeper and a lifelong dog lover. She was raised in Coldwater, Michigan and lived there until she moved to North Carolina in 1995. Barbara attended Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University where she studied accounting.
Besides AWLL, Barbara is also employed by iEntertainment Network, Inc. an online gaming company and with Batteries Plus Bulbs.
Barbara always had dogs when she was growing up. She had a boxer named Tuffy and two Dalmatians names Bess and Maggie. Currently she resides with a white boxer named Cami who joins her in her photo. Barbara inherited Cami from her daughter when she moved to Colorado.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys reading, baking and gardening. We are excited to have Barbara as part of our team!
Barbara Wendel is A Whole Lotta Love’s book keeper and a lifelong dog lover. She was raised in Coldwater, Michigan and lived there until she moved to North Carolina in 1995. Barbara attended Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University where she studied accounting.
Besides AWLL, Barbara is also employed by iEntertainment Network, Inc. an online gaming company and with Batteries Plus Bulbs.
Barbara always had dogs when she was growing up. She had a boxer named Tuffy and two Dalmatians names Bess and Maggie. Currently she resides with a white boxer named Cami who joins her in her photo. Barbara inherited Cami from her daughter when she moved to Colorado.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys reading, baking and gardening. We are excited to have Barbara as part of our team!
Linwood
Linwood Hester was born and raised in the Bull City. He attended Northern High School and has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Rutledge College. He has professionally been a part of post press production experience in the newspaper industry and has experience in furniture building and restoration.
Linwood has surrounded himself with animals his entire life! Growing up, he started out with crayfish and then moved up to turtles and frogs. He has had rabbits, hamsters, dogs, cats, birds and fish. At the present moment Linwood has eight fish tanks, both salt and fresh water, the largest being a 75 gallon tank. Freshwater fish are mostly Amazon basin type fish like angels and Rummy Nose.
Linwood loves dogs almost as much as he loves fish! He has eight dogs; six poodles, one Yorkie and one German Shepherd. The poodles’ names are: Ruby, Louie, June, Rudy, Slow Poke and Bebe. The Yorkie's name is Charlie and the German Shepherd's name is Mikayla. Linwood has taken part in the delivery of toy poodle pups and have bred freshwater angelfish. He can groom toy poodles from head to tail (cuts, baths, blowouts, nails, etc.).
When I asked Linwood what his favorite part of being a dog walker/pet sitter at AWLL he answered, “I enjoy meeting with the different dogs and their personality. I love being outside and spending time with our furry friends.“ Linwood has many hobbies. Some of them include: coins, stamps, records and antiquing just to mention a few. He loves spending time outside. As far as sports is concerned, he enjoys all motorsports.
Linwood Hester was born and raised in the Bull City. He attended Northern High School and has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Rutledge College. He has professionally been a part of post press production experience in the newspaper industry and has experience in furniture building and restoration.
Linwood has surrounded himself with animals his entire life! Growing up, he started out with crayfish and then moved up to turtles and frogs. He has had rabbits, hamsters, dogs, cats, birds and fish. At the present moment Linwood has eight fish tanks, both salt and fresh water, the largest being a 75 gallon tank. Freshwater fish are mostly Amazon basin type fish like angels and Rummy Nose.
Linwood loves dogs almost as much as he loves fish! He has eight dogs; six poodles, one Yorkie and one German Shepherd. The poodles’ names are: Ruby, Louie, June, Rudy, Slow Poke and Bebe. The Yorkie's name is Charlie and the German Shepherd's name is Mikayla. Linwood has taken part in the delivery of toy poodle pups and have bred freshwater angelfish. He can groom toy poodles from head to tail (cuts, baths, blowouts, nails, etc.).
When I asked Linwood what his favorite part of being a dog walker/pet sitter at AWLL he answered, “I enjoy meeting with the different dogs and their personality. I love being outside and spending time with our furry friends.“ Linwood has many hobbies. Some of them include: coins, stamps, records and antiquing just to mention a few. He loves spending time outside. As far as sports is concerned, he enjoys all motorsports.
Erica with AWLL client Junie Sue
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Erica
Hailing from Needham, MA, Erica Evans is an avid animal lover who joins the A Whole Lotta Love family as a part-time dog walker. She has lived in many different places before finding her home in Durham… Tempe, AZ, NYC, NY, Roslindale, MA to name a few. Interestingly enough, Erica did not have any pets growing up. But today her fur family includes two dogs, Sam and Daisy and three cats, Gus, Igloo and Lollipop. Erica is a very busy lady! She currently is the operations manager and athlete recruiter for Crossfit Durham. And since the shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she has been doing phone sales, one on one fitness, nutrition and accountability coaching for Crossfit. Erica has been fostering animals with Independent Animal Rescue (IAR) for over two years. As a matter of fact, two of her pets, Daisy and Gus started out in her care as fosters! When I asked Erica what she liked best about walking dogs and caring for animals she explained, “I just love the unconditional love I get from caring for animals.” In Erica’s free time she loves reading, watching Bravo, working out at Crossfit, weight lifting, hiking at the Eno and swimming at the beach. We are happy to have Erica as part of the AWLL team! |
Alec and Daisy
Alec
Originally from Painted Post, NY, A Whole Lotta Love’s dog walker and pet sitter extraordinaire, Alec Kennedy, is an avid animal lover. Alec rode horses for over nine years when he was younger. He worked as a stable hand in the evenings at the barn where he rode as well.
Working as a stable hand gave him a solid background in animal care. “As a stable hand, I was responsible for various things including turning horses out to the pasture and bringing them back into their stalls. I would put blankets on the horses in the winter and sweat scrape them and hose them when it was hot outside. I also took measures to ensure that the horses were curried and groomed properly to avoid things like mold growing on their fur and rain rot. I was also in charge of feeding, watering, hay and administrating medication when needed.”
But horses were not the only animal Alec grew up with. Growing up, Alec had a chocolate lab named Ozzy. “That dude was my best friend!” Alec explains, “We did everything together!”
Alec currently lives with a brown papillon dog named Gizmo. And he just adopted a Sheltie puppy named Boomer.
When Alec is not taking care of animals, he is also a real estate photographer for Matterport Red Estate.
When I asked Alex what he likes best about caring for animals, he responded, “Knowing that I am making a difference and helping out a fellow pet owner makes me happy!”
We are excited to have Alec as part of the AWLL family.
Originally from Painted Post, NY, A Whole Lotta Love’s dog walker and pet sitter extraordinaire, Alec Kennedy, is an avid animal lover. Alec rode horses for over nine years when he was younger. He worked as a stable hand in the evenings at the barn where he rode as well.
Working as a stable hand gave him a solid background in animal care. “As a stable hand, I was responsible for various things including turning horses out to the pasture and bringing them back into their stalls. I would put blankets on the horses in the winter and sweat scrape them and hose them when it was hot outside. I also took measures to ensure that the horses were curried and groomed properly to avoid things like mold growing on their fur and rain rot. I was also in charge of feeding, watering, hay and administrating medication when needed.”
But horses were not the only animal Alec grew up with. Growing up, Alec had a chocolate lab named Ozzy. “That dude was my best friend!” Alec explains, “We did everything together!”
Alec currently lives with a brown papillon dog named Gizmo. And he just adopted a Sheltie puppy named Boomer.
When Alec is not taking care of animals, he is also a real estate photographer for Matterport Red Estate.
When I asked Alex what he likes best about caring for animals, he responded, “Knowing that I am making a difference and helping out a fellow pet owner makes me happy!”
We are excited to have Alec as part of the AWLL family.
Lynn and Cooper
Lynn
We are excited to have Lynn Llewellyn as part of the A Whole Lotta Love team! Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Lynn moved here to Durham in the 7th grade. Lynn has lived in many different places throughout her life. These places include: Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Knoxville, Tenn as well as Boone and Statesville, NC.
Lynn is a retired school counselor from Easley Elementary who graduated from Appalachian State College.
Not only has Lynn been taking care of animals since her early childhood, she presently has four amazing dogs named: Dee, Daisy, Sadie, and Sarge. Her specialty is caring for “senior” and “special needs” animals.
One of Lynn’s favorite things to do is spending time with family. This includes her husband, Richard and son, Harrison and her four amazing fur babies.
Lynn has a passion for gardening. She enjoys the beautiful sunshine and being outdoors which, with her love for animals, makes her the perfect AWLL dog walker/pet sitter.
Some of Lynn’s favorite things are carrots, peanut M&M’s, diet coke and Starbucks hazelnut latte with skim milk. Two of Lynn’s favorite local restaurants are Bennet Point Grill and Italian Pizzeria.
Lynn is a perfect fit for being on AWLL’s team.
We are excited to have Lynn Llewellyn as part of the A Whole Lotta Love team! Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Lynn moved here to Durham in the 7th grade. Lynn has lived in many different places throughout her life. These places include: Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Knoxville, Tenn as well as Boone and Statesville, NC.
Lynn is a retired school counselor from Easley Elementary who graduated from Appalachian State College.
Not only has Lynn been taking care of animals since her early childhood, she presently has four amazing dogs named: Dee, Daisy, Sadie, and Sarge. Her specialty is caring for “senior” and “special needs” animals.
One of Lynn’s favorite things to do is spending time with family. This includes her husband, Richard and son, Harrison and her four amazing fur babies.
Lynn has a passion for gardening. She enjoys the beautiful sunshine and being outdoors which, with her love for animals, makes her the perfect AWLL dog walker/pet sitter.
Some of Lynn’s favorite things are carrots, peanut M&M’s, diet coke and Starbucks hazelnut latte with skim milk. Two of Lynn’s favorite local restaurants are Bennet Point Grill and Italian Pizzeria.
Lynn is a perfect fit for being on AWLL’s team.
Colleen and Josie
Colleen
Colleen Barrett is AWLL’s amazing part-time administrative assistant. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Colleen moved to North Carolina in 2004.
Colleen is a good fit with AWLL. Namely, she has always had a dog in her household. Growing up, she had a rescue mixed breed named Oreo, a rescue mix breed named Brandy and a black lab named Shamus. Currently she resides with an American Staffordshire Terrier named Josie and her husband, Bobby. “We rescued Josie from APS about five years ago. We love her! She is inquisitive, loves people and attention.”
Colleen explains, “I love seeing the dogs get excited when they see me. Their tails wag and their ears go up.”
Besides playing with her dog in her free time, Colleen likes hiking, thrift store shopping and refinishing furniture.
Colleen loves watching the NY Giants and enjoys a competitive game of Jenga.
Colleen is excited to be a part of the AWLL team and is happy to be able to do something that she truly loves!
Colleen Barrett is AWLL’s amazing part-time administrative assistant. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Colleen moved to North Carolina in 2004.
Colleen is a good fit with AWLL. Namely, she has always had a dog in her household. Growing up, she had a rescue mixed breed named Oreo, a rescue mix breed named Brandy and a black lab named Shamus. Currently she resides with an American Staffordshire Terrier named Josie and her husband, Bobby. “We rescued Josie from APS about five years ago. We love her! She is inquisitive, loves people and attention.”
Colleen explains, “I love seeing the dogs get excited when they see me. Their tails wag and their ears go up.”
Besides playing with her dog in her free time, Colleen likes hiking, thrift store shopping and refinishing furniture.
Colleen loves watching the NY Giants and enjoys a competitive game of Jenga.
Colleen is excited to be a part of the AWLL team and is happy to be able to do something that she truly loves!
