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 is back working for Apple, Inc. where he worked for ten years in California before he and Susan packed up and moved to Durham in 2005.
Steve is also involved in the community, having served on the board of the Old North Durham Neighborhood Association as both President and Safety Chair, as well as being active in Partners Against Crime, District 2.
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 is back working for Apple, Inc. where he worked for ten years in California before he and Susan packed up and moved to Durham in 2005.
Steve is also involved in the community, having served on the board of the Old North Durham Neighborhood Association as both President and Safety Chair, as well as being active in Partners Against Crime, District 2.
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.
AWLL staff holiday picture 2017
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!
Whitney cuddles with her dog Duchess
Whitney
Originally from Sacramento, California, Whitney Lamb, has been surrounded by animals her entire life. She has lived in Louisiana, Florida and even on a Caribbean island when she was studying abroad before taking up residence in North Carolina.
Whitney graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA where she studied animal science with a pre-vet concentration. Whitney just finished her Masters degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology. And she has plans to go to veterinary school and work in veterinary public health.
“I had a lot of pets growing up, including dogs, guinea pigs, parakeets, fish, rabbits and hamsters,” Whitney begins. “I currently have a cockapoo named Dutchess. I rescued her when she was nine months old when I lived in Florida. She is my baby and if I could take her everywhere with me, I would!” Whitney adds, “Dutchess often gets mistaken for being Bo Obama, although she is smaller.”
Whitney is a very busy lady. When she is not taking care of our clients’ pets or her own, she works as a vet technician at Cornwallis Road Animal Hospital. She also volunteers at the SPCA of Wake County.
“At the SPCA I help take care of and socialize ‘pocket pets’ and administer medication to the dogs and cats housed at the adoption center.”
Whitney has been a member of the AWLL family since 2013. When asked what she likes best about pet sitting and dog walking, Whitney said, “I love to interact with animals. Learning about their personalities and what they do and do not like is of great interest to me. I love observing animals in their element and making them feel comfortable in any way possible.”
Whitney loves to watch college football, soccer and cheerleading competitions. And actually was a competitive cheerleader for almost 10 years! She loves playing with her dog, her sister’s dog as well as spend time outdoors. Reading, singing and spending time with friends and family (especially her nephews) are among some of her favorite activities as well.
Whitney concludes, “It never fails. No matter what kind of day I may be having, the greeting and love I receive from our clients’ furbabies makes everything better!”
Testimonials about Whitney:
"I am extremely satisfied as always! Whitney went above and beyond trying to get Gracie to eat. I love the detailed updates. It is clear from the updates that you understand Gracie's unique personality and that she behaves the same with her sitters as she does with me. It's wonderful knowing Gracie is in good hands when I have to travel." Lisa K., March 2018
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.
Judy
Hailing from the Chicago, Illinois, Judy Millies is an avid animal lover who joins the A Whole Lotta Love family after moving to North Carolina from Iowa. Judy earned an undergraduate degree in Social Work and holds a graduate degree in Business Administration.
Animals have always been a major part of Judy’s life. “Growing up, my family had rabbits, took in a stray cat named Tiger and we also got a dog when I was in high school. Our dog's name was Puffy. Apparently, the family that we adopted her from had small children who couldn't say "puppy", so they called her Puffy and we just kept the name.”
Currently Judy lives with her pets, Bridget, a smart six year old Great Dane/Weimaraner Mix and Dutchess, a laid back eleven year old Chocolate Lab.
Judy volunteered at the Kings Harvest No Kill Pet Rescue in Davenport, Iowa. “My favorite part of volunteering at Kings Harvest was returning each week to find out which of the dogs were no longer at the shelter because they had found a new home. And for those that were still there, it was always fun to see them again and love up on them!”
She finds caring for animals rewarding and is enjoying meeting the four-legged clients of AWLL!
When Judy isn’t spending time with the pets/clients at AWLL, she volunteers with Durham’s Animal Protection Society. “I love volunteering at APS! It is great to see all the varieties of dogs that are being sheltered there. I also like the "challenge" of walking dogs that, for the most part, are not leash trained. You never know what to expect!”
Judy also enjoys trying out new and old coffee shops with friends, attending a Bible Study and spending time with Bridget and Dutchess (her dogs/roomates). Being from Chicago, her favorite sports teams are the Chicago teams, i.e. Cubs, Bears.
We are happy to have Judy as part of our team!
Hailing from the Chicago, Illinois, Judy Millies is an avid animal lover who joins the A Whole Lotta Love family after moving to North Carolina from Iowa. Judy earned an undergraduate degree in Social Work and holds a graduate degree in Business Administration.
Animals have always been a major part of Judy’s life. “Growing up, my family had rabbits, took in a stray cat named Tiger and we also got a dog when I was in high school. Our dog's name was Puffy. Apparently, the family that we adopted her from had small children who couldn't say "puppy", so they called her Puffy and we just kept the name.”
Currently Judy lives with her pets, Bridget, a smart six year old Great Dane/Weimaraner Mix and Dutchess, a laid back eleven year old Chocolate Lab.
Judy volunteered at the Kings Harvest No Kill Pet Rescue in Davenport, Iowa. “My favorite part of volunteering at Kings Harvest was returning each week to find out which of the dogs were no longer at the shelter because they had found a new home. And for those that were still there, it was always fun to see them again and love up on them!”
She finds caring for animals rewarding and is enjoying meeting the four-legged clients of AWLL!
When Judy isn’t spending time with the pets/clients at AWLL, she volunteers with Durham’s Animal Protection Society. “I love volunteering at APS! It is great to see all the varieties of dogs that are being sheltered there. I also like the "challenge" of walking dogs that, for the most part, are not leash trained. You never know what to expect!”
Judy also enjoys trying out new and old coffee shops with friends, attending a Bible Study and spending time with Bridget and Dutchess (her dogs/roomates). Being from Chicago, her favorite sports teams are the Chicago teams, i.e. Cubs, Bears.
We are happy to have Judy as part of our team!
Raha
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Raha left Africa in 2012 to pursue her education. Raha received her master’s degree in public health at UNC. She specialized in maternal and child health. Raha is currently doing research in autism, public health policy and women’s health and is currently studying for her medical board exams to be able to join a psychiatry residency program in the USA.
Growing up in Kenya, Raha wanted to be a zoologist working with lions, elephants and leopards. And she still does! She grew up surrounded by animals. Some of the pets she had as a child were rabbits, chickens, two goats, a couple of geese, a cat and a dog named Kimo. She even had a goldfish for eight years named Maina!
Currently she has a Japenese Spitz named Henry who lives in Kenya with her parents. Working at A Whole Lotta Love helps fill the void. “I love the cuddles and kisses I get from the pets I visit each day. They always bring a smile to my face!”
Raha feels great knowing that she is helping pet owners by taking the best care of their precious furbabies.
In her spare time, Raha likes to spend even more time with animals! She volunteers at Durham’s Animal Protection Society as a dog behavioral handler and walker. For the past three years at APS, she has had much training on dog handling and proper training techniques. We are excited to have her as part of our team!
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Raha left Africa in 2012 to pursue her education. Raha received her master’s degree in public health at UNC. She specialized in maternal and child health. Raha is currently doing research in autism, public health policy and women’s health and is currently studying for her medical board exams to be able to join a psychiatry residency program in the USA.
Growing up in Kenya, Raha wanted to be a zoologist working with lions, elephants and leopards. And she still does! She grew up surrounded by animals. Some of the pets she had as a child were rabbits, chickens, two goats, a couple of geese, a cat and a dog named Kimo. She even had a goldfish for eight years named Maina!
Currently she has a Japenese Spitz named Henry who lives in Kenya with her parents. Working at A Whole Lotta Love helps fill the void. “I love the cuddles and kisses I get from the pets I visit each day. They always bring a smile to my face!”
Raha feels great knowing that she is helping pet owners by taking the best care of their precious furbabies.
In her spare time, Raha likes to spend even more time with animals! She volunteers at Durham’s Animal Protection Society as a dog behavioral handler and walker. For the past three years at APS, she has had much training on dog handling and proper training techniques. We are excited to have her as part of our team!
Ben
We are fortunate to have Ben Anderson as one of our fabulous dog walkers/pet sitters. Originallyfrom Lorton, Virginia Ben has lived in Durham for most of his life and considers Durham his home.
Growing up, Ben had a black lab named Spooner. But, Ben is an equal opportunity animal lover! Currently Ben lives with an orange tabby cat named Andrew and an Australian Shepherd mix (dog) named Lucy. He enjoys working with animals. Previously, Ben has been employed as a kennel tech as well as a dog walker and pet sitter so he comes to us with his own bag of tricks and tools to pull from. He enjoys being around all kinds of different dogs and cats and getting to know their personalities.
Ben is very patient with animals. “I worked at a vet for a bit so I have somewhat of an understanding of the anatomy of a dog and I can pick up on a dog's behavior pretty well too.”
Ben has worked with goats, chickens, cows, and just about any domesticated animal you can think of. “The vet I worked with had some exotic pets come in sometimes.”
When Ben is not taking care of animals, he enjoys skateboarding and filming friends at the skate park in downtown Durham.
He is an asset to A Whole Lotta Loveand we are proud to have him as part of our team!
