About Us
Melissa De Decker - Owner/Head Trainer
Melissa is a passionate pet care professional with over 10 years of experience in the boarding, training and daycare industry. She empowers owners and educates dogs, amplifying the relationship between people and their pets.
My passion for animals developed at a young age, having grown up in Norfolk County on a tobacco farm which was home to dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, small animals and even a brief visit from a potbellied pig. From a young age I knew that I wanted my career to involve animals. I worked at several boarding facilities and began volunteering with the local humane society at the age of 15.
The rescue world expanded my skillset with dogs, and intensified my passion for achieving a career as a pet care professional. I fostered and coordinated with a large breed dog rescue for nearly 5 years up until its dissolution in June of 2015. During this time I fostered over 300 dogs, some of which faced euthanasia due to severe behavioural issues. I have since gone on to found my own dog rescue known as Taffy’s Legacy Canine Rescue & Rehabilitation.
Taffy was an American Bulldog who made a big impact on my life. She is the dog that made American Bulldogs my heart breed and inspired me to do what I could to preserve and better the breed. In 2019, after nearly 10 years as an enthusiast of the breed I decided to have my first breeding. I have a small home based kennel known as Revival American Bulldogs where I hope to produce healthy and sound American Bulldogs for years to come.
As a commitment to my clients (both human and canine) I am constantly attending seminars to further expand my skill set. I use a balanced training approach that paints in black and white what I am asking of the dog. After all, clear communication is the key to a healthy relationship, whether that be human or canine!
In 2020, when COVID turned the world upside down I partnered up with a friend and colleague in the dog training industry to create Training Dogs Online. By taking our dog training platform online we are now able to help people all around the world.
I have not only found a career that involves animals, but revolves around them. I look forward to meeting you and your beloved fur-family member.
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Tara Broadbent - facility Manager
Meet Tara, your dog’s new best friend! Tara has been part of The Dog’s Paw family for almost six years, and her passion for pups shines through in everything she does. Starting fresh out of school as a Kennel Attendant, she fell in love with the job, the dogs, and the positive energy that fills the place.
Tara has a background in Business Marketing and Law Enforcement, but her heart has always belonged to dogs. She goes the extra mile to ensure every pup enjoys their time at The Dog’s Paw, and she’s just as dedicated to giving our human clients a top-notch experience!
At home on her farm, Tara has two dogs of her own: Emmie, a 10-year-old English Bulldog with zesty senior spunk, and Phil, a 4.5-year-old American Bulldog from Revival American Bulldogs, whom has an absolute heart of gold. These lucky pups get to tag along to daycare and training classes regularly. Tara and Phil are currently working towards an exciting weight-pulling competition career as well as competing in dog shows annually.
Tara’s dog knowledge doesn’t stop there—she’s a pro at reading canine body language, basic obedience training, basic grooming, and keeping the kennel running like a well-oiled machine.
When she’s not assisting on the farm, you can find Tara volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County or fostering a pup through Taffy's Legacy Rescue & Rehabilitation in the past. She also loves staying active on athletic teams after work.
Tara’s energy, enthusiasm, and dog-loving spirit make her a true asset to The Dog’s Paw team. She can’t wait to welcome your furry friend!
Nicole Bueckert - Kennel Attendant
Nicole first started as a puppy class student back in 2019, which led her to discover an interest in training and working with dogs. Shortly after graduating puppy class she started work as a kennel attendant and has been loving it ever since!
Aside from spending lots of time supervising daycare and caring for our boarding guests, Nicole also runs a small business of her own as an artist. She focuses on painting pet portraits as well as wildlife, and has been an artist her whole life. Her main painting mediums include watercolour, acrylics, and digital painting.
She also continues her dog training journey with her now 3 year old Australian Shepherd, Ripley. It started here at The Dog’s Paw with puppy classes and has continued to Rally Obedience, Agility, and Trick Training! Together they have achieved an Advanced title in Rally, and are currently working towards Excellent. They are also working on their Champion Trick Dog Title and are hoping to get in the agility ring soon!
Ripley accompanies Nicole to work every day, and is a very enthusiastic daycare supervisor. You may have seen her in many of our daycare play photos, she is always wanting in on the action!
AJ Jayne (They/Them) - Kennel Attendant
AJ has been at The Dog’s Paw for close to four years! They’ve loved dogs from a very young age, so when looking for a summer job as a high school student, a kennel sounded like the best way to spend their months off school. They fell right in love with the welcoming atmosphere and were so excited to learn more about the intricacies of canine body language and behaviour!
Over the years AJ has gained confidence along with new knowledge of canine care and interaction. They are a quick thinker, keep a level head under pressure, and know how to meet a dog at its own pace. They also know the importance of a dog’s emotional wellbeing, so they’re always down for loads of snuggles from your furry family!
AJ has participated in several of Melissa’s group training classes, taking their parents’ small dogs Benji and Teddy to work on reactive behaviours. They have also formed a connection with Tortellini, a Revival American Bulldog, and is working with her in obedience training until they have the means to adopt!
Katie Cameron - Kennel Attendant
Meet Katie – A Lifelong Animal Enthusiast
Katie has been surrounded by dogs her entire life. Raised with Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiffs), her passion for animals began early. Her mother was an active breeder, show handler, working dog trainer, and rescue advocate—so from the time Katie could walk, she was confidently handling full-grown male Bordeaux and learning to observe, train, and care for dogs of all breeds and temperaments.
Over the years, Katie has expanded her hands-on experience with a wide variety of dog breeds, both large and small. Her dedication to animal care didn’t stop with dogs—she pursued her love of animals academically, earning an undergraduate degree in Equine Care and Management from the University of Guelph.
Katie is currently training two standard poodles: one as a therapy dog and the other as a PTSD service dog for a local paramedic. Her eagerness to learn, dedication to ongoing education, and natural ability to work with animals make her a tremendous asset to The Dog’s Paw.