Meet Our Staff!
At Second City Pet Care, our walkers are the heart and soul of the company. Most have years of professional dog walking experience, and all share our passion for pet care. See who’s walking in your neighborhood!
Alicia Jablonski
Co-President
Walker since 2003 Walks in: North & Northwest Side Furry Family: Border collie-golden retriever mix Kaeleigh, adopted from Red Door Animal Shelter in 2005, and cats Max and Oliver, adopted from Tree House in 2003. Bio: Born and raised on the southwest side, Alicia always loved animals. She was only ever allowed to have fish as pets, which led to a mild obsession with any dog, cat or hamster she met. She studied Music Business at Berklee College in Boston, and after working for a while at a booking agency, decided she needed a change. She moved back to Chicago with her then-boyfriend, now husband, and quickly started their furry family. She began walking dogs because it seemed like more fun than an office job. It was, and the hours she spends walking with her longtime buddies are still the best part of each workday. When not walking her four-legged buddies (and sometimes when she is!) she can be found hanging out with her new little human, born in 2016. |
Rhonda Radford
Co-President
Walker since 2004 Walks: All about town (wherever she's needed!) Started out in South Loop Furry Family: Moose, a Landseer Mix and kitty Zsa Zsa Gabor. They were adopted through Sheri Berliner of Petraits Pet Photography Bio: Rhonda grew up in Oregon and has a degree in psychology from University of Oregon. After a short lifetime married and working in the ombudsman office at OHSU, she decided rock and roll was her destiny. She had some amazing adventures working in the music industry in Seattle in the early 90s. She then spent some years living the simple country life where she discovered gardening, carpentry, and reignited a passion for food and beverages. Rhonda has lived in Chicago since 2003. She began walking dogs when she found working in a veterinary practice too emotionally draining. Dog walking gave her the opportunity to still care for pets while having fun with them. She loves living near Humboldt Park, and so does Moose. They have a wonderful yard where she spends time growing food and flowers, cooking and hanging out with friends - furry and otherwise. |
Julie Castiglioni
Field Manager
Walker since 2003, Manager since 2008
Furry Family: Oscar, an exotic shorthair cat, and Bugs, who was found as a stray kitten.
Bio: Julie is a native Chicagoan. a Sox fan among north-siders. She started walking dogs in 2003, left for a few years, and returned as a manager in 2008. Julie also works as a dog groomer at Bark Out Loud, her sister-in-law’s shop in Portage Park. She loves to walk her “regulars” each day and enjoys getting to explore different neighborhoods and meet pets all around the city. She can usually be found hanging out with her little human, born in 2015.
Walker since 2003, Manager since 2008
Furry Family: Oscar, an exotic shorthair cat, and Bugs, who was found as a stray kitten.
Bio: Julie is a native Chicagoan. a Sox fan among north-siders. She started walking dogs in 2003, left for a few years, and returned as a manager in 2008. Julie also works as a dog groomer at Bark Out Loud, her sister-in-law’s shop in Portage Park. She loves to walk her “regulars” each day and enjoys getting to explore different neighborhoods and meet pets all around the city. She can usually be found hanging out with her little human, born in 2015.
Anna
Walker since 2012
Walks in: Ravenswood, North Center, Lincoln Square
Furry Family: Cats Paprika (Poppy), Macska and Kishka.
Bio: Anna moved to Chicago from Wisconsin in 2012. When she was young she volunteered at the Wisconsin Humane Society, learning to care for rescued wildlife and pets. She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in History and Folklore, and was an Americorps service member, teaching kids in the Madison Public Schools. She is an all-around artsy lady and spends her free time baking bread, volunteering at her community garden, and doing stand-up comedy.
Walks in: Ravenswood, North Center, Lincoln Square
Furry Family: Cats Paprika (Poppy), Macska and Kishka.
Bio: Anna moved to Chicago from Wisconsin in 2012. When she was young she volunteered at the Wisconsin Humane Society, learning to care for rescued wildlife and pets. She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in History and Folklore, and was an Americorps service member, teaching kids in the Madison Public Schools. She is an all-around artsy lady and spends her free time baking bread, volunteering at her community garden, and doing stand-up comedy.
Sydney
Walker since 2018
Walks in:
South Loop/Hyde Park
Furry Family: Anastasia, a cane corso, that she helped raise from puppyhood, and a cat rescued from a hoarder situation in Palatine.
Bio: Sydney grew up in the south suburbs and in Virginia, and has been working with pets in different ways for many years, including vet offices, training and daycares. She is certified in Animal Psychology, for behavioral modification training, pet CPR and first aid and geriatric care. Her ultimate goal is to open an animal sanctuary and rehab center to help pets with behavior problems stay in their homes and provide a safe place for those who aren't as fortunate.
Walks in:
South Loop/Hyde Park
Furry Family: Anastasia, a cane corso, that she helped raise from puppyhood, and a cat rescued from a hoarder situation in Palatine.
Bio: Sydney grew up in the south suburbs and in Virginia, and has been working with pets in different ways for many years, including vet offices, training and daycares. She is certified in Animal Psychology, for behavioral modification training, pet CPR and first aid and geriatric care. Her ultimate goal is to open an animal sanctuary and rehab center to help pets with behavior problems stay in their homes and provide a safe place for those who aren't as fortunate.
Jon
Walker since 2012
Walks in: Albany Park, Irving Park Furry Family: Turlington, a rescued Jack Russell Terrier mix and Gracie, a rescued rat terrier-Chihuahua mix Bio: A graduate of St Olaf College, Jon earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columba College. When not walking houndies, or hanging out with his wife and baby, he works as a freelance journalist in Chicago. He has written for Time Out Chicago, Chicagoist, Gapers Block, the AV Club and many more. |
Ewa
Walker since 2000
Walks in: Roscoe Village, Lakeview Feathered Family: Birds Bio: Ewa has lived in Chicago for 26 years. She is a talented painter and artist who also creates and sells jewelry. In her free time she enjoys gardening, and has perked up many sad plants while doing vacation care or cat sitting. |
Ann
Walker since 2013
House Sitter
Furry Family: Tater Tot, a boxer-terrier who was a foster dog staying at a dog daycare where Ann worked... l
Bio: Ann is a native south sider, and originally walked dogs with us in Irving Park in 2008-2010. She left Chicago for a few years, living in Fox Lake and then Carbondale before returning in 2013. We are thrilled to have her back! When not walking dogs, Ann choreographs, takes dance classes and of course, hangs out with Tater Tot.
House Sitter
Furry Family: Tater Tot, a boxer-terrier who was a foster dog staying at a dog daycare where Ann worked... l
Bio: Ann is a native south sider, and originally walked dogs with us in Irving Park in 2008-2010. She left Chicago for a few years, living in Fox Lake and then Carbondale before returning in 2013. We are thrilled to have her back! When not walking dogs, Ann choreographs, takes dance classes and of course, hangs out with Tater Tot.
RebeccaWalker since 2017
Walks in: River North Bio: Rebecca moved to Chicago after teaching English in Shanghai. She is here following her love of stand-up comedy, and when not at comedy shows, she can be found exploring the city's vast array of dining experiences... especially dessert.
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Mindy
Walker since 2003
Walks in: Lincoln Park Bio: Mindy was born and raised in Andersonville. She lived for several years in Colorado and studied Graphic Design in Denver. She worked as a graphic designer for many years and is the artist who brought our logo to life. When not walking dogs or making art, Mindy enjoys yoga, bike riding and theatre. TonyWalker since 2017
Walks in: Lakeview Furry Family: Penguin, rescued six years ago from PAWS Chicago Bio: Prior to dog walking, Tony worked for many years with special needs adults. His experience caring for and working with Penguin led him to dog walking while he finishes school. He is currently working on a graduate degree in Counseling. HannahWalker since 2016
Walks in: Lakeview Furry Family: Mitzy the puggle, adopted at age 2 from a suburban shelter and Tobago, a 3 year old cat adopted from PAWS. Bio: Hannah grew up in Skokie, and has lived right in Lakeview since 2015. Before dog walking, she worked as a child supervisor at an elementary school, and spent many years working as a babysitter and nanny. When she's not walking dogs, Hannah can be found reading, writing, or binge-watching Parks & Recreation on Netfilx for the millionth time. 
JoeWalker since 2017
Walks in: Sauganash/Forest Glen Bio: Joe worked with us for many years as a manager at Danny's Dog Walkers. After taking time off to raise his kids, he's returned to dog walking part time and we are so grateful to have him and his experience on our team! |
