When we took ownership of Luckydog in 2018, it was a very different place than it is today. Over the past seven years, our team has led a complete transformation — shaping Luckydog into a structured, science-based facility grounded in positive reinforcement and a genuine commitment to what matters most: the dogs.

Our journey is rooted in a shared passion for animal care, strengthened by my own background of seven years in veterinary studies and work, and complemented by a decade of achievement in the corporate sphere. This blend of hands-on knowledge, business expertise, and teamwork drives our mission at Luckydog: to elevate every dog’s daily experience through certified positive reinforcement trainers, transparent operations, and close collaboration with the veterinary community.

That dedication to putting dogs first has been recognized with six Reader’s Choice Best of Lane County awards, as well as being named a National Finalist in the 2025 Pet Care Awards (IBBY).

Our story underscores a commitment not just to maintaining high standards, but to continually enhancing the Luckydog difference — where every decision begins with what’s best for the dogs.

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Stacey Lambert, our esteemed Dog Trainer and Daycare Manager, has been a cornerstone of the Luckydog team since 2018. With a background in athletic training from the University of Connecticut, Stacey's journey into dog training began with the rescue of two dogs, sparking a profound passion for animal care. Her experiences with her own rescue pets and fostering others steered her towards a career dedicated to enhancing the lives of dogs and their pet parents.

A distinguished graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy, Stacey is adept in Force-Free and positive reinforcement training methods, reflecting our commitment to humane, effective training practices. Her deep understanding of canine behavior allows her to manage our daycare program with excellence, customizing training to suit the individual needs and pace of each dog. Stacey's approach ensures a happy, comfortable, and confident environment, conducive to positive learning experiences.

For those seeking a trustworthy daycare solution or facing challenges with their canine companions, Stacey is the go-to expert. She is eager to share her knowledge and assist you in forging a strong, positive bond with your furry family member.

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Jill Hunter
Program & Systems Manager

Born and raised in Portland, Jill’s love for dogs began in childhood with her family dog, Cece. She entered the pet care industry in 2020 in veterinary care and continued part-time throughout college, joining Luckydog in 2022 as student staff and quickly making her mark.

After graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Romance Languages, Jill chose to stay at Luckydog post-grad because of the dogs, the people, and the company’s philosophy—along with the chance to build her career in animal care. As Program & Systems Manager, Jill uses her exceptional organization skills, efficiency, and mastery of spreadsheets to keep operations running smoothly. She plays a key role in ensuring seamless scheduling, coordinating services, and maintaining the high standard of care that pet parents expect.

Jill collaborates closely with the management team and staff to support personalized experiences for every dog in Luckydog’s care. She is Fear Free Certified and was awarded Luckydog’s third Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) scholarship, completing her certification testing in June 2025. This intensive program provided Jill with in-depth knowledge of canine behavior and positive reinforcement training methods, which she uses to elevate the care of every dog at Luckydog. From helping shape safe and enjoyable experiences to supporting best practices in dog handling and stress reduction, Jill’s KPA-CTP certification ensures that each dog receives thoughtful, science-backed care designed to keep them healthy and happy.

Jill’s passion for canine behavior and commitment to continuous learning drive her work to ensure that Luckydog always strives to raise the bar for dogs and pet parents alike.

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Jocelyn Ruf joined the Luckydog team in 2016, bringing with her a genuine passion for dog care and a warm, approachable demeanor that quickly made her a trusted member of our community. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to ensuring every dog in our care enjoys a comfortable, engaging stay, while also prioritizing clear and positive communication with pet parents.

Jocelyn’s deep commitment to building strong relationships and her ability to anticipate the needs of both dogs and their owners have made her a natural fit for the role of Client Care and Lodging Manager. In this role, she oversees the comfort and well-being of each lodging guest, ensuring that their stay meets the high standards we set at Luckydog. Jocelyn’s collaborative approach and steady reliability have also helped to strengthen the bond between our team and the families we serve.

With a strong work ethic and a heart for service, Jocelyn is an invaluable asset to our team. She plays a crucial role in helping us deliver on our mission: providing exceptional care and creating a welcoming experience for every dog and every client.

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Selma brings energy, expertise, and creativity to Luckydog every day. From managing our pool program to supporting the daycare team, she keeps both dogs and people safe, happy, and engaged. Known for staying calm and problem-solving even when things get extra dynamic, Selma is a role model for her peers. She has always been passionate about animals and responsible pet care, having raised everything from hedgehogs to geckos, and today she shares life with her beloved dog Obie, adopted from a shelter as a puppy 14 years ago. Their bond continues to inspire her love for working with dogs and the people who care for them.

Sam is known for her dedication, positive attitude, and problem-solving mindset. Whether it’s navigating challenging situations, fixing equipment, or jumping in wherever she’s needed, she helps keep Luckydog running smoothly every day. Her calm presence, sharp wit, and genuine love for the dogs make her an invaluable part of our team. At one point in her life, Sam had six dogs at home, so when she started working at Luckydog she immediately felt right at home. Her lifelong connection with dogs continues to inspire the care and commitment she brings to every shift, making a lasting difference for both the dogs and their families.

Laurel is a key member of the Luckydog spa team, bringing over 15 years of professional grooming experience and an exceptional ability to build trust with both dogs and their pet parents. Having joined Luckydog in 2021, Laurel quickly became known for her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to ensuring each dog receives personalized care.

My favourite part of grooming is creating a positive experience for every dog and becoming a trusted part of their lives

Laurel shares. With her extensive experience and thoughtful approach, she takes pride in making each grooming session comfortable and enjoyable for the dogs in her care.

When she’s not at the spa, Laurel enjoys exploring Oregon’s beautiful hiking trails and spending time in the community she loves. Her dedication to her craft and passion for dog care continue to make her a valuable part of the Luckydog team.

Bren is a valued member of the Luckydog spa team, bringing a wealth of professional grooming experience and a deep passion for providing each dog with a positive and individualized grooming experience. With a lifelong love for dogs, Bren approaches every grooming session with a commitment to ensuring the well-being and comfort of each dog in their care.

I've never known a home without at least one dog, which has given me a unique understanding of how to treat each dog as an individual.

Bren shares. Outside of the spa, Bren enjoys running with their dog, Iggy, and is also an artist, currently training as a tattoo artist. Bren’s dedication to their craft and genuine care for dogs make their services highly sought after, bringing joy and satisfaction to both dogs and their owners.

Hello, I'm Lindsey Madsen, and I bring over 7 years of grooming experience to Luckydog. My primary focus is on enhancing each dog's health through grooming while ensuring they feel comfortable and safe throughout the process. I treat every dog with the same care and attention I give my own, striving to make grooming a positive and enjoyable experience.

When I'm not at work, you'll likely find me hiking new trails with my miniature poodle, Bennie. I'm also passionate about reading and painting, drawing inspiration from the beauty around me.

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