Jesse Tishkoff – Owner/Chief Pet Snuggler
Hi, my name is Jesse (they/them) and I am the owner of Pawsitive Steps PDX and my life long passion is working with animals. I grew up with cats and dogs and have loved animals since I was a child. I started Pawsitive Steps PDX in July 2013 and it was the best decision I have ever made. Before I worked with animals professionally, I volunteered with two amazing local organizations that help improve dogs lives; Family Dogs New Life Shelter (walking shelter dogs), and building fences with Fences For Fido. I put my whole heart into the work I do and feel incredibly grateful to get to spend my life caring for your fur babies. In 2022, I fostered dogs with Stumptown Strays which was a very rewarding experience and I loved helping pups find their furever homes! I currently have 4 fur babies: 3 dogs ( Muffin, Biscuit, and Piggy) and 1 cat (Gravy).
Ali Block– Pet Care Professional
Hello! My name is Ali, and I am a dog walker/ pet sitter for Pawsitive Steps PDX. I began my life surrounded by rescues and show dogs and continue to help all animals in need through rescue, education and any way I am able. I have had the pleasure of working as a pet nurse in a veterinary clinic and look forward to the day I am able to have my own animal sanctuary/ pet retirement home for those pets in need of a loving home including seniors as they are less likely to be adopted. I have the pleasure of being human to two rescue cats, Sol and Dexter who have stolen my heart and a majority of my bed. Due to rent restriction I am unable to have dogs, so I plan on spoiling your pets with affection and attention!
Lou Hall- Pet Care Professional
Osiyo oginalii (hello my friend), my name is Lou (they/them/elle)! While my formal background is in restaurants and bakeries, as a devout introvert my truest obsession has always been making pet friends. I’m the proud parent of two wonderful rescue pups, Julep (a hound mix) came to me in 2015, and Piggy (a pittie mix who Jesse and I co-parent) just joined us in March of 2023! These two were instant bffs and spend their days together wrastling, snuggling, and counting all their squirrels. When I’m caring for your pets, it’s always my goal to shower them with the same immense love, adoration, and positive reinforcement that I know my own babies deserve. In my free time I also volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society, and I foster dogs with treatable medical needs for Stumptown Strays (an amazing rescue run by veterinary medical professionals, go check them out!). More dogs = more happiness! Donadagohvi (until we meet again) 
David Kindsfather- Pet Care Professional
Hi there! I’m David and I’m an animal-loving Portland native that enjoys West African drumming and fly fishing. I love working at Pawsitive Steps PDX and getting to spend my days with all the wonderful animals. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had!
Katie Baxter- Pet Care Professional
I’m a longtime dog owner, and foster parent with the rescue, Stumptown Strays. I have previously worked in veterinary medicine, and am the owner of the most perfect German Shepherd-Lab mix that has ever existed. I love all animals, great and small, believe in positive-reinforcement, and am a pro-level belly rub giver. I can’t wait to meet your pet!
Heather Dowdy- Pet Care Professional
Hi! I’m Heather (she/her), and animals have been my biggest lifelong passion. Pictured is me with my sweet and spunky rescued pittie, Briley, who my spouse and I adopted 12 years ago. She is our world!
I have 20+ years of professional pet care experience, including being a pet sitter, vet tech, animal rescuer, foster mom, and an emergency animal shelter manager for large-scale rescues.
I grew up having so many rescued pets, and as an adult I have shared my heart and home with numerous dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, box turtles, a hooded rat, and even an African clawed aquatic frog!
I know that my pets are my kids, and how much they mean to me, and I know how important it is to work with a sitter you can trust. When you entrust me to care for your pets, I take that responsibility very seriously. I truly pour my heart into loving and caring for your pets like my own!
I have a lot of experience with caring for young and senior pets, and giving medications and injections. I am 100% force-free and only incorporate compassionate, positive training with the pets I care for.
I look forward to caring for your pets!
Chad Walter- Pet Care Professional
Hey, I’m Chad! I’ve been working with dogs consistently since 2016. I’m a dad, a drummer, and veteran- all informing my relationship and connection with animals. I’m a believer in a force-free approach to working with animals and look forward to meeting you!
