ABOUT US
We are Melissa Marker and Michele Melius, the owners and operators of Maddie & Ellie's House. Madeline (Maddie) and Ellie Mae (Ellie) are our beloved dogs. Several years ago we worked together at an animal hospital in Sterling, Virginia. While working there, we often put in long hours and felt that we were neglecting our dogs all day. During those times, we often took advantage of a local dog daycare. We understood the need for dog daycare and decided to open one of our own. Four years later, Maddie and Ellie are veterans of dog daycare and can be seen in and out of playgroups at our facility.
We both have extensive educational backgrounds in various fields but our love of animals has brought us here. We use the knowledge we have gained in veterinarian services and other experiences to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for your dog’s socialization and entertainment.
As members of the The Pet Care Services Association (formerly known as ABKA or American Boarding Kennel Association), we take advantage of their continuing education programs. We believe up-to-date information, pertaining to your dog's welfare while in our care, is of the utmost importance. We are committed to quality care and enjoy treating your dog like our own while they are here.
MEET THE STAFF
Melissa
Marker -
Owner
So we’ve worked at animal hospitals but did you know that Melissa
is an ex- administrative assistant, proofreader and technical writer
that has always loved working with dogs? She has had numerous dogs throughout her life and
values their unconditional love and devotion. In her spare time,
Melissa enjoys digging round in the garden and spending time with her dog, Ellie. Her favorite food
is Key Lime Pie.
Did you know that Michele is a massage therapist that would love to transfer her knowledge of human massage to canines? She enjoys spending time with friends and loves going on hikes with her dog, Maddie. Her favorite food is Outback’s cheese fries.
This horseback riding soccer player, is one of the newest members to Maddie & Ellie’s House. She has always loved dogs and has two of her own, Keely and Joy. Kerry began as a volunteer, walking homeless dogs at a local kennel and continues working with dogs at our daycare. Kerry loves Italian, Greek and Mexican foods.
Megan has been working with us since June 2007. She has worked in retail and construction but her love of animals has brought her here. She has a Husky/Shepherd mix named Baby and enjoys shopping and hanging out with friends. Her favorite food is pasta with alfredo sauce.
Jessica began working at Maddie & Ellie’s House in November of 2007. She has always loved being around dogs and greatly misses her Sheltie, Rebel. She used to work as a party coordinator at a recreation center. When she is not at work she enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to the movies or taking long walks. Her favorite food is anything chocolate.
This active outdoor lover has been with us since November 2007. He has been living vicariously through other dog owners by dog walking and pet sitting. He would love to have a dog of his own but has a very busy work schedule. You’ll find Paul working mainly on weekends at Maddie & Ellie’s House. His favorite food is pizza.
An Operations Manager for Discovery, Christine needed a break from the “real world.” Her love of dogs lead her to us. Christine has been working with us since November 2007. When she is not working, she loves spending time outdoors and eating her friend Paola’s spaghetti carbonara. Christine has volunteered for Siberian Husky Rescue in Baltimore and has had several great dogs in her life.
There is not a single dog at Maddie & Ellie’s House that doesn’t love Lauren. She has been working with us since August 2007. She has always wanted to work with dogs and worked as a dog bather prior to working with us. She has two dogs of her own, Shippo and Sam. In her spare time she enjoys going to rock concerts and hanging out with friends. Lauren loves all types of candy.