Our Team
DJ Gwilt with Lincoln and RJ
DJ is a co-founder of Caring K9s and serves on the board of directors. She has been a Certified Dog Trainer since 2015 and is the trainer for Caring K9s.
Lincoln is a Golden Retriever and was born on December 10, 2014. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since May 2016. The AKC also recognizes Lincoln with the Therapy Dog Distinguished title. He loves swimming in the pool but hates taking a bath. His true obsession is tennis balls that squeak. He enjoys doing tricks for people like shake, roll over and speak. Lincoln enjoys spending family time at home and playing with his canine brother and sister.
RJ is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and was born on August 4, 2016. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since October 2019. RJ loves to swim and dive for tennis balls.
Tina Stockton and Chloe
Tina was an original co-founder of Caring K9s and served on the board of director and retired from the organization in 2023.
Chloe is a Standard Poodle and was born on May 29, 2015. She started working as a certified therapy dog in July 2016. After bringing joy to many people, she retired in 2021. The AKC also recognizes Chloe with the Therapy Dog Advanced title. She loves spending time with her family, playing fetch with her ball, and chasing squirrels. Chloe loves to give kisses and show off her favorite trick, shake!
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Karen Russell with Shelby and Buddy
Karen is a retired special education teacher from Michigan and serves on the board of directors.
Shelby is a Goldendoodle and was born on May 7, 2014. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since November 2017. Shelby loves people, treats long walks, and playing with her canine brother.
Buddy is a Labradoodle and was born on December 10, 2017. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since July 2021. After bringing joy to many people, he retired in 2022. Buddy loves car rides, going to Rural King shopping, and fishing! He actually caught a fish once and surprised himself! He also enjoys evening walks and greeting everyone he sees.
Cinda Lillibridge and Fender
Cinda works with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Fender is a Boxer and was born on January 21, 2018. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since June 2020. Fender likes laying in the sun and chasing his dog sister around the yard. He's up for anything that involves food and in his free time, he enjoys opening his doggy gate with his mouth. He is a master at counter surfing and a professional slobbery kisser.
Barb VanWinkle and Spot
Barb is retired from Orthopedic Surgery.
Spot was a rescued Cattle Dog Mix. Her birthday is September 10, 2007. She started working as a certified therapy dog in June 2018. After bringing joy to many people, she retired in 2020. Spot loves herding the horses and cows on her ranch home, but her favorite thing to do is nap. Sadly, Spot crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in February 2022.
Sue Hyatt and Curie
Sue is a retired Respiratory Therapist.
Curie is a Siberian Husky and was born on December 31, 2013, in Mississippi. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since April 2018. Curie loves doing agility drills, sleeping in the sun, and staying out of the snow.
Jim Engard and Chief
Jim is a retired Product Support Manager from a large construction equipment company.
Chief is a Golden Retriever and was born on January 19, 2016. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since February 2019. Chief loves boat rides, swimming, and spending time with his family.
Joy Mullen and Maggie
Joy is semi-retired and works at a local real estate office.
Maggie is a rescued Affenpinscher. Her birthday is on September 22, 2010. Maggie has been working as a certified therapy dog since March 2019. She loves to snuggle, watch TV and take long walks.
Paula Gaustad with Gracie and Stormi
Paula works for a local internet provider.
Gracie is an Australian Labradoodle and was born on April 14, 2017. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since March 2019. Gracie loves her stuffed animals, treats, and playing catch.
Stormi (not pictured) is a Labradoodle and was born on August 14, 2021. She is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Stormi loves to chase Gracie throughout the house to steal her toys and hide them. She is a snuggler and a lover who loves to be petted all the time! Her biggest trick is begging and walking on her hind legs. Stormi's favorite toy is the tennis ball, no matter what is going on, if she hears the bounce she is after it. She also loves to go on walks with Gracie, they walk side by side.
Dave Morana and Macy
Dave is retired and serves on the board of directors.
Macy is a Labrador Retriever and was born on January 25, 2018. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since May 2019. Macy loves to swim in the pool, fetch balls, squeaky toys, and playing with her canine sister.
Rick and Dee Lacy with Dixie, Yogi, and KC
Rick and Dee are retired and are seasonal members from New Jersey.
Dixie is a Border Collie and was born on April 7, 2018, in Mississippi. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since April 2019. The AKC also recognizes Dixie with the Therapy Dog Excellent title. Dixie loves everyone, especially children. She is the Aunt to both Yogi and KC.
Yogi is a Border Collie and was born on November 29, 2019. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since December 2021. The AKC recognizes Yogi with the Therapy Dog title. Yogi loves to play tag with Dixie, running and playing ball, playing in the water, watching dogs on TV, and visiting the kids in the neighborhood.
KC is a Border Collie and was born on August 2, 2021. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since December 2022. KC is Yogi's younger brother. He loves to play and learn with and from Dixie and Yogi. KC loves to greet everyone and loves new challenges.
Carol Schiller with Silas and Hope
Carol is a retired special education teacher and a seasonal member from Niantic, Connecticut.
Silas is a Golden Retriever and was born on May 16, 2017. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since April 2021. The AKC also recognizes Silas with the Advanced Therapy Dog title. Some of Silas’s favorite things are being with his family and playing fetch with his tennis ball.
Hope is a Golden Retriever and was born on October 26, 2013. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since March 2022. Hope is also recognized by the AKC with the Therapy Dog title. Hope is starting her second career as a therapy dog. She was a great mom to 36 puppies as part of Clark's Golden Retrievers. Hope is the Aunt to Silas.
Barbara Zopp-Haynes and Remy
Barbara is a retired mortgage broker.
Remy is a Goldendoodle and was born on November 6, 2018. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since April 2021. Remy loves his daily sunset walks. He is very inquisitive and as such meets all the neighbors. He is an incredible ball player and swimmer.
Sue Masson and Otis
Sue is the owner of multiple Dunkin Donuts in Hernando and Pasco County.
Otis is a Great Dane and was born on June 14, 2018. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since May 2021. Otis loves to run and chew on everything!
Stephanie Ghinger and Rico
Stephanie works part-time with Ameriprise Financial Services.
Rico is a Collie and was born on April 24, 2015. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since August 2021. Rico loves laying outside in the grass watching his “herd” of horses and pot-bellied pigs, going for walks, and playing ball with his 2 human brothers.
Sue Doherty and Murphy
Sue is a retired elementary teacher, credit, and collection for AT&T Yellow Pages, and co-owner of a complex machinery company.
Murphy is a Shetland Sheepdog and was born on April 27, 2014. Murphy loves being a therapy dog! He seems to understand people's needs, likes, and dislikes. He especially likes to play with Sue's eight grandchildren!
Norm and Linda Ross with Fenway
Norm and Linda are retired.
Fenway is a Golden Retriever and was born on November 4, 2020. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since March 2023. He is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Fenway loves to chase the frisbee and balls! His favorite things to do are of course eat and hang with his paw parents. He’s very playful and energetic!
Austin Klinger with Remi
Austin is an Assistant Manager at Jiffy Lube and currently working toward being a firefighter.
Remi is a Golden Retriever and was born on November 6, 2019. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since April 2023. He is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Remi loves going on walks, playing fetch, and snuggling with his cat sister. Remi loves people and is a great family dog!
Kathryn Kellogg with Taurus
Kathryn is a Kindergarten Teacher in Hernando County.
Taurus is a Pit Bull, Lab and German Shepard Mix and was born on March 9, 2022. He is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Taurus loves snuggling, working hard on his training and playing with his brother Remi!
Debbie Francis and Louie
Debbie sells real estate in the local area and joined Caring K9's Board of Directors in 2023.
Louie is a Labrador Retriever and was born on January 9, 2021. He has been working as a certified therapy dog since March 2023. He is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Louie loves to play tug-a-war, is addicted to a morning massage, and is most often velcroed to Debbie when she’s at home.
Dave Bartley and Bayley
Dave is a Veteran and retired from Law Enforcement.
Bayley is a Double Doodle and was born on May 9, 2020. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since December 2022. Bayley loves to play with socks. She will even take them off your feet! She also loves to hunt lizards and knows several tricks, including: sit, lay down, roll-over, run in a circle like a tornado and chase golf balls.
Claudia Carter and Bunker
Claudia is a retired Early Childhood Behavior Specialist.
Bunker is a Golden Retriever and was born on January 4, 2022. He is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Bunker loves to dock dive with his friend Champ and taking golf cart rides every evening.
Beverly Crisp and Lexi
Beverly is a retired Primary and ESOL teacher.
Lexi is a Collie and was born on August 20, 2015. She has been working as a certified therapy dog since January 2023. Lexi loves to go to the dog park and gently greet the pups and their parents. At home, she likes to wrestle with her Beagle brother and run in the yard barking joyously at the air. Mealtime is her favorite time of day!
Missina Burcaw and Tuon
Missina is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Wildlife rehabilitation specialist.
Tuon is a German Shepherd and was born on February 8, 2022. She is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Tuon loves to play ball, splash around in the mud, torment her feline housemates, go to Tractor Supply and eat!
Jason and Jill Hood with Dani
Jason and Jill are retired Scientists/Entrepreneurs.
Dani is a Yorkie Mix and was born on August 1, 2011. She is currently working on being certified as a therapy dog. Dani loves visiting with the neighborhood dogs, riding in the golf cart, and playing around the pool. Dani is not a morning girl and likes to sleep in and start her day with a downward and upward dog stretch.
Traci with Halo
Traci is a teacher at Weeki Wachee High School.
Halo is an English Cream Golden Retriever and was born on December 20, 2021. He is currently working on becoming a certified therapy dog and can’t wait to spread love, comfort, and joy to others. His favorite thing to do is SWIM and greet everyone he meets with a fierce tail wag.
Valerie Morrison and Kosby
Valerie is a seasonal member from Montrose, Pennsylvania.
Kosby is a Shih Tzu and was born on November 18, 2012. He started working as a certified therapy dog in March 2017. After bringing joy to many people, he retired in 2021. Kosby loves to play fetch with stuffed toys and hates to have his toenails trimmed.
Board of Directors Members
Caring K9's Board Members: Tina Stockton, Karen Russell, DJ Gwilt, David Morana, and Melinda Kishbaugh
