Meet the Bark Avenue Team
We Help Dogs Feel at Home
Beth Drake
Hi, I’m Beth Drake, the owner of Bark Avenue. Born and raised right here in Portland, I’ve been working with dogs since 2008 and have spent my career in many corners of the pet care world — daycare, boarding, grooming and retail. Over the years, I saw what worked (and what didn’t) and knew I wanted to create something better — a place where dogs could play, relax, and feel truly at home. After years in the industry, I realized I wasn’t always comfortable leaving my own pets at some of the places I worked. That experience inspired me to create the kind of environment I could truly trust—a place I’d feel confident leaving my own dog. That vision became Bark Avenue: a space built on trust, safety, and heart. I’m certified in canine CPR and first aid, and I take pride in creating an environment that’s as safe as it is fun. When I’m not surrounded by wagging tails, I’m probably out exploring a new trail or crossing another national park off my list. My music taste is all over the place, I love discovering new food spots, and I’m just as happy staying in with my dog, Penny Lane and my cat, Daphne —curled up on the couch watching a scary movie or cheering for the Blazers.
Grooming Crew
Beth
Hi, I have been grooming dogs for over 15 years and have a wealth of experience in all aspects of pet care.
I am patient, loving and have an eye for trimming hair to perfection. I am pet CPR and First Aid trained so you can be absolutely sure your dog is in safe hands.
Over the years I have worked with every breed of dog enabling me to be confident handling all coat types. I pride myself on understanding dog behavior while maintaining calm communication with every pup I work with.
I specialize in anxious dogs with a tendency for nervous behavior and have had success in the past with clients who have never been able to have their pet worked on prior to me.
I enjoy working with senior dogs and building confidence in young puppies. I aim to build a relationship with each and every dog I groom so they will have the utmost trust in me. I truly love what I do everyday and am so excited for my new venture.
Sunshine
Hi, I am a groomer from Southern California who recently relocated to PDX and was snatched up to join the Bark Avenue team shortly after arriving. I have been grooming for around 6 years after leaving the dog training world to follow my artistic passion through haircuts and color! It is my dream to love and care for a dog from the outside in. i enjoy helping seniors feel their best through comfort grooms, loving puppies through (let's face it:can be kind of scary) first haircut, discovering personalities, and most of all helping dogs feel comfortable and beautiful!
I am CPR and first aid certified. ! am constantly continuing my education on behavior, products, styles and safety via online and in person seminars. This is in order to assure myself, my clients and most of all the pets I love are the most comfortable, safe and getting the most up to date style grooms possible.
Syd
Hello! I have been pet grooming professionally for nine years. Connecting, building trust and creating a positive relationship with your pet are essential to the grooming process and I do this through utilizing a soft, gentle, intuitive energy to communicate with your pet. Your dogs comfort, physical and emotional, are my top priority. I work with dogs of all sizes, coat types, and temperaments, and specialize in working with anxious/scared dogs. I pride myself on working with dogs of all ages, including senior dogs who require a different level of skill and attention.
I absolutely love grooming puppies, it’s such a joy and honor to be able to introduce young pups to the grooming process and even make it an engaging space where they can be comfy and have fun too!
I love to groom in a variety of different styles but I tend to lean toward Asian Fusion and teddy bear cuts. I like all my dogs to leave with a happy, uplifted puppy-like expression
Alexis
Hi! I have worked as a professional dog bather for a few years. I have been an animal lover my whole life. I started working for my family's pet supply business in high school then moved on to doggy daycares where I became the "#1 bather". I love bathing because it's built on trust, love and sometimes patience. I am currently studying to be an Animal Rescue Officer.
My goal in life is to own a nice chunk of land and have my own pet rehabilitation shelter!!
Daycare & Boarding Crew
Ashlee | Daycare & Boarding Manager
Hi, I have been working with pets since April 2016 and have a wealth of experience within dog daycare and boarding. I have owned dogs my whole life and am so excited to have a career working with them. I am very dedicated to learning everything I can about dog breeds, behavior and communication. I moved to Portland from Syracuse, NY in September 2016. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and camping but mostly, I like being around dogs!
Kiyana | Daycare/overnight Team
Hi, I am an animal advocate deeply committed to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. My journey is guided by the dream of creating a hospice home for senior rescue animals or founding an animal sanctuary, where we can provide love and care for those in need. It's all about building a world where every animal can live their best life.
Gillian | Daycare/overnight Team
Hi, I lived in southern OR most of my life and moved to the Portland area after graduating from college. I have years of experience working with dogs. My favorite part of working with dogs is getting to know each individual dog's personality and making sure that they have a fun and enriching time at daycare. In my free time I enjoy sewing, crocheting, exploring nature and spending time at home with my pets and husband.
Jake | Daycare Team
Hi, I have had a lifelong passion for animals. I grew up with dogs and have gained experience with horses which has provided me a strong foundation for my work with dogs. I have multiple years of direct experience working with dogs in a daycare environment. I bring a practical and fun experience to my work with dogs. I love becoming best friends with our daycare dogs. Even the dogs that are often afraid of men always end of loving daycare with me!
Jack | Daycare Team
Hi, I have had a huge love for dogs my whole life. I have two of my own dogs at home. I enjoy watching and taking care of the dogs here at Bark Avenue so much! I always look forward to being able to bond with each dog. I love seeing their happiness and energy when I'm with them. In my free time I love to skate, spend time in nature, go on hikes, go to concerts of all kinds and of course be with my family and friends.