our great staff
Brock Benson, Owner
He was Born in Washington D.C and was moved to the suburbs of Springfield Va. Brock Benson was born into the pet business. He has 33 years of pet experience. His family has owned a daycare, boarding and training facility, Woodlawn Pet Care Center in Alexandria, Virginia, for all pets since 1976. He says he was born into the business. As a child he worked and helped his parents during holidays and summertime when it was vacation season. During High school the Benson Family opened a Retail store in Strasburg Va.
After his fathers passed away he took over management of the family business. Being trained as a dog trainer and business man from his mother, father and Margot Woods of Apple Woods dog training, and having been around pets all his life, pet behavior has become second nature. It was only natural to expand his family business into Washington D.C.
With the help of Linda Welch, His family purchased all assets of “Dogs by Day” and “Green Pets” including the entire amazing staff! This adventure has turned into what is now Planet Pet. Now with this new and larger business, he can bring all his knowledge and experience to the Metro area to service one of the most pet friendly and populated areas in the country.
When Brock in not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and his 4 cats and 5 dogs. Pet rescue is not just a hobby of his, but he feels it’s a responsibility of all pet industry business owners.
daycare
Hilroy Franklyn, Master Handler
Hilroy is from St Vincent and the Grenadines. He has worked with dogs since 2003 and is also a senior handler with us because of his wonderful soothing manner and attention to detail. Hilroy is a keen mechanic, enjoys any chance to DJ, and is a fabulous all around handyman as there is really nothing he can’t fix. Hilroy’s lovely wife, Natalie, has an amazing catering Caribbean food business called Tasty Bites that we all enjoy on a regular basis.
Roman Shaw, Master Handler
Rome was born and raised in DC’s U Street Corridor. He has worked with dogs since 2002 and is now a senior handler because of his amazing ability to make the dogs feel safe and loved. Rome finds purpose in the advocacy and caretaking of dogs. Also, there is rarely a dull workday! Rome is proud father to the lovely 3-year-old Namora and has a 7-year-old Presa Canario (a fairly rare Argentine breed) named Mary. Rome’s passions include reading, exercising, and living in the moment.
Remy William Shaw, Master Handler
Remy is from DC and has been a dog handler since 2000! He grew up around all kinds of animals, and gained a great love and respect for all creatures. Dogs seem to be the ones that most captured his heart. Remy has two mixed-breed dogs, a cat, and a red-eared slider turtle. He is a serious Greek and Roman history and mythology buff and loves horror movies.
Nestor Romero, Intermediate Handler
Nestor is from DC and has worked with dogs since 2007. He likes working with dogs because they are so cute and fun to play with. He also runs with our dogs and gives them plenty of love! Nestor’s hobbies include photography and sports (he’ll play soccer at the park with some dogs, as well!). On the weekend, you’ll find Nestor hanging around with some friends down at the Mall.
John Velez, Apprentice Handler
John is from Texas, but he grew up here in DC. He’s been working with dogs since 2007. The deep bond he shares with his own dogs (three pit bulls) inspired him to seek out work with dogs in a professional environment. He also has two ferrets! His darling son, born September 2010, means the world to him.
Quelito Yanes, Apprentice Handler
Quelito is Elmer’s son and has been with us for nearly 4 years. Like his father, Quelito has a real way with dogs. Quelito likes giving one on one attention to our dogs and is especially good with dog massage and older dog care. When he’s not with us, Quelito likes hanging out with his friends, playing Play Station or even better, soccer.
Tameika Wallace, Apprentice Handler
Tameika is from Maryland and has been working with dogs since 2008. She values her work because of the wonderful payoff she gets from building a bond with dogs. Tameika has helped developed our curbside pick up and drop off and is especially competent with aging dogs. In her spare time, Tameika enjoys photography.
shop
David A. Richardson
David is from DC and has been working with animals since 2006. He feels that dogs are companion animals in the truest sense, and strives to embody their best qualities himself. David is always excited to build close bonds with dogs as well as their owners. The language comes very easily. David has a wide range of theatrical abilities: he’s been stage manager, producer, poet, and actor for many productions. He also volunteers with local HIV prevention organizations. David’s wonderful dog Demi, an 8-year-old Rottweiler mix, is the apple of his eye. Also, David loves cupcakes!
Tim McGuire
Tim is originally from New Mexico and has worked with animals since 1999. He loves his work because animals serve as a constant reminder for us to be joyous and selfless. Tim has two sweet cats and two wonderful dogs at home.
Britton Bazemore
Britton is from DC and has worked with pets since 2004. He loves pets because they are a joy to be around. Also, Britton is a total people person. In his spare time, he writes music and plays piano beautifully.
Patrick D. McHugh
Patrick comes to us from Uriah, Alabama where he grew up on a farm. Being with animals just seems to come naturally to him. Patrick has a fondness for all animals but in particular, he loves spending time and having adventures with his dog. When Patrick is not working, he loves to spend time outdoors with his friends, camping, traveling, going to LGBT events or playing soccer.
grooming
Greg Riddiford
Greg comes to us from Virginia and has been working with dogs as a pet sitter since the age of 10. That experience inspired him to go to school and become the exceptional groomer that he is today. He’s been grooming dogs in the Metro area for over 11 years. His love for dogs is obvious by the quality of his work and the gentle and loving care he gives all his charges. When he’s not giving a dog the latest style, you can find him playing his alto sax. He’s been a Kings Park Concert band member since 1995!
Tanya Minor
Tanya is also from DC and has been grooming professionally since 2003. She gets a true sense of peace from working with dogs and considers her profession a bit of an art form. It’s very satisfying to stand back and consider the “before and after” aspect of professional grooming. Tanya enjoys bowling and the theater.
front desk
Tim Simera
Tim is another native of our fabulous city and has been working with dogs for over 2 years. He loves his work because he finds dogs very entertaining, loving and most of all, hilarious! There is never a dull moment because they can be so unpredictable. When Tim isn’t working hard on the front desk, you can find him hard at work on his art.
Alex Jacoby
Alex is a DC native and has worked with dogs since 2005, when she happily switched from the corporate lifestyle to work that she truly loves. It was definitely the correct choice. Alex enjoys spending time with her dog (a basset hound mix) outdoors. She is also very fond of reading, cars, and science fiction.
Nancy Gravatt
Nancy has worked with us for nearly 6 years and has helped keep the core of our business organized and stable. She loves her work because the dogs give her unconditional love and make great companions. She’s been living in Maryland with her 2 dogs but is about to embark on a cross - country journey to join the prestigious Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. Nancy has made such a difference here locally with her commitment to dogs and feels she’d like to have an even greater impact by working with a National rescue. It’s a big loss to us but what a gain to Best Friends! Nancy will continue to work with us virally by helping us to find homes for many of the rescues in this area. Though we won’t see her at the front desk anymore, we will always feel her presence and the positive effect she’s had on Planet Pet.
