A Pet’s Best FRIENDS

By Melissa Ruzicka

At City Bark, wagging tails and sloppy kisses are all in a day’s work—but for four FRIENDS of Broomfield participants, it’s much more than that. Their jobs at City Bark are opportunities to shine, to learn, and to be part of a team. Thanks to the support of FRIENDS of Broomfield’s Supported Employment program, Audrey, Amanda, Kevin, and Morighann are thriving in roles where their love for animals meets meaningful employment.

FRIENDS of Broomfield helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for the workforce by offering job readiness training, interview support, on-thejob coaching, and continued guidance. For participants, that support not only opens the door to employment but also builds independence and self-confidence. City Bark has embraced the partnership, offering a welcoming workplace where FRIENDS employees are valued team members.

Audrey began her career at City Bark as a Pet Host, carefully checking vaccine records and reservations. Today, she’s a Pet Pro, playing with dogs in solo care. “My favorite part of the job is working with the animals and people,” she said. FRIENDS helped her get ready by providing job prep and on-the-job training. She’s learned that she can be flexible, and she appreciates how her coworkers support her. “The staff answer any questions I may have and let me know about the dogs’ conditions. My favorite part about working with my fellow FRIENDS is their positive attitude.”

Amanda works in the outdoor small-dog yard, caring for puppies and little dogs who play together. Her favorite moments are when a dog jumps into her lap and falls asleep, or when the entire pack howls along to a passing firetruck. FRIENDS helped her find the job, practice applications, and provided a job coach. “Having this job helps me learn new skills and be a little more social with my coworkers, to me that really means a lot and I couldn’t have done it without FRIENDS of Broomfield,” she said.

Kevin works as a Pet Pro, caring for dogs, cleaning yards, and keeping pets cool on hot days. “I enjoy working with the animals,” he said, recalling when one tiny pup named Beans fit in one arm—and now she requires two. FRIENDS supported him with interview prep and job skills training. He’s learned something surprising about himself, too: “I always thought I was a cat person. Now I am both a cat person and a dog person.”

Morighann has worked at City Bark for three years, focusing on solo dog care. She loves the work, and even boards her own dog, Jake, at the facility. “I’d get bored at home, but here I get to be with dogs and take my own,” she said. FRIENDS helped her with job searching and development, and she’s learned how to work with many types of dogs over time. “I love my FRIENDS and my co-workers,” she shared warmly.

For these four employees, City Bark is more than a workplace— it’s a community. With FRIENDS of Broomfield walking alongside them, they’ve built skills, confidence, and friendships that go far beyond the kennel doors. Together, FRIENDS and City Bark show the power of inclusive employment: creating spaces where everyone, no matter their ability, can contribute, grow, and thrive.