Readers' Choice Awards 2006

The votes are in! We asked you to choose your very favorites in the pet world, from the groomer who makes your canine look like a million dollar dog to the cat toy that drives your feline wild. We’re proud to present your favorites and shine the spotlight on some of Chicagoland’s very best.

Best

Veterinarian

Michael Fedyniak DVM

Mayfair Animal Clinic, P.C.
4314 N Elston Ave, Chicago
(773) 478-1868

How long have you been practicing your profession?

This July I marked 30 years as a veterinarian.

What is your favorite part of the job?

Being able to take really sick patients and reuniting them with the people who love them. Pets have taught me much about the sanctity of life and I continue to learn from them every day.

Any crazy stories to share?

About a year and a half ago a long-time client brought in a stray that she just found. My heart stopped. I knew this dog! About a month prior, I was at a colleague’s animal hospital for a mini-seminar [and] remembered seeing this very dog with yellow bandages. We were able to reunite this runaway with his family. Needless to say this story had a happy ending.

Any pets at home?

Our family is blessed with two dogs, a Lab [mix] and a Pug. I cannot imagine life without them.

Any words of wisdom?

Veterinarians would be nothing without their fantastic staffs. Our staff is a step above that.

Best Dog

Walker

Marc Matlin

Chicago Dog Walkers
(773) 394-9961
www.ChicagoDogWalkers.com

How long have you been running Chicago Dog Walkers?

Almost 9 years now, I’m very happy to say.

Why did you choose this profession?

One reason is that I’ve been in our clients’ shoes—working long hours in a corporate environment. I hired a dog walker myself because I hated the thought of leaving a member of my family home alone for so many hours. Plus it seemed like the perfect career, spending time outdoors, rather than behind a desk.

What is your favorite part of the job?

It gives me great satisfaction to know that our clients care so much about their pets. It is gratifying to know that people, not just our clients, but anyone who hires any kind of pet service, are thinking about their pet’s happiness and well-being during the day when they’re not home.

Do you have any pets at home?

We have a dog and four cats who all get along really, really well. They’re all rescues. This is something I feel very strongly about. In fact, CDW gives a discount to those clients who have rescued dogs from animal shelters. Sugar, our dog, is the boss of the house. Freddie, a cat, is the neighborhood favorite. What a personality! Kittie, Gracie, and Cindy Sue are a little shyer. Loving to us, but not very gregarious. We love them all, they make our lives richer.

How do you think your industry has changed over the years?

Chicago is a very dog-intensive city. People are very focused on their dogs. This has created a demand for a whole myriad of products and services that weren’t available or were hard to find even 5 years ago, from the boutique groomer to 24-hour-a-day animal hospitals to specialty stores to the mega pet stores.

  Best Dog

Trainer

Wendy DeCarlo-Young

How long have you been a dog trainer?

30 years.

Why did you choose this profession?

I love dogs, training, and teaching. It was an easy choice for me.

What is your favorite part of the job?

On a daily basis I see wonderful relationships build between [guardians] and their dogs through training.

Have you had any crazy incidences or situations?

You bet! I could write a book on the adventures in dog training.

Do you have any pets at home?

Any words of wisdom about your profession?