Dena Matera – owner operator
Daycare & Boarding
What happens when a you mix a dedicated animal lover with an entrepreneurial spirit? Just ask all the lucky creatures ever cared for by Dena Matera of Got Dogs? in Truckee, CA.
If they could talk, Dena’s animal friends would certainly praise her exuberance, warmth, and passion. Raised alongside German Shepherds, a lizard, and a parakeet Dena learned early on about gentleness, connection, and loyalty.
It is that spirit—that deep understanding and connection with animals—that gave Dena the inspiration to start a pet care business of her own. In preparation, she attended dog shows regularly volunteered at Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club. In 2009, Dena earned her dog training diploma. Eventually, her dog, Shakti, joined Dena, and together they received a Canine Good Citizen Certification. This gave them the opportunity to work in hospitals with the disabled.
Currently, Dena continues to develop her professional understanding of animal psychology and behavior along with building her professional relationships. In addition, Dena’s own family has grown. Now, the proud mother of two, Dena is busier than ever. Fortunately, due to Got Dogs? success, her business has expanded along with her family. Dena has hired a dedicated and trusted crew of helpers to assist her in providing dog walking and pet sitting services. So, these days, Dena speaks of Got Dogs? as “we” not “I” because she sees her business as a team (and family) effort. According to Dena, “It’s the best job I could ever imagine — walking, playing and cuddling dogs daily. I just love meeting new dogs — and their people. Many of my clients are now friends. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
“I can survive with my dogs. I will survive because of my dogs. They provide love, safety, warmth, and knowledge. I know now and forever they are my guardian angles. I will forever be grateful and loyal, I know so will they to me.”
-Owner of Got Dogs, Dena Matera
All walkers and sitters are experienced with pets and caretaking. They are background checked 7 years for criminal and motor vehicle.
Liz O’Keefe
Full time dog walker and pet sitter
Liz has always been an animal lover ever since she was a young girl. She grew up with dogs, cats, and reptiles. When she moved away from her family home she adopted a black lab that eventually needed two ACL surgeries. After, she rehabbed her pup to full total health via physical therapy and hydrotherapy.
Liz has the utmost patience and respect for all animals that are under her care. She can adapt to any situation that may arise to help your animal being comfortable to any issues they may face.
Being a Truckee/Tahoe local since 2004 she knows all the perfect secret trails for your pups to have the absolute most epic time.
Kelly Boire
Truckee back up walker & sitter
Kelly has been an avid dog lover all her life. Growing up, her family always had at least one dog, so she learned to care for them from an early age. Moving to the Tahoe area almost 20 years ago, she continued to have dogs of her own. She has taken them hiking, biking, kayaking and paddle boarding, enjoying their company and enthusiasm as an integral part of being outdoors. She has trained her own dogs and studied dog psychology and behavior to better understand their needs and interests. She strives to make good connections with dogs and provide companionship, care, and love to all the four-legged friends that she is entrusted with.
Chris Kruss
Tahoe Donner back up walker
Chris is a long-time Truckee local who’s lived in our area for almost 30 years. Dena has trusted Chris with her furry clients for over five years, as well as being a trusted friend and helpful neighbor.
Rest assured Chris knows our trails and will find the coolest spots for epic canine adventures each and every time. The proud owner of three adorable dogs of his own, Chris is a semi-retired salesman who’s always up for a robust Tahoe Donner outing— even if it’s last-minute!
Before moving to Truckee Chris spent his youth in the the Santa Cruz mountains and called the surrounding farms and ranches home. Chris’s favorite pastimes include fitness and motor sports and of course hiking — rain or shine — with a happy pack of dogs.