Your Florissant and Hazelwood Pet Sitters

Denise Sparrow

Owner

I’ve been working with animals for over 30 years, and honestly, it’s just always been who I am. Big dogs, little dogs, shy ones, wild ones, I’ve seen it all and love them all.

Over the years, I’ve fostered more than 200 dogs, worked with countless pets through grooming, and handled everything from basic care to more complex medical and behavioral needs. I have always been grateful for the hands-on experience that fostering provided me. I learned so much and would recommend it to anyone who wants to pursue a career working with animals. Grooming also taught me so much. I’m trained in pet first aid through both LaBest and the Red Cross, but just as important is the real-life experience that comes with doing this day in and day out.

My rescue work started back in 2002 with the National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN), after losing my own dog, Belushi. What started as fostering turned into a much bigger role over the years, including serving as Missouri Coordinator, fundraising, and helping on the board. I’ve always believed in giving back, not just to animals, but to people too, which is why I’ve also spent time mentoring kids at Marygrove and volunteering with CASA.

Before all of this, I was actually in the corporate world managing the Citi Home Equity Command Center. But animals were always pulling at me, and I finally made the jump into pet styling and care full-time. I trained at LaBest Academy of Animal Arts, earned my certifications, and eventually ran a grooming shop. When that chapter ended, it pushed me to focus fully on what I really love, working directly with pets and caring for them in their own homes.

These days, I may spend more time behind the scenes running the business, but I still make it a point to get out there, see the pets, and get my share of slobbery kisses and kitty purrs. That’s the best part of the job and always will be.

Looking back, those early years feel like a lifetime ago. After 15 years of running Bark ’n Good Time, I have a whole new set of experiences that guide how we care for pets and support our clients. I’ve also gone through the loss of several of my own pets over the years, which has only deepened my understanding of how much they mean to us.

These days, my crew includes Roxanne, my high-energy, incredibly smart dog, Oliver, a bossy cat, who definitely runs the house, and Hazel, our acrobatic cat. Roxanne started as a foster, Oliver came from rescue, and Hazel is one of eight cats I trapped after they were dumped at a local conservation area, and I just couldn’t let her go. And yes, we’re still fostering.

They’re a big part of why I care so much about what I do. I know what it means to trust someone with your pets, and I don’t take that lightly.

Jade

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

Jade has been with Bark’n Good Time since April, 2015.

​Ruff, Ruff……It’s a barkngood day to play! My name is Jade Jones. I have been living in the Florissant, MO. Area for over 15 years now, I raised three wonderful kids and I now have six awesome grandkids. I am extremely passionate about animals. I have always had a few fur babies of my own. Currently, I am a proud mother of a Chihuahua named Hazel. I truly believe that they are our babies and it is very important on whom we entrust with their care.

I have been an animal lover all my life! I passed this down to my kids and now my grandkids. Just recently one of my granddaughters graduated Pre-K and said she wants to work with animals when she gets older……I taught her well. I started off caring for friends and family pets along with having my own to care for. As a single mother I have always juggled a couple of jobs at one time. My corporate career is with Bank of America. Before joining Denise at Bark’n Good Time I was with Fetch Pet Care whom serviced the Florissant area as well. I have met some great people and absolutely adorable pets through this business. It is a lot like having grandkids, I get to spoil them and play with them and give them back to their Mom’s and Dad’s. But most of all I am entrusted with their precious lives while Mom and Dad are away. This is a very large responsibility but it comes naturally to me.

Jess

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

Hey there, I’m Jess, and I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Bark’n Good Time family since June 2015. Working with animals is truly my passion, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to create meaningful connections with our furry friends.

I had 33 years under my belt at Ford Motor Company, when I joined Bark’n Good Time. Transitioning from the automotive industry to animal care has been incredibly rewarding.

At home, I’m the proud companion of two wonderful cats and a dog who bring endless joy and laughter into my life. My love for animals extends beyond just domestic pets—I’ve also had the pleasure of working with horses, cattle, goats, chickens, and more throughout my lifetime.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing pets like Precious, who may be initially shy or reserved, light up with joy and excitement in my presence. Building trust and rapport with animals comes naturally to me, and I’m honored to play a role in making their time at Bark’n Good Time as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Here’s to many more years of wagging tails, purring kitties!

Ginny

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

Ginny has been with Bark’n Good Time since June, 2021

As a lifelong pet parent, working for Bark’n Good Time is a dream job for me. I spent many years in corporate life and then had a rewarding career as a massage therapist. When I left massage I was looking for something that would be a good fit for me and be helpful to others and support my personal goals relating to my own physical and mental health. Walking dogs was the answer. I currently have 5 cats, which probably qualifies as a crazy cat lady, and two big wonderful dogs. My Louie is a 100lb Lab/Great Dane mix and Mattilda is a mixed breed sweetie that was found on a neighbor’s porch.

Jill

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

Jill has been with Bark’n Good Time since June, 2021.

Jill’s love for animals started early as the youngest of seven in a bustling, pet-filled home with dogs, fish, and even a guinea pig! Today, she shares her life with two beloved pups – a sweet 12-year-old Pit Bull and an energetic Chihuahua who keeps her on her toes. Waking up each morning with her fur babies is her favorite way to start the day, and she brings that same joy and devotion to every pet she cares for.

Michelle

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter 

Michelle has been with Bark’n Good Time since June, 2022

I grew up in a house that always had a dog. They are great friends and love unconditionally.

I got my first cat as an adult, and I have no idea why I waited so long to get one. Cats are so sweet and just run the household.

Growing up in Florissant, I know the area very well. I look forward to helping pet owners in this area!

Jennifer

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter

Jennifer has been with Bark’n Good Time since April, 2022

My name is Jennifer, and I love all dogs and cats.  I have lived in the Florissant area for the last 9 years.  In my spare time, I work in real estate and serve in the Air Force Reserves.  I have 3 lovely dogs and 2 cute cats. We all like to stay active.  You can find me running or hiking the trails with a dog or two or three. Without the fur babies, I can be found on the bike.  I look forward to caring for your babies!

Emma

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

Hello there! My name is Emma, and I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being part of the Bark’n Good team since May of 2022. It’s been nearly two years of pure joy and fulfillment, surrounded by our beloved furry friends.

Animals have always held a special place in my heart, weaving themselves into the fabric of my earliest memories. From the very first puppy, Stubby, whose name stemmed from his adorable stub tail, to FeFe, my dear cat named after a neighbor’s granddaughter, animals have been constant companions throughout my life’s journey. Even back in 2nd grade, I couldn’t resist bringing home a free puppy, marking the beginning of my lifelong love affair with four-legged companions.

Fast forward to today, and I proudly wear the title of the “crazy chihuahua lady” among my circle of friends and family. My penchant for extravagant names, exemplified by Napoleon Cumberbatch Salvatore, reflects the whimsical joy and love I have for each and every one of my furry family members. With four chihuahuas and a cat who firmly believes she’s a dog, my household is a bustling haven of love and laughter.

For over a decade, I’ve been deeply involved in animal rescue, continuously inspired by the unwavering love and resilience displayed by our furry friends. Every day, I’m reminded of the profound beauty and strength that exists within each animal we encounter.

In both my personal and professional life, I strive to find the silver lining in every moment, cherishing the small joys that make life truly meaningful. With a heart full of gratitude and a smile ready to brighten anyone’s day, I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey with Bark’n Good and embracing each day with enthusiasm and positivity.

Desirae

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

Desirae has been with Bark’n Good Time since March, 2025.

Hi there, my name is Desirae and just call me Pet Sitter Master of Chaos. Rambunctious pets are my specialty. Whether your pet paws or crawls, slithers or swims I’ve raised, loved and nurtured the oddest of critters!

My favorite types of animals are arthropods but I am no stranger to your typical dogs and cats. So far I’ve got 25 of my life’s years dedicated to tending animals and counting. I once did assistance work in grooming and homestead livestock before landing here with one on one pet care. In my personal life I commit to doing freelance work in multi-media art, as well as art hobbies and rehabilitating cats. Currently I’ve tending over a baker’s dozen in feral and abandoned rescues with more than half having resumed normal house cat lifestyles! I’m an active woman and I love to stay active when animals well-being are involved.

Alex

Dog Walker / Pet Sitter / Overnight Caregiver

My name is Alexandria and I’ve been a member of the Bark’n Good Time team since October 2025! I first reached out to join the team when I was looking for some work I could pick up in addition to my full time job at the time. I’ve worked in doggy daycare settings for 6 years and moving to one on one pet care has been an amazing change of pace for me. I love being able to bond with pets and provide excellent care and attention to each and every one. I have experience administering medication and basic first aid as well from my previous job. I’m no stranger to taking multiple dogs on walks too! I also love being able to get outside and get some activity when I’m out walking your fur babies!

In my lifetime I’ve had over 9 cats and didn’t get my first dog until high school! Currently I have 3 dogs and 2 cats who I adore. In my spare time I’m usually found curled up with one (or two or three) of them and a good book. I am also a budding plant parent too and enjoy gardening so your plants are safe with me too! I look forward to meeting you and your pets and giving them the best of the best care they deserve!