PUPDATE! Meet the Team: Jasmine Vasquez, Lead Daycare Attendant

Jasmine Vasquez is a kind-hearted, patient, trustworthy young woman with a few pranks, sassy jokes and sarcastic comments hidden up her sleeve. That’s exactly what makes her an exceptional Lead Daycare Attendant at the PUPS Pet Club in Lakeview! 

To put it simply, Jasmine realized that she “likes dogs more than people” which is why she initially started working with animals. A few years ago, she was working as an independent dog walker but she eventually decided to pursue her dream of working with dogs full time. That’s when she applied at PUPS. Jasmine and PUPS were a perfect fit right from the start and she quickly became a strong Daycare Lead.

The most rewarding moment of Jasmine’s career with PUPS stemmed from a nervous dog named Panda. Although Panda regularly attended daycare, she was incredibly nervous each and every day. It was impossible for Jasmine to pet Panda or even approach her without being greeted with fearful barks and growls. But Jasmine was determined to win Panda’s trust. Every time Panda entered the daycare room, Jasmine would place her hand behind her back because she knew Panda would be more comfortable sniffing her that way. Jasmine did this every day as a way to slowly build their relationship and gain her trust. Jasmine says she “cried out of pure joy” when she was finally able to connect with Panda on another level. 

The sweet side of Jasmine is pretty obvious. However, she’s also a huge goofball. You can usually find her in the daycare room dancing to music or cracking jokes with the other daycare attendants. She’s also known for playing pranks on her General Manager, Jonathan. 

Jasmine claims that she’s one of the few Chicagoans who actually enjoys exploring the city via public transit. On her days off, she will hop on the train or bus to explore new areas throughout the city. So far, her favorite place in Chicago is the “amazing” 606 Trail. She has managed to walk the entire 2.7 miles long trail several times. She is also a self-proclaimed “pizza woman” and her favorite restaurant is Lou Malnati’s.

If she were to give pet parents one piece of advice, it would be to make every day and every moment of your dog’s life count. We as people just see them as pets but they bring value to our lives in so many different ways.