CanineLink Alumni Spotlight: Tracey Gold

By Jamie Damato Migdal, CEO & Pet Industry Entrepreneur

Tracey Gold is the driving force behind Chicago Canine Concierge, as well as the Dog Days of Summer social events and the Chicago Area Pet Business Networking Group – and that’s just the short list of the things that she does! She has taken Behavior Fundamentals as well as Pet Business Development (and now helps teach one of the sections). Her dog, Ruby, also works with her in Essential Training Skills whenever they are needed. Tracey keeps up with professional development through CanineLink seminars and workshops, both to enhance her dog handling skills and to keep current with all things canine so that she can more effectively refer professional pet care providers to clients and be an even better volunteer at Chicago Animal Care and Control.

What is your background? My "first" background is in retail and client service. I got my degree in Fashion Merchandising and worked in management roles for twelve years after graduating college. My "other" background for my current life comes from various roles throughout the pet business. I started out as the general manager for a luxury boarding and daycare facility, started/ran/sold my own dog walking and pet care business, and I am now the owner of Chicago Canine Concierge, which is the exclusive pet service referral provider for Chicago and the suburbs. I also plan and host pet related events throughout the city and run a B2B networking group for people in the pet business.

How do you pay it forward? I have been working with Safe Humane Chicago weekly for about three years in their Lifetime Bonds program at the Illinois Youth Center, as well as with the Youth Leaders program and other programs with the Court Case Dogs and with my own dog Ruby, who is a Safe Humane Ambassador. I also volunteer at Chicago Animal Care and Control, walking dogs and doing manners class for Court Case Dogs. In addition, I plan and host multiple events throughout the year that benefit different rescue organizations, like our twice yearly Mega Garage Sale for the Animals, our weekly Dog Days of Summer Events, and much more. We always try to feature or involve at least one rescue, if not more, in every event we do.

What drew you to CanineLink? Jamie Damato Migdal has been a huge influence in my life as far as just working in the pet industry, being an entrepreneur, and so much more. She suggested I sign up for her Pet Business Development courses, which I enjoyed immensely, (and now also co-teach one of the classes with her on Networking Management, Sales and Marketing). I also have taken Behavior Fundamentals and other seminars, such as Multiple Dog Household (we have four dogs). I am constantly suggesting to people that they attend various seminars and classes at CanineLink because the information is so valuable and the instructors are all wonderful. There is something for everyone, whether you are already in the pet business and need to step up your game, want to get involved in the pet business, become a trainer, are a pet owner, or are a volunteer with a shelter or rescue and need to learn to handle dogs in a professional setting.

How has your CanineLink training helped you in the various aspects of your life? For me a lot of what I do and use is about networking, and CanineLink has allowed me to expand my network exponentially here in Chicago, which is awesome! I have been introduced to some truly exceptional people in the pet industry and other B2B people who can be referred to other business owners who need services. Obviously, I have also learned a great deal about dog behavior, as well as how to manage my own dogs, clients’ dogs, and dogs we work with at the shelter and through Safe Humane Chicago.

How do you plan to use your CanineLink training in the future? With running my own business, events, and volunteering, my schedule is usually tight; however, I hope to complete all the rest of the Essential Training Skills courses at some point in the near future, just to have that background. Since the courses and catalog at CanineLink are constantly evolving, I am sure I will continue to attend seminars and business-related training there as well, which is always helpful.

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The season opener of the Dog Days of Summer is on Thursday, May 29, at Chicago Party Animals. All proceeds from the May 29 event will go to benefit Safe Humane Chicago.

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