Our Pack
behavioral specialist/co-owner
Mike Arnold
From a young age, Mike had always felt a particular kinship with dogs and he became more deeply interested in the relationship between canines and humans when he adopted a five year old beagle named Ollie in 2007. Working with Ollie, Mike discovered a more natural way of interacting with dogs that proved to be successful and rewarding. Mike began acquiring clients when other dog owners saw him on the street walking a calm, happy and relaxed dog. "How are you doing that with your dog?," strangers would ask. "Can you help me get control of my dog?" Thus, Hickory Hounds was born.
Mike is a Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
Operations/co-owner
Annie Ruegg
Annie has always loved animals and dogs and has been an integral part of every client's experience with Hickory Hounds since January 2015. She leads daily packwalks, along with handling scheduling, billing and general operations. Most importantly, Annie helps give your dog the best experience possible while in our care.
Annie is an Associate Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
ASSOCIATE
Max
Max, a Long-haired Miniature Dachshund, joined us in early 2013. He was originally found in Indiana wandering the rural roads underweight and covered in fleas. He brings a big personality and plenty of spunk to our group. Now entering his senior years, he still helps visiting pups learn how to act if they are getting too excited or out of line.
in memoriam
Oscar, 2015-2023
Oscar was a Black Lab / Shepherd mix who joined our pack in May 2016. Full of energy and stamina, he showed us exactly how much a working breed requires calm, firm direction in order to thrive. At his most essential when working other dogs as Mike’s right hand, and at his most playful when chasing ball with his dog sisters, Oscar was a big old lovable lug who is greatly missed and irreplaceable in our hearts.
ASSOCIATE
Coconut
Coconut, a miniature Australian Cattle Dog, came to us in January 2016 at barely a year old. She had been a part of at least two families before we met her and she started off as a dog-in-training with us, after which she became a foster dog. Now she's made her way into our hearts and is a true member of the pack. She is extremely high energy and LOVES to play ball, swim in the creek and generally have a good time. She's gentle and social with new dogs who need extra help.
ASSOCIATE
Tiny
Tiny is a blue pitbull who joined us in the Summer of 2018 as a puppy. She has the most gentle and loving, yet assertive and confident personality which makes her particularly adept at getting shy and nervous dogs to relax. As she enters her prime years, she’s an invaluable in keeping the group’s energy calm.
ASSOCIATE
Myrtle
Myrtle is a dappled long-haired miniature Dachshund. She is the smallest member of the pack, but her sociability and sweet temperament wins over dogs (and humans!) twenty times her size. She joined the pack in the summer of 2018 as a puppy.
in memoriam
Ollie, 2002-2016
Ollie was our pack's patriarch Beagle who lived to the ripe old age of 14. Adopted in Chicago in 2007 when he was already five years old, Ollie became the original Hickory Hound. He was no nonsense kind of guy with a strong nose and a laid back personality. As an older fellow, Ollie helped show visiting pups the proper ways to behave. He is greatly missed.
In memoriam
Hector, 2010-2022
Hector joined our pack when he was a little over a year old. He was orphaned as a very young pup and, as a result, suffered from extreme anxiety and a fear of new people and situations. Slowly and steadily, with human help, and more profoundly with the help of our other dogs, Hector transformed into a true Dog: a confident, playful, loving, dignified, wise teacher, and healer of other animal spirits. We’ll miss him forever.