UP PATCH BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Menagerie Maid

Type of Business: Pet-sitting, house-sitting, other services.

Owner: Colleen Kaleel-Matzen, 53

Story behind it: Chances are you’ve have spotted Kaleel-Matzen around town.

It’s hard to miss someone who can successfully walk five or six dogs on a crowded street or trail, let alone walk them without any problems.

But that’s exactly the kind of service Kaleel-Matzen has provided since 2005, when she started a business centered around her busy schedule of being a foster parent.

Since she began Menagerie Maid, she has built a loyal clientele base that feels comfortable enough to let her take their pets for walks, feed them or anything else they want to get to but can’t.

“I really like the idea of guilt-free care when you’re not there,” says the woman who’s lived in University Place some 13 years. “That’s not my slogan, but it’s the way I run my business.”

“I can’t tell you how many customers call me “nana,” because I’m the nana to their pets.”

Although dog-sitting constitutes a big portion of her work, Kaleel-Matzen can take care of cats, birds or almost any other kind of pet, save for one.

“No snakes. I’m terrified of them.”

She can also offers other services for busy people on occasion, including house-sitting.

She’s especially happy to work with University Place residents because, well, that’s where she lives.

“I’m local,” Kaleel-Matzen says. “UP is my career. It’s where I really want to thrive. As far as UP, that’s where I do my midday walk with the dogs.”

So if you see her around town, feel free to stop and say hello. Don’t be surprised, either, if you’re calling her “nana” shortly thereafter.

Contact information for Menagerie Maid

Phone: 253-831-2565

E-mail: menageriemaid@comcast.net

Website: www.menageriemaid.com