Meet our team
Shea Hughes-Gorman
Owner, Pawsitive Dog Training School & Puget Hound
A Lifelong Love of Dogs
Shea grew up in the rural outskirts of Spokane, Washington, and the mountains of Libby, Montana. His grandparents bred red, smooth-coated Mini Dachshunds for more than twenty-five years, sparking Shea’s passion for dogs at an early age. By eight, he was training and showing his own pup, beginning nearly two decades of hands-on experience raising and training a wide variety of breeds.
From Law to Leashes
After earning a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Washington State University and the University of Washington, Shea built a career in the legal field. Life took a joyful turn in 2018 when he rescued a Black and Tan Coonhound puppy. Training a scent hound led him to mentors Joan Fetty and Rosemary “Mitzi” Jorgenson—and to his true calling: helping pets and their people build strong, lasting bonds.
Creating Pawsitive Dog Training School
When Joan retired in 2019, Shea and Mitzi reopened her beloved training school as Pawsitive Dog Training School, where Shea continues to share his balanced-training philosophy. To refine his skills, he completed the prestigious Starmark School for Professional Dog Trainers Master Course before returning to the Pacific Northwest with his husband, Tyler, to establish a premier training facility on their nine-acre Bellingham farm.
Why Shea Bought Puget Hound
In 2023, Shea expanded his vision by purchasing Puget Hound, Bellingham’s favorite dog daycare, boarding, and grooming center. Owning both businesses allows him to provide a seamless experience—from expert training to stress-free boarding and top-notch grooming—while ensuring every dog enjoys a happy, well-balanced life. Shea’s goal is simple: to bring compassionate, expert care to the entire Bellingham dog-loving community.
Jessica Webb
Assistant General manager & Lead Trainer
From Horses to Hounds
Born and raised in Washington, Jess grew up on her grandparents’ horse ranch in sunny Wenatchee. While horses were her first love, everything changed the day she met Buzz, her grandparents’ impeccably trained Labrador Retriever. His calm focus and perfect manners amazed her—and sparked a lifelong passion for working with dogs.
Finding Her Calling
After high school, Jess set out to find a career with canines and landed at The Academy of Canine Behavior (AOCB) in Bothell. She started in reception, soaking up knowledge about balanced training and behavior modification. Three months later, she entered AOCB’s apprenticeship program and officially became a dog trainer in October 2021.
Helping Dogs Shine
Jess quickly discovered her talent for working with challenging cases, especially dogs with aggression issues. Guiding a fearful or reactive dog toward confidence is, in her words, “the best feeling in the world.” She even rehabilitated an extreme-aggression German Shepherd—then adopted one of her own!
Leadership & Accolades
Her dedication soon made her AOCB’s Training Supervisor, mentoring new trainers and sharing her expertise. Jess also competed in Rally Obedience, earning two qualifying legs—and a first-place win on day one—with Colleen McDaniel’s Irish Water Spaniel, Finn.
Joining Pawsitive Dog Training School & Puget Hound
In June 2024, Jess joined Pawsitive Dog Training School to work alongside owner Shea Hughes-Gorman and further grow her skills. Her goal: to become a Master Trainer and AKC Performance Sports Handler.
Ready to Meet You
Jess can’t wait to welcome you and your pup, create a custom training plan, and celebrate every tail-wagging success together.
Tracy Franklin
Master Groomer
A Lifetime of Love & Lather
Tracy’s passion for pups started when she was just a kid, sweeping up clippings in her mom’s neighborhood grooming salon. Surrounded by wagging tails and the soft hum of clippers, she fell in love with the art of grooming and the joy of caring for “little angels with paws.” What began as a childhood pastime soon became a lifelong calling.
30+ Years of Gentle Expertise
Over the past three decades, Tracy has dedicated herself to mastering every aspect of professional grooming. From breed-standard trims to creative cuts and soothing spa treatments, she continues to learn new techniques and stay current on the latest in coat care, skin health, and styling trends. Her steady hands and calm presence put even the most nervous pups at ease.
Compassion at the Heart of Every Trim
For Tracy, grooming isn’t just about a great haircut—it’s about love and trust. She treats every dog as if they were her own, using patience, positive reinforcement, and a soft touch to create a truly stress-free experience. Whether it’s a first puppy visit or a senior dog’s monthly spruce-up, she makes sure each furry friend feels safe and adored.
Looking Forward to Pampering Your Pup
Tracy can’t wait to welcome you and your four-legged family member to Puget Hound. With decades of experience, a heart full of compassion, and a gentle sense of fun, she’ll send your dog home looking—and feeling—like a star.
Rylee Clayton
Daycare Attendant & Kennel Technician
Rylee is one of Puget Hound’s biggest dog enthusiasts!
A college student pursuing a degree in Animal Science and Industry, she loves turning her passion for animals into hands-on care every day at daycare. With a background in humane society work and veterinary assistance, Rylee brings a wonderful mix of knowledge, reliability, and big-hearted compassion to every pup she meets.
Her favorite part of the job?
Discovering each dog’s unique personality—from the goofy charmers to the quiet cuddlers—and making sure they all feel safe, happy, and loved.
When she isn’t surrounded by wagging tails, you can find Rylee curled up with a good book, enjoying movie nights, playing board games with friends, or creating fun little crafts.
Sydney morton
Daycare Attendant & Kennel Technician
Meet Sydney—one of the friendly faces keeping tails wagging all day at Puget Hound!
With five years of hands-on dog experience, including running a grooming salon for over four of those years, Sydney knows how to keep pups happy, safe, and looking their best. Her next goal? Earning a dog trainer title to add even more skills to her repertoire.
At home, Sydney shares life with her beloved Australian Shepherd—also named Sydney! When she’s not cuddling or playing with pups, you’ll find her swimming, running, enjoying board-game nights, or spending time with her husband and friends.
Sydney can’t wait to shower your dog with the same love and care she gives her own.
Mackenzie Dobbs
Daycare Attendant & Kennel Technician
Hi, I’m Mackenzie—one of the smiling faces you’ll see caring for your pups at Puget Hound!
I grew up on a ranch in Texas surrounded by dogs (and a few other critters), so loving and caring for animals has always been second nature. Working here, where I get to spend my days with dogs, truly feels like a dream come true.
When I’m off the clock, you’ll usually find me hiking local trails or exploring new adventures with my golden retriever, Molly—my best trail buddy.
One day, I hope to become a professional dog groomer. For now, I’m loving every minute of creating a fun, safe, tail-wagging environment for all the pups who visit us!
Ayden Sweat
Daycare Attendant & Kennel Technician
Meet Ayden!
When he’s not caring for pups at Puget Hound, Ayden is a student at Western Washington University, where he studies Visual Journalism and Anthropology.
Outside of work and class, Ayden keeps busy (and creative!) by hosting a radio show on KUGS-FM, exploring Bellingham’s beautiful trail system, and curating an ever-growing collection of vinyl records, CDs, and other physical media treasures.
Ayden loves combining his eye for detail with his love of animals, making sure every four-legged guest feels safe, happy, and right at home.
Josh Singer
Daycare Attendant & Kennel Technician
Hi, I’m Josh!
From being playfully bowled over by my uncle’s 90-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback to carefully herding my neighbors’ tiny Shih Tzus and Terriers, I’ve grown up loving dogs of every size and personality. Now it’s a joy and a privilege to spend my days caring for all the pups who visit Puget Hound.
When I’m not surrounded by wagging tails, I’m an Environmental Science student at Western Washington University and an avid outdoorsman—happiest when I’m hiking, camping, or exploring the Pacific Northwest.