Meet our Handlers

Laraine - Founder/Owner

I absolutely love seeing the happiness and excitement on our hikers' faces every day. When I started this business, I envisioned how the healing power of nature could address some of the key behavioral challenges our city dogs face. Just like humans, they thrive when connected to a healthy outdoor environment. I’m incredibly grateful for our amazing team and the opportunity to collaborate with our clients to help their dogs live their best, most fulfilling lives.

Sam - Dog Trainer/Handler

Sam is a certified professional dog trainer with an undeniable love for animals. Originally he is from Minneapolis, but has lived in Georgia for over 30 years and loves Atlanta to the fullest! He has 2 dogs, Maverick and Rallo. Ruby Falls is his favorite spot to go hiking, but he also enjoys creating art, mountain biking, and photography on the side!

Kate - Transporter/Handler

Kate, also known as "best friend of Maggie", "Auntie to ALL dogs", or "a silly goose", is one of our full-time hikers and Instagram creator. Originally, she is from Texas, but has called Atlanta home since 2011! Outside of work, she owns her own photography business. She also enjoys hiking with her own pups, Cricket and Hank the Cowdog Ranch Security, road trips, motorcycles, and camping.

Alexandra "Lex" - Transporter/Handler

Lex is one of our newest full-time hikers. She is an avid dog lover, with two of her own, Alvin and Theodore. Named after the chipmunks, she is eagerly waiting for a new addition to name Simon. She is originally from Orlando, but has lived in 4 different states after joining the US Navy. Atlanta has been home for almost 2 years now. Outside of hiking, she enjoys trying new restaurants, watching sports (especially Sunday Football), traveling, and joining kickball leagues.

McCaine -Part Time Handler

When McCaine's not living her best life exploring the country in her custom designed van or flying around the world for SkyWest, she’s out on the trails hiking some pups with us. McCaine lives in Old 4th Ward Atlanta and frequently volunteers at the Humane Society and other non-profits around Atlanta. She’s an avid hiker, having hiked Kilamanjaro, Camino de Santiago, Machu Pitchu, many of our US National and State Parks, and more. She’s an experienced dog handler that has been hiking with us for over four years now and all the pups love her positive presence and desire to explore more wherever we go.

Dawn - Seasonal Handler

Dawn is a part-time, seasonal hiker with Two Chicks and a Pack. She is founder and owner of Mahealani's Polynesian Entertainment, which provides Hawaiian and Polynesian-themed entertainment and education for private, corporate, and public events across the Southeast. Prior to that she was an educator including working at Zoo Atlanta as an Education Programs Instructor and Animal Handler, so Two Chicks and Pack allows her the opportunity to share her love of animals and the great outdoors here in Atlanta.