Melinda Benbow

Owner-Operator

Melinda is the heart, soul, and face of the Urban Uplander. She was worked with animals professionally for about ten years with training and experience in positive reinforcement training, animal behavior, pet safety, and pet health. Melinda's passion is working with pets and pet parents to help them reach their full potential. The combination of skills, ambition, and professional experience makes her Indy's #1 Pet Care Provider!

Kyle Benbow

Co-Owner

Kyle is Melinda's husband and business partner. They have been together since March of 2013, getting married in August of 2019. Kyle has a background in Clinical Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis, which provided him with knowledge and experience in behavioral changes through reinforcement. His love for pets, coupled with is education makes him a necessary part of Urban Uplander!

Sir McFluff'n Stuff

Eldest Pup - Leader of the Pack

Sir McFluff'n Stuff (Fluff for short) came to us back in early 2013. He has been the eldest and ''leader of the pack" since then. Fluff has a radiant personality, as he loves getting attention from people and playing with his canine friends. 

Broomhilda

Youngest Pup - Director of Fun

The newest member of our family is Broomhilda! Broomhilda (Hilda for short) came to us in July of 2019. She has been a fantastic addition to the pack. She unexpectedly joined our family when we found her in chains on the side of the road. Her playful puppy energy welcomes in all the pups who come over for daycare and boarding! She also serves as a great running partner. 

Tay Tay

Middle Pup - Pack Diva

Tay Tay was welcomed to the family in 2015. Tay Tay is our "little dog specialist" as she loves being able to run around and chase the dogs that are her size. Her absolute favorite thing to do is curl up on the warm lap of the closest human. Tay Tay typically sports a hot pink tail, but she has been known to switch it up from time to time.

Penny

Shared Pup - 1st 'unofficial' Training Graduate

Penny is our unofficial "4th" dog, as she spends multiple days a week with our bird dog training. Penny served as our "pet project" for us when we first started bird dog training. She is a great student and has a lot of natural ability and ambition as a working dog! Penny has also joined us for a few adventures, such as hunting tests, field trials, and camping!

The Avengers

Training Pigeons

To help us with bird dog training, we have 7 White Racer Pigeons. These pigeons help us socialize the hunting dogs to live birds. We use them in training exercises such as scent drills. Our objective isn't to allow the dogs to hurt the pigeons, but to teach them to locate and point at live birds. When the pigeons aren't being used for training, we have a coup where they hang out and get all the feed and love they deserve!

Nihili

House Cat - Leader of 'Cat' Training

Nihili was literally found on our doorstep in 2017. She is a great cat who is fantastic to have around as she gets along with EVERY dog that comes over. She greets the clients at the door when they arrive, giving them all their kiss on the nose. Nihili is excellent around all dogs serving as a "cat training" specialist, helping socialize new dogs to cats. She is the perfect balance in a house that is typically filled with canines!