Name: Eric Hewitt
Title: Hotel Manager
Location: Barkefellers Indianapolis Northeast
Where did you grow up?
I grew up originally in Springfield, Tennessee. It was a small rural area, but my family moved to Indianapolis just before I started 6th grade. So Indy has always felt more like home to me.
Where did you go to school?
Lawrence North High School and Ball State University.
What’s your favorite thing about working with dogs?
It’s the connection with the animals. Some of these dogs are my best friends and will always brighten my day. Even on hard days, staying frustrated is difficult when you have a dog snuggling up next to you during playtime.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
When I really connect with a dog that was previously very timid with me. It’s like something clicks, and suddenly there’s an understanding. Those ones end up being the most affectionate dogs you’ll meet.
How many years of experience do you have working with dogs (and how many of those are at Barkefellers)?
This is my first job working with dogs. I’ve been at Barkefellers for a year and 8 months now.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I recently got engaged, so my fiancé and I are incredibly stoked for all the wedding planning.
Do you have any pets of your own?
We have 4 cats and 2 ferrets. Our cats’ names are Yoncé, Raven, Elton, and Prince, and the 2 ferrets are Ke$ha and George Michael. If you’ve noticed, there’s a celebrity theme for the names.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I’m a bit of a nerd. I love games and am a huge Pokémon fan (But then again, isn’t every millennial?).
What is the most exciting thing on your bucket list?
Honestly, I’m most excited for the mundane things like seeing my little niece grow up and building a future with my fiancé.
What do you listen to while in your car?
My friends say I listen to “sad girl music”. It’s a lot of ballads, Taylor Swift, and breakup songs. But everyone loves a good breakup song.
