Meet the Staff of Eli’s Friends

Meet Barrett

Barrett Rae is the president and co-creator of Eli’s Friends. Owning a premier kennel and day-play facility in Goldsboro, North Carolina, was a realization of Barrett’s and her husband Ron’s when they were looking for an interactive boarding and day-play spot for their beloved Eli 2 years ago. Leaving Eli for over 1 week demanded more interaction for him and for them to be comfortable leaving him. And that’s how the dream for Eli’s Friends Inc. began.

Barrett’s interaction with animals began at an early age. She had her first pony, Daisy, at age 7 and multiple horses up to age 18. She showed in local horse shows, 4-H, N.C. State Fair, and the NC/SC Palomino Association. The family always had several cats and a Boston terrier around. Barrett learned at an early age she had a special way with animals and wanted to spend lots of time with them. Barrett graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and has spent the last 20 years in a professional selling/marketing role—focusing on print management and pharmaceuticals. Her passion for a successful atmosphere for animals drives the energy behind Eli’s Friends, and the hard work and perseverance it has taken to open this facility has paid off.

Barrett’s pastimes include spending time with Ron, Eli, Leia and their 2 cats Brandie and Becca. She also is active with St. Francis Episcopal Church, Faith Alliance Church and the Wayne County Humane Society. Please stop by, meet Barrett, and see how she can help with your needs for your beloved companion.

Benjamin Parker — Goldsboro, NC — Eli's Friends

Meet Mr. Benny

Please meet Barrett’s Dad, Benjamin Parker, who will be running the front desk at Eli’s Friends. Mr. Parker has over 27 years of experience in banking and 21 years in long-distance truck driving. He is a graduate of East Carolina University and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Parker has been involved with farming all his life, and animals have always been very important to him. He has a special fondness for horses, beagles, and Boston terriers, having had multiple companions over the years.

Mr. Parker always taught Barrett to respect animals, and growing up, they had horses, dogs and cats. He has many cherished memories of days spent with the horses and traveling to horse shows when Barrett was younger. Mr. Parker’s hobbies include spending time with his wife, Beebe, and memberships at Pine Level Baptist Church and Pine Level Lions Club. He also enjoys his seven grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and all of their activities. Please stop by and meet “Mr. Benny,” and he’ll assist you with your reservations and questions.

Meet Sarah

Meet Hailey

Hailey joined Eli’s team in 2017, she is assistant manager here at Eli's Friends she has a passion for making sure every pet has the best experience while they are here. She also loves sharing with the parents how their pet's day went and who they love to play with as well as teaching them some tricks while they're here, she believes mental stimulation is most important to ensuring dogs have the most fulfilling day possible!

Meet Stephanie

Stephanie’s love for animals has led her from working to help pet owners at a veterinary clinic for 10 years to Eli’s Friends in 2015. Although she works remotely now, she still has a mind to helping our customers and putting the care of your pet at the forefront of all she does. With the intention of her life never being without a furry friend, she has acquired her own beloved cats and dogs and looks forward to continuing assisting in the care of your pet while at Eli’s Friends.

Grooming STaff

Meet Paulina

Paulina joined Eli’s grooming team in 2019. She has a long list of clients that love her and the beautiful work she applies to their pups. Paulina has over 20 years of experience and is well versed in different styles and breeds and loves to please her customers!

Meet Cheryl

Cheryl joined Eli’s grooming team in 2016. She has 27 years of experience and a true following of customers who appreciate her attention to detail and calming nature with the dogs. Cheryl is proficient in all breeds and styles.

Meet Annie Gray

Annie Gray joined Eli’s grooming team in 2016. She is cross trained in the kennel area as well as day play. Annie Gray is very flexible and shares a connection with each dog she works with. She gets to know the dog as well as the family and strives to make their time at Eli’s peaceful and relaxing. Annie Gray can’t remember a time when animals weren’t a part of her life!

Meet Jordan

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Meet Brooke

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Meet Rachel

Rachel joined Eli’s in 2023. She is a part of our grooming staff. She does baths and makes sure all of our fur babies smell good! She is a mama of 4 children, 3 dogs and 2 cats! She loves her job and working with all of our babies at Eli’s! She has always had a love for animals and shows it day in and day out!

Boarding/Dayplay Staff:

Brittany

Brittany has been working at Eli's Friends for a year now and she absolutely loves taking care of all the dogs that come for day play and boarding. She's loved caring for animals as long as she can remember. She takes care of all Eli's Friends like they're her own. She loves sitting and loving on all the sweet pups during the day and making sure all the fur babies that stay with us in boarding are cozy and warm.

Billy

Billy has been at Eli's Friends since 2015, he works mostly with the boarding dogs. He loves the boarders and treats them just like his own. He spends a lot of time with them and enjoys playing outside with all the dogs.

Sophie

Sophie has been at Eli's Friends for a little over a year now. she has loved every minute of it. She is 19 years old and currently attending nursing school. She is kind and patient with all of her coworkers and the fur babies that she takes care of. Sophie is also cross trained at the front desk.

Angie

Mary

Mary Perry joined Eli’s in 2022 as a volunteer through her college advisor to gain more animal knowledge and experience. Eli’s friends eventually became her main job, and family. Mary loves the owners, fur babies and everything about her job. She is very outstanding and goes above and beyond not only for the animals but their owners as well. She is crossed trained between boarding and playtime! She has huge heart and very passionate about all animals and wants to become a veterinarian. Mary is a mother to a beautiful daughter Rae and fur baby, Chloe Elizabeth. She hopes to one day continue her education to come a veterinarian

Aliyaha

Regan