About Totally Pawsome

I'm Tracie Van Houten, born and raised in Northern New Jersey, I’ve been an animal lover my entire life. My journey with animals began as a dog groomer, where I also had the privilege of teaching grooming at a school in NJ. A new adventure took me to Virginia where I worked as a veterinary assistant—still one of my all-time favorite jobs!

Eventually, I settled in Eagle River Wisconsin, where I am currently a property owner of long-term rentals.

My true calling, though, has always been in animal welfare and community support. I first co-founded a local animal rescue, and later created a people-and-pets–focused nonprofit that helps keep pets with their families and reduces the strain on local shelters. 

For fun, I enjoy riding dirt bikes and go-karts, and I also practice energy healing and tarot reading. For me, it all comes back to connection—whether it’s with people, pets, or the energy that surrounds us.

I'm Rachel Lindgren from Rhinelander, where I live with my family on a hobby farm.  We love animals and have been having so much fun working with Totally Pawsome.  We've been known to foster puppies and attend the Eagle River Farmer's Market.  Of course, our favorite event each year is Pet Photos with Santa!

As a mom and full-time Northwoods community member, we enjoy taking advantage of all four seasons by horseback riding, long walks, frisbee golfing, boating, sledding, and gardening.  When inside, we play games together and care for our snake and hedgehog.  I love supporting our community via Totally Pawsome's pet food pantries and more!

My name is Lisa Myszka and like many I am a transplant to the Northwoods settling in the Phelps area full-time, after many years in De Pere.  Growing up on a small hobby farm I grew to love animals and the country.   I got to know the animal care community of Vilas County when I found myself working for an animal health company calling on all the veterinary clinics north of Hwy 8 for many years.   After leaving that career I was hired by one of the local clinics to support them as their inventory manager, it’s here where I realized the need that Totally Pawsome fills the void for.   

When I am not volunteering for Totally Pawsome’s Food Pantires and other great events you will find me helping my clients as a health and wellness coach alongside owning my own travel business specializing in wellness travel.   

I love spending time working in my yard, being on the water or anything outdoors.  But my most favorite time is spending time with my family, friends and my golden retriever Hunter.   

I'm Michel Peterson, a proud Madison native who attended Waunakee Schools. With a passion for animals, I graduated from MATC’s Veterinary Technician Program in 1994 and have since worked in various clinics in the Madison area. For two decades, I owned and managed a veterinary clinic alongside my longtime boyfriend Gregg.

Currently, we reside in Sun Prairie with our two delightful black labs, Hank (aka Hanky Panky) and Stella. We also enjoy spending time at our cabin in the beautiful Eagle River/St Germain area. In my spare time, I volunteer with Lost Dogs of Wisconsin, pet sit, take vacations, and indulge in outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, reading, and flower gardening. Ensuring all pets receive love and excellent care has always been a key goal for me.

My name is Nicole Belmore. I was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin and settled up in Eagle River after a long career in law-enforcement.

I’ve have successfully showed my German Shepherds , Doberman’s, Papillon‘s, English, Cocker, and Border Collies in competition obedience, confirmation and agility for 40 years.

After owning my own dog training business for 10 years I officially retired. 

I enjoy the Northwoods in the summer with my husband and border collie. Once the snow flys we head south. 

I love my Northwoods Dog Community and enjoy supporting the mission of Totally Pawsome.