Elsa Boyette has been a dog lover her entire life most recently evident with her two rescue dogs, Nico and Ruby. When one of her dogs required ACL surgery, she was like most people, unaware of alternatives that provide non-invasive recovery solutions.

Her belief in giving pet owners every possible option drew her to Orthodog and its vision, a vision she connected with wholeheartedly.

Outside of work, Elsa is most at home outdoors, staying active and exploring new places with her husband. She has a love for baking and a deep appreciation for music, both constants in a life she lives with intention, warmth, and a lot of heart.

A native Floridian, Karen joined the Ortho Dog team bringing with her extensive customer service experience in the health and wellness industry. While working as the Membership Manager in a professional association for Pilates teachers, she became licensed as a Massage Therapist. She fostered dogs for a non-profit organization in Miami, Florida before relocating to Asheville where her knowledge of anatomy and love for dogs landed her in her dream job at Ortho Dog!

Karen is the in-house social media maven and has a passion for designing both workspace and workflows. She loves to spend time in nature hiking with her rat terrier, Spike, growing vegetables and berries, and raising backyard chickens. She is a welcome addition to the Ortho Dog team!

Dennis comes to Ortho Dog after a late in life career change. A long time resident of Black Mountain and practicing lawyer in Western North Carolina, he closed his law practice in 2020. When the pandemic struck, a local apparel company put out a call for people with sewing skills to help make protective masks. Having sewn for many years making outdoor equipment for his sons and vintage-style clothing for his wife, he was given the opportunity to work in a manufacturing environment. It was love at first stitch and he has never looked back.

Dennis brings to Ortho Dog a passion for craft and attention to detail. As a long-time supporter of the local animal rescue community, he is committed to Ortho Dog’s mission helping dogs in need, fostering a collaborative work environment, and continuously improving the production work flow.

Dale joined the Orthodog team in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, inspired by the opportunity to support both people and their canine companions. He appreciates the meditative nature of this work—the focus, care, and presence it requires—and finds deep satisfaction in helping dogs live their best lives while supporting the humans who love them.

Dale grew up in Austin, Texas, and lived in many places before finding his home in Asheville in 2017. His path has included serving as a Soto Zen Buddhist priest, working as a baker, chef, and caretaker, and authoring the cookbook Tassajara Dinners & Desserts.

Today, Dale teaches Taijiquan and Qigong, enjoys playing guitar, and shares his home with his wife, two rescue chihuahuas, and a cat. He is passionate about food justice, resilient local economies, and the connections that help communities thrive. He also volunteers with the Equal Plates Project, helping increase access to nourishing food in the community.

As co-founder and president of Ortho Dog, Elizabeth has helped shape the company since the very beginning in 2002. Elizabeth is also a massage therapist and brings her expertise and knowledge of how the human body works to similarly support our canine companions.

Elizabeth and her wife, KC, have three rescue dogs (Annie, Abbie, and Sister) and a cat (Harvey). Annie and Abbie are both tripods. Sister and Annie are certified therapy dogs. Elizabeth has been taking Sister to hospitals and various care facilities for many years, but Sister is about to retire and Annie is going to step up and take over the job!

KC couldn’t have been happier to join the Ortho Dog pack when she married co-founder Elizabeth. As co-companion to dogs Annie, Abbie, and Sister, KC has a big love for dogs of all shapes and sizes. She is an ardent supporter of and a believer of Ortho Dog’s mission.

She wears many hats at Ortho Dog and provides support with shipping and assembling braces. She also builds tables for the sew shop and amuses the entire team with her special brand of humor.