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Wednesday, February 20^th is National Love Your Pet Day.  The Cuyahoga Group cherishes our pets, and we know you do too! National Love Your Pet Day is a good reminder of the positive impact that our pets have on our lives, and it’s also a reminder to spend more time with them, walk them more often, and love them every day! 

Whether furry, scaly, feathery or shelled, nearly all households in the U.S. has at least one pet!  We wish all pets had a caring home, yet so many animals, especially dogs and cats, are waiting in shelters for a forever home—so this is also a great day to think about adopting a pet.   

Marty V, one of our favorite furry family members, took a moment to talk to us today. Marty has been on the move since the new year started, yet he took the time to sit and chat with us for a few moments. 

Cuyahoga Group: Today is National Love Your Pet Day, so are you doing anything special to celebrate? 

Marty V: I will admit, I’m a lucky dog. Love Your Pet Day is every day at my house, in fact, and forgive me if I mentioned this before, sometimes the hundreds of daily hugs are just too much.  There are times when a canine just likes kicking back and having his own space, but my parents don’t quite seem to comprehend.  Other than that, they are the best.  And yes, we are celebrating tonight. My mom is preparing quite a feast for me, I’m hoping that potato chips, fresh-brewed coffee, hot dogs and donuts are involved. 

Cuyahoga Group: That sounds wonderful.  What have you been up to in the past couple of months? 

Marty V: Well, I’m glad the holiday fanfare is over, and it’s back to business. After working all day at the office, I usually take my regular walks, but I’ve missed a lot because I won’t walk when temps fall below 30 degrees—um, no thank you. Not. Gonna. Happen. I’ve caught up on a lot of reading this winter.  Trips to the library are always fun, especially when that one librarian with the disapproving stare isn’t around.  I even picked up a book for my parents to read (hint, hint). The title is “What Your Dog Really Wants,” by Skip E. Barker.  Other than that, I’m just counting down the days until spring arrives. I heard the official groundhog saw his shadow, which means a late spring.  Maybe they should use a dog instead, we’re not afraid of our own shadow. Geez. 

Cuyahoga Group: Interesting idea. Thanks for letting us catch up with you, Marty! 

Marty V:  Anytime, really. By the way, I’m almost starting to enjoy our little talks.   

The Cuyahoga Group wishes Marty V and all our wonderful pets a very happy National Love Your Pet Day! 

Since February is the month of valentines, love and celebrating that special someone, we decided to Spotlight Cuyahoga Group couple Aaron Kozdron and Tanya Clark. Aaron has worked for The Cuyahoga Group for nearly fifteen years, while Tanya came onboard three years ago. Both Aaron and Tanya bring a strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal and customer communication skills to their roles. When away from work, their focus and commitment is to their five children. And they even manage to find time to volunteer in the community.  In their work life and personal life, Aaron and Tanya make a great team. Let’s get to know Aaron and Tanya a little better:  

What are your roles with The Cuyahoga Group? 

Aaron: I work out of the North Ridgeville branch as a route driver. I’ve also held the position of a route jumper. 

Tanya: I work at the North Ridgeville branch, in the money room. Prior to that, I worked in the Market Division for two years.   

How long have you both worked for the company?  

Aaron: I started in 2005, so fourteen years.  

Tanya:  I started in 2016 when I decided to go back to work full-time.  

What do you like most about your job, and why? 

Aaron: I enjoy not being confined to one area and being able to meet different people every day. 
 
Tanya: When I worked for Markets, I enjoyed working with different people at the Market accounts we have. Although now I stay inside at the branch office, I’m grateful to be staying warm indoors, especially considering the weather we’ve had this winter. It’s also nice to work with and get to know the drivers and supervisors.  

Tell us a fun fact, or facts, about yourself: 

Aaron and Tanya: We’ve been together for 13 years and have five children: Cheyeanne, Shelby, Robbie, Khloe and Abby. It’s crazy, hectic and so much fun.  
 
Tanya: Even though we both work full-time, the kids are our priority, and it keeps us super-busy. I volunteer with Girl Scouts for Abby and Khloe, we both help with Boy Scouts and Band for Robbie, and Choir and Color Guard for Shelby.  

Aaron: We also volunteer our time in the community whenever possible. I run a men’s basketball league at the Church of The Open Door, and Tanya is the President of the Band Boosters organization, and she’s also a Girl Scout troop leader.  In our spare time, we love concerts, and we’re big Cavs fans.  We’re season ticket holders, so between Cavs games and concerts, we spend a lot of time at the Q.  

What is your favorite food/favorite meal?  

Aaron: My favorite food is pizza. My favorite meal is steak with mushrooms and onions and potatoes.  
 
Tanya: My favorite food is chocolate ice cream with all the toppings. I’d say a perch dinner would be my favorite meal.  
 

What is your favorite band, singer or type of music?  

Aaron: My favorite music is country. 

Tanya: My favorite music is a little of everything.  Aaron and I enjoy going to concerts, everything from Kid Rock and Brad Paisley, to Tim McGraw. 
 

Please share with us a goal or goals that you’d like to accomplish someday: 

Aaron: My main goal is for my whole family to stay healthy and, to pay off the mortgage on our house 

Tanya: To return to college and finish my degree.  
 
Aaron and Tanya: As a couple, our goal is to raise our children to be strong, kind leaders and to never give up.