My Experience

Introduction

In the world of animal care and husbandry, dedication and compassion are at the heart of every successful endeavor. This page is dedicated to showcasing my extensive experience in providing top-notch care for a variety of animals, from household pets to livestock. Over the years, I have cultivated a deep understanding of animal behavior, health, and well-being, which guides me in my experience, personal beliefs and interactions.

Throughout my experience, I have had the privilege of working in diverse environments, including equestrian centers, doggy daycare, and animal rescues. My hands-on experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to ensure that every animal receives the care and attention they deserve. Here, you will find an overview of my background, key skills, and the impact I strive to make in the lives of animals and their owners. Join me as I share my passion for animals and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our beloved companions.

Early Childhood Interest – Not Barbies, Not Trucks… but Dogs.

From a young age, while other children gravitated towards dolls or toy cars, I found myself captivated by the world of dogs. Instead of flipping through picture books featuring fairy tales, I would pour over encyclopedias and breed guides, fascinated by the vast diversity of dog breeds, each with their unique traits and standards. My free time was spent creating plans for how I was going to secure my first pet dog, down to what breed and name I wanted for them.

Further, as I immersed myself in this passion, I began to learn about the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club. I discovered the differences in size, coat type, temperament, and purpose behind each breed. Did you know that American Bulldogs only come in white according to their standard? They can have other colored markings, but their base color is always white. Crazy!

This knowledge didn’t just foster an appreciation for their physical attributes, but also deepened my understanding of their behavioral traits and historical backgrounds. I grew excited by the idea that each breed was a product of selective and very careful preservation breeding, carefully crafted to fulfill specific roles in human society, whether as companions, working dogs, or show prospects.

My affinity for learning about dog breeds ignited a lifelong journey of exploration in the realm of animal care. While my peers played games, I found joy in studying dog behavior and creating future schedules for my future puppy. Today, I see these early experiences as the foundation of my commitment to understanding and advocating for the well-being of all animals that exist for a purpose, and not just cuddly and cute ones.

Not Just a Horse Girl

For the past ten years, I have devoted myself to the world of equestrian sports and horseback riding, an experience that has profoundly shaped my understanding of not only sportsmanship but also the unique bond that can exist between horse and rider. My journey began as a curious beginner in 2015, eager to learn everything I could about riding techniques, horse care, and the nuances of different disciplines. As I progressed, my passion for the sport deepened, prompting me to explore various avenues such as show jumping, hunter-seat, and even teaching lessons myself.

Throughout my time in the equestrian community, I have been fortunate to engage with experienced trainers and fellow riders who have mentored me along the way. This rich tapestry of experiences has taught me the importance of patience, discipline, and empathy in handling horses. Each interaction with these majestic animals has provided invaluable lessons. Understanding their behavior and needs has become second nature to me, even though I never owned a horse myself.

Unfortunately, in 2022 I was struck with an intense depressive episode that lasted for a few years that caused me to isolate myself from everything, and everyone. My involvement became to feel like a chore, and every day I woke up dreading my tasks and responsibilities. I experienced a lot of different symptoms that impacted my ability to show up when it mattered.

A Furry Important Rescue: Finding Hope in My Cats

During the depths of my depressive episode, when the weight of it felt insurmountable, fate introduced me to my cats. After a period of withdrawal from both my passions and the outside world, I was outside walking back from my car late at night and saw a gray blob running toward me. I didn’t have my glasses on, but I saw it was a little gray animal scurrying across the grass in front of the dorms.

As I got closer to him, he looked very sick. He was skinny and kept stopping to scratch himself for a while. There was a colony of cats that lived around campus, but I don’t know for sure if that’s where he really came from. But I couldn’t just leave him outside, so…

Shadow, I love you.

You’ve changed the course of my life. You’re the cat who made me a mom <3

Shortly after getting Shadow’s health back in order, I rescued my second kitty, Faith.

Faith, I love you too.

Faith is a special needs kitty with Periodontal Disease, and needs her teeth cleaned daily. She’s had 7 extractions so far at only a year old, and I’m sure by the time she’s a true adult cat she’ll have very little teeth left.

Bringing these two cats into my life was a turning point in my struggle with depression. They came home with me after i made the decision to step back from college. They have become my daily motivation to rise from bed, to care for another living being, and to rediscover the joy in small moments. Their purring and playful nature provided a comforting balm to my wounded spirit, reminding me that love could grow even in the darkest of times. Through the simple acts of feeding, playing, and cuddling, I began to reclaim a sense of purpose and joy.

My cats not only filled my home with warmth but also reignited my passion for animal care, reinforcing my belief in the healing power of unconditional love between humans and animals and the yearn to refine my experience in caring for them.

In the End

In reflecting on my experience through both personal and professional animal care and the profound connections formed with the creatures I’ve encountered, it becomes clear that every experience has served a dual purpose: nurturing the animals and fostering my personal growth. From the enthusiastic dreams of my childhood to the painful struggles of mental health, my path has been intertwined with the lives of animals that have shaped who I am today.

The lesson for viewers of this page is simple yet powerful: through love and dedication, we can find healing and purpose in our lives through caring for animals either professionally or personally. Animals have an incredible ability to teach us about resilience, empathy, and the importance of companionship. By investing time in understanding their needs and behaviors, we not only enrich their lives but also discover our own potential for growth and fulfillment.

Be sure to follow our social medias for updates on the kitties!