I have extensive experience with pets, starting with being a committed and loving mama to my own 5 dogs and 1 cat. Three of my dogs and the cat I adopted at young ages (including puppy and kitten), and the other two dogs I adopted as seniors. I had all of them their entire lives.
I’ve also had several foster dogs. I’ve volunteered at the humane society walking dogs for 8 years, handling many types of dogs: energetic, senior, shy and scared. I worked at the same humane society for one year cleaning and taking care of cats and dogs.
All of this experience has taught me so much about dogs and cats, such as:
- Proper care, handling and sanitization
- Recognizing different personalities and body language and adjusting my behavior accordingly
- Special needs of seniors and/or ill pets
- Administering medications
- Importance of exercise (playtime and walks)
- Importance of: talking to them, pets, belly rubs, favorite spot scratchies and just being with them
- Ensuring safety for both the pet and myself
- Ability to recognize a change in behaviour/habits due to illness
I’m knowledgeable about pet first aid and CPR, and I’ve also completed a Red Cross course for both.