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As a child growing up, I
always had a connection with animals and
was always bringing home the local
stray. My family always had animals. We
always had a dog or two and occasionally
cats. I always knew I wanted to have a
career with animals. Back in 1998, I
raised Siberian Huskies and Alaskan
Malamutes and also had the experience in
the show ring. This was a great
experience for me and watching those
puppies take their first breath is
something I will always cherish. I
worked closely with my veterinarian and
even assisted in one of the c-sections.
Many years later, after a few career
changes I started volunteering at the
SPCA Tampa Bay where I am
currently a Family Dog Trainer,
Canine Counselor, Web Photographer, and
a member of the Community Outreach
Committee. I am also a member of the
DisasterAnimal Response Team (DART)
which does so much to help the animals.
It is so rewarding to be able to give
love and comfort to these animals that
come from puppy mills, hurricanes, dog
fighting rings, hoarding situations or
other types of disasters. I personally
adopted one of the puppy mill dogs from
the SPCA Tamp Bay. He is a little
Chihuahua that came with a lot of
emotional trauma not to mention his
physical condition was horrible.
He is
incredible with such a kind heart
despite the cruelty and neglect he
endured for almost 10years of his life
living in a filthy cramped cage in the
puppy mill. After adopting “Lukey”, I
began my training in Reiki and Canine
Massage. I attended Animal Healing Arts
and am now a Certified Canine Massage
Therapist. I also completed my Reiki
training and became an Usui Reiki
Master. The Reiki has really helped my
Lukey work through his emotional trauma
and become more trusting of people. I
started
The Doggie Diva in
1998
where I have the pleasure of
caring for other people’s pets. It is
wonderful to be able to give people the
peace of mind to be away from their pets
and know they are receiving the best
possible care while they are away. I
then started up
Pawzitive
Zensations where I offer
Reiki and Massage for animals. These two
modalities of therapy work so well with
animals as they are so in tune to energy
work. I am also certified in Pet CPR and
Pet First Aid. In 2010 I expanded both
of my businesses and now have two
wonderful partners Susan Voight and
Shirley Vick. Both businesses are
continuing to grow and I am very
fortunate to have a full time career
being with animals and doing what I
love. It is a dream come true for me!
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