Meet the face behind K9Rewild
“All we have to decide, is what to do with the time that is given to us” -Gandalf
-Points Unknown
“I didn’t find my way into this field.. it found me. “
I grew up a very shy, and quiet child. Having had many animals, (dogs being the foundation) I spent much of my time hiding away with them. I developed a reputation for my deep connect with animals. I understood their language, and started pet sitting at just 6 years old. I dreamt daily of spending my life saving animals. Everyone thought the typical - “she’ll be a vet someday” but I found myself wishing to major in wildlife. College never happened and so…I had many jobs.. becoming a jack of all trades you could say and yet, I always fell back into dogs.
I always knew I was meant to work with animals. No matter what I was doing to get by, I always found a way to work with them, even if I couldn’t make it full-time. I just didn’t know yet, where I’d specialize.
Back in 2016 I started working in a dog daycare, where I stayed 7 years. This was followed by various other dog related jobs, but I also offered pet sitting on the side. It was then, that I found all my clients asking me for advice, especially when it came to dogs.
“I never wanted to be a dog trainer. “
When I found I was specializing in dogs, I got offers left and right to become a trainer. That’s all there was, no one knew of the other specialties, and if I wanted to grow.. that was seen as my only option. I turned down every offer however, while I still don’t identify as a trainer. I found myself studying and going down the path of a behavior consultant myself. It was then, that I started aiding dogs on another level.
For years, I’ve thrived as a caregiver. I didn’t want to train animals.. I wanted to save them… little did I realize they go hand in hand. I wasn’t too fond of “typical trainers”. The constant controlling of dogs, obedience being the standard, the lack of true choice, freedom, and understanding. All this, still being a factor today. Yet, I was still missing something. How could I save them… emotionally… After daily endless hours of research, I found the approach I took and what I wanted to give to dogs, alined with many R+ Behavior Consultants and Applied Animal Behaviorist.
“So here we are”
I fell right where I belonged. I found myself working in animal welfare, and my skills and approach thrived with behavior cases. There were many comments and offers, on joining the behavior team. So, I buckled down and earned multiple certifications in the past couple years. I believe that you never stop growing. Becoming a B.C. has helped me grow as a caregiver. I look to help in all areas of care, from behavior to medical, and everyday care. With every animal I work with, I learn something new. I am always studying and looking to further my skill set. I have been grateful to have worked for big name organizations and meet some well known professionals in the field. I have worked with some quirky kiddos from wolf-dogs, blind dogs, deaf dogs, unadoptables and so many more.
My goal, is to help truly meet individual dog’s needs. To help them feel safe, to integrate a new approach, and rethink what is seen as the standard. Here, we do not make robots… we look to truly connect and take an approach that looks to meet in the middle so humans and dogs can both thrive. My passion for animal welfare is what drives my work, to give dogs another chance to be heard.
-Best Friends Animal Santuary
If you’ve made it this far, thank you.
My approach to “connect, heal , save” came from working in welfare. I felt a deep understanding for animals failed, misunderstood, and forgotten. I wanted to fight for them. I wanted to truly connect, to heal them from traumas, and to ultimately save them from euthanasia. I wanted to offer more healing , outlets, and grounding. All this, being part of the inspiration, for K9Rewild.
-Stay wild, K9Rewild
Credentials
-IAABC (working towards)
-CBCC(Discontinued)
-CBATI
-Fear Free Shelters
-LEGS Family Dog Mediator
-The Dog Behavior Conference Victoria Stillwell
-Aggression in Dogs Conference Micheal Shikashio
-Defensive Handeling Trish McMillan
-Predations Substitute Training Simone Muller
-Canine Enrichment Technician DogNostic
-First aid and CPR certified +Wilderness First Aid
-Somatic Therapy- Waldrup
-12+ years experience of working with dogs in various fields
-Monthly C.E. threw webinars, books, podcast, hands on classes, vet assisting, and courses with various well known professionals.
-Employment at Best Friends Animal Society and (ASPCA -soon!)