My Sashi Girl!
I've always been a lover of animals. I grew up with cats and loved each one of them. I knew people were crazy about their dogs but I really didn't understand why.
Fast forward to the year 2000. I took on a job as a dog walker to supplement my 'starving artist' income. In just two days I understood what the craziness for dogs was all about! Rupert, an English Springer Spaniel was my first assignment and he was a perfect ambassador for his species!! Sweet, and fun, and so very smart!
Suddenly I was aware of this whole world of 'dog' that had been going on all around me without my noticing it. How was this possible? I was fascinated and in love!!
I started spending my time in dog parks even when I wasn't working, just to observe. I read all kinds of books about dogs, about breed origins and what job they were bred for. About the tenacity of Terriers, about the purpose of long ears on a hound, the explanation for the fancy Poodle cut, about hunting dogs, toy dogs, warrior dogs, guard dogs, on and on.
Most importantly though, I learned about DOG. What makes a Chihuahua and a Greyhound the same species? How do they socialize, communicate, order themselves in group situations, deal with fear, stress, the unexpected? I'd also watched just about every nature show growing up so I was already trained to observe!
I worked for a company as a dog walker for a year and then branched off to work for myself, predominantly as an animal sitter for a regular group of cats and dogs whose owners travelled sometimes for weeks at a time, or if they were just out for the night and preferred not to leave the pups alone.
Spending a greater amount of time with the dogs gave me the chance to develop a deeper understanding of them as individuals than I had been able to as a daily walker. Two of my regular clients had several dogs and I was able to really get to know the group dynamic. I went to a few dog shows, read up on different training styles and dedicated myself to becoming a good pack leader!
One of the best books I read and still recommend is 'How to Speak Dog' by Stanley Coren. I am always learning; from books, from talking with dog owners and trainers, and observing and from each new dog that I meet. My personal philosophy of dog happiness is that what a dog needs the most is confidence in themselves and in the person(s) who is in charge of them. Once those dynamics are in place the two way communication and relationship grows.
THAT is a Dog Connection!
As for cats, I have all the kitties of my childhood; Simon, Snowball, Sam, Geppetto, Duke and the rest to thank for teaching me how to make a Cat Connection! Every cat has it's own personality and I take the time to get to know them.
Nothing beats the sweet sounds of a purring cat!
In Boston my business was called 'Go! Don't Worry'. A few years ago I moved to Amesbury and recently I decided to re-open my dog and cat care business. I love spending my days connecting with and taking care of dogs and cats.
I've always been a lover of animals. I grew up with cats and loved each one of them. I knew people were crazy about their dogs but I really didn't understand why.
Fast forward to the year 2000. I took on a job as a dog walker to supplement my 'starving artist' income. In just two days I understood what the craziness for dogs was all about! Rupert, an English Springer Spaniel was my first assignment and he was a perfect ambassador for his species!! Sweet, and fun, and so very smart!
Suddenly I was aware of this whole world of 'dog' that had been going on all around me without my noticing it. How was this possible? I was fascinated and in love!!
I started spending my time in dog parks even when I wasn't working, just to observe. I read all kinds of books about dogs, about breed origins and what job they were bred for. About the tenacity of Terriers, about the purpose of long ears on a hound, the explanation for the fancy Poodle cut, about hunting dogs, toy dogs, warrior dogs, guard dogs, on and on.
Most importantly though, I learned about DOG. What makes a Chihuahua and a Greyhound the same species? How do they socialize, communicate, order themselves in group situations, deal with fear, stress, the unexpected? I'd also watched just about every nature show growing up so I was already trained to observe!
I worked for a company as a dog walker for a year and then branched off to work for myself, predominantly as an animal sitter for a regular group of cats and dogs whose owners travelled sometimes for weeks at a time, or if they were just out for the night and preferred not to leave the pups alone.
Spending a greater amount of time with the dogs gave me the chance to develop a deeper understanding of them as individuals than I had been able to as a daily walker. Two of my regular clients had several dogs and I was able to really get to know the group dynamic. I went to a few dog shows, read up on different training styles and dedicated myself to becoming a good pack leader!
One of the best books I read and still recommend is 'How to Speak Dog' by Stanley Coren. I am always learning; from books, from talking with dog owners and trainers, and observing and from each new dog that I meet. My personal philosophy of dog happiness is that what a dog needs the most is confidence in themselves and in the person(s) who is in charge of them. Once those dynamics are in place the two way communication and relationship grows.
THAT is a Dog Connection!
As for cats, I have all the kitties of my childhood; Simon, Snowball, Sam, Geppetto, Duke and the rest to thank for teaching me how to make a Cat Connection! Every cat has it's own personality and I take the time to get to know them.
Nothing beats the sweet sounds of a purring cat!
In Boston my business was called 'Go! Don't Worry'. A few years ago I moved to Amesbury and recently I decided to re-open my dog and cat care business. I love spending my days connecting with and taking care of dogs and cats.