And what is my profession now?
This is is a blog Homework that is right up my ally because it falls in line with my number one passion- animals.
My love and passion for animals was evident at a very early age. For a “career play” in kindergarten, I dressed up as a Veterinarian because I wanted to help and save animals. At that age- I was not aware of any other ways to help animals. As I got older and into my teenage years, I started to volunteer at local animal shelters which then led into my first Kennel Attendant/Kennel Manager job at a local rescue. There, I learned a whole variety of things but one thing that made me feel the best was modifying undesirable behavior and watching dogs become more adoptable. Over some time my career choices started to shift. My interest in being a Veterinarian started to shift into interest in being a dog trainer. I was still torn for a long time as to wether I wanted to get started on Vet school or continue doing what I was doing and learn the most that I can to excel at what I wanted to do.
It was only until 5 years ago, when I started working at my current workplace that I made the decision to continue education in dog training, studying and passing my certification, attending seminars and webinars and even traveling on my works expense to learn new things. I am sponge and love to soak up knowledge in areas that interest me. I am grateful for the resources my work offers, including the ability to watch animals get spayed and neutered. That also helped me realize I do not have the balls to be a Veterinarian.
I am now currently a lead trainer at my work, not only training dogs, but caregivers and volunteers as well. I work with the public and I work with adopters on setting our dogs up for the most success in a home. I go to work everyday and get to do what I truly love to do- enrich the lives of the dogs as well as modify behavior to make for a more adoptable dog. It can be emotionally draining at times or a bite risk (or worse) but it is worth it and I wouldn’t change my profession for any other profession. Plus, there will always be a need for dog training!
Here are a few pictures of me with some of the dogs at work ❤️
@missy @rambo great topic and looking forward to reading others!
