Since the young age of seven I felt my calling in life was to be a veterinarian. I have always been able to connect with animals, at times maybe even more so than with humans. It seems we have an unspoken language of understanding, despite them having no literal voice I still feel connection that allows me to read their needs. Because of this natural connection everything that followed after the age of seven has related to my thirst for knowledge and compassion for animals.

           Over the last 16 years I have focused on immersing myself in the animal community any way I can. I not only craved the knowledge and furthering my connection with animals but also loved each experience. When I was seven years old I started my own pet business. Although most of the dogs I watched towered over me I knew that they were happier in their own home with constant attention than stuck at a noisy cold kennel. At 10 I knew the animals at the shelter around the holidays were lonely and longing for attention so I baked them treats and handed them out to each one. At 13 I began fostering kittens that were too sick or too young to be adopted out so I cuddled them and nursed them back to health. Through out high school I made a point to immerse myself in every science course I could take luckily including a Veterinary Science course. I also took any research opportunity to involve a topic on animals. By 21 I completed a 300-hour unpaid internship under three veterinarians which provided different practicing styles. With the time I had in-between I completed research projects on Spatial vs. Memory Learning in pet rats which was presented at both at my high school’s science fair as well as one at Franklin and Marshall College. In my gifted program I develop a project on Purebred Cats, Breeding and Overpopulation. Finally, I presented a project entitled Affects of Altruistic Motives on Guilt Appeal and Likelihood of Cat Adoption Based on Personality Profile at the Eastern Psychological Association conference in Boston Massachusetts as well as at Kutztown University. In college, although I was involved in running the school yearbook all four years and activities for my sorority, instead of partying I read books on animal nutrition or veterinary magazines.

            As a young adult I created my own business Precious Paw Prints Jewelry. I created commemorative jewelry for fellow animal lovers who want to carry a piece of their companion whether walking on earth or passed over the rainbow bridge. Many customers chose to have their pet’s paw print or image on the piece while others include birthstones, ashes and hair. My business was meant to strengthen and portray the importance of the the bond between animal lovers and their companions. Nothing gave me more joy than getting a tearful testimony from a customer whose pet has recently left us and it is the only representation they have left. Many of my customers, months later contacted me again thanking me for their commemoration and that the piece never leaves their neck or wrist.

           I also continued my education by reading countless books on the latest animal nutrition technologies and demo representing a nutritious brand of pet food. This part-time job is what really got me into animal nutrition. Within the first six-months of working for the company I learned so much about animal nutrition and how it impacts an animal’s overall health and life. Without proper nutrition these animals cannot thrive. Every day I loved going to work at the pet stores I was assigned to, excited to educate people on proper animal nutrition, how to read pet food bags, and encourage them to do the research that will allow them to have a long and happy life with their companion. Although I respect veterinarians immensely and believe they have worked extremely hard to get to where they are, I felt animal nutrition was a proactive preventative to many of the illnesses and diseases our companions face. I knew this is where I was meant to be.

          I think it is important to continually educate myself through various media in order to gain as much information as I can not only in animal nutrition but in other more natural options for the care of our beloved companions. With this mind set, it was in 2015 that I decided to become an Animal Nutritionist and spread the word of health and wellbeing through education and implementation of proper canine and feline nutrition. Today I continue this journey in the hopes of making an impact not only in the lives of canine and feline owners and their companions but in the animal industry as well.