Coral D.
Gainesville, FL
I bring out the best in every dog
Pet care experience
I have been irresistibly drawn to dogs for as long as I can remember. When I majored in English in college, I was always more excited to pick up the next foster dog than I was to write the next paper, even though the paper was likely to be about dogs. Fostering dozens of special needs dogs in my home taught me not only how to administer medication, recognize and address pain and discomfort, and keep calm heart-worm positive dogs-- I also learned how to regain the trust of abused or neglected dogs. Working with the integrative medicine and neurology departments at UF Small Animal Hospital gave me the opportunity to work with dogs with physical disabilities and injuries, including assisting dogs with slings, help-em-up harnesses and e-collars, as well as getting to know and work with many wonderful dogs suffering from neurological and physical conditions including: seizures, canine dementia, deafness, blindness, varying degrees of paralysis, or who had been born with debilitating birth defects. I came face to face with some of the hardest situations encountered by dog parents, and some of the hardest decisions, from learning to live with a dog with urinary or fecal incontinence or limited mobility, to when to end an aging dog's battle with arthritis, to the terrible experience of dogs with IVDD. Managing a free play dog daycare taught me about handling and exercising powerful and energetic dogs in groups, as well as how best to utilize training tools. I learned that to be a pack leader is more than to be the one with two legs and the power. I learned to earn a dog's trust and affection by being trustworthy and affectionate, and that exposing dogs to fun new experiences and games, while managing their politics such that no one is bullied or a bully, is the only way to earn respect. Loving my own dogs, including my paralyzed spaniel, has taught me that dogs are family. Just like us, they struggle with physical and emotional problems, and just like us, they deserve to be known, understood, and truly cared for. I believe in the potential of every dog to live life to the fullest, and helping them do that makes my life full.
About Coral D.
Skills
Information Coral D. would like to know about your pet
I love working with any breed or personality. I am comfortable with protection dogs or dogs tending towards aggression, so long as I build a relationship with the dog and owner prior to being alone with them. I am comfortable with dogs with medical needs, although I am not a veterinary technician and cannot administer IV or give shots. I am comfortable with dogs with slings, urinary or fecal incontinence, paralysis, etc.
A typical day
I match my speed, location, and activity to the dog's personality and body type, as well as the pet parent's preferences. Backyard games of fetch or frisbee are always fun, as well as hide and seek, where I hide toys or food in the yard or house for the dog to find. Strolls through the neighborhood or hikes through Gainesville's beautiful parks are great for the laid back pooch. If your dog wants a little more go, I am happy to jog. I let the dog set the pace, but straining against the leash is never permitted. If your dog is very energetic and wants to pull, and you are OK with it, I find having a dog pull me on my skateboard is a great way to safely burn off energy and build confidence and attention skills. This was my activity of choice with my skittish rottweiler, as it allowed her to burn off energy and build confidence, while still allowing me to stay in control. Dogs that just love people often enjoy a walk through Lowes or downtown. Dogs with physical disabilities may be happy to ride in the car, or sit quietly in a park.
Services
Coral can watch in your home
About Coral D.
Skills
Information Coral D. would like to know about your pet
I love working with any breed or personality. I am comfortable with protection dogs or dogs tending towards aggression, so long as I build a relationship with the dog and owner prior to being alone with them. I am comfortable with dogs with medical needs, although I am not a veterinary technician and cannot administer IV or give shots. I am comfortable with dogs with slings, urinary or fecal incontinence, paralysis, etc.
A typical day
I match my speed, location, and activity to the dog's personality and body type, as well as the pet parent's preferences. Backyard games of fetch or frisbee are always fun, as well as hide and seek, where I hide toys or food in the yard or house for the dog to find. Strolls through the neighborhood or hikes through Gainesville's beautiful parks are great for the laid back pooch. If your dog wants a little more go, I am happy to jog. I let the dog set the pace, but straining against the leash is never permitted. If your dog is very energetic and wants to pull, and you are OK with it, I find having a dog pull me on my skateboard is a great way to safely burn off energy and build confidence and attention skills. This was my activity of choice with my skittish rottweiler, as it allowed her to burn off energy and build confidence, while still allowing me to stay in control. Dogs that just love people often enjoy a walk through Lowes or downtown. Dogs with physical disabilities may be happy to ride in the car, or sit quietly in a park.
Location
Gainesville, FL
Pets
Coral D.
Gainesville, FL