II attended Essex Agricultural and Technical High School where I studied Animal and Equine Science, taking classes in dog grooming, agility, and obedience. During my time there, I worked in the horse barn, held internships as a stable groom, and gained hands-on experience as a brusher/bather in a retail pet store. Since then, I’ve continued working with animals in many ways. I’ve worked part-time in grooming shops, cared for my own horses for over 30 years, and participated in horse shows as a rider and owner. I also spent four years in 4H with my daughter, helping her learn to care for and show rabbits. At home, animals are part of the family. I’ve had dogs for the past 24 years (always completing basic obedience training with each), raised backyard chickens for seven years, and grown up with cats. Today, my household includes a dog, two cats, a horse, a pony, and two rabbits. I understand that pets are family, and I will treat yours with the same love, patience, and respect I give my own.