I worked alongside Laurel Kirby as a “dog walker” volunteer at the Animal Welfare Society for two years and can attest to her ability to successfully manage even the most difficult of those to walk. The Dog Walkers generally start with the easier dogs, “green” and gradually learn to walk those more challenging, “yellow” and lastly, reserved for only the best dog walkers, “red”. Laurel graduated through the ranks and within just a few short months was walking the dogs which required extra training, the “red” dogs. I feel she was successful because she took the initiative to attend Thursday training sessions for her own black lab. She learned to train dogs and learned the behaviors required of a successful owner. All dog walkers were required to successfully complete Animal CPR, including Laurel. Laurel is skilled and more than able to walk and care for pets but mostly, she just loves animals. She demonstrates her caring nature in a way that attracts all sorts of furry friends; they gravitate towards her kind, nurturing way.