Lisa A.
Pico-Robertson, CA
23+ Year Volunteer in Dog Rescue
Pet care experience
Dogs are family to me and represent unconditional love. My deep and abiding respect for the canine species is what prompted me to begin volunteering with Best Friends Animal Society/NKLA in 1994. I've gone on to volunteer in high volume shelters rehoming & rehabilitating dogs of all kinds. For 4 years I worked exclusively on the Best Friends "Pup My Ride" team going weekly to Baldwin Park Shelter where we would transport adoptable candidates to shelters around the country that had the space for them. It was one of the most rewarding things I have gotten to participate in during my rescue "career". I've also assisted with dogs in palliative care situations. My own dog Merlin moved through oral cancer in 2004 and made his transition in 2005. If your best friend is facing a medical challenge I will be there for what he or she needs to continue to live with the best quality of life (this includes vet visits if needed). My background is in holistic health and I have been a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist since 1995. I have studied Chinese medicine and energetic healing as well. I am also a certified yoga instructor and a meditation teacher. This part of my background has helped me understand dogs in all situations. I've also learned quite a bit of canine psychology and training techniques having been around dogs in varied predicaments. I approach each dog I meet with respect and boundaries until a bond of trust is established. With some dogs this only takes 2 seconds, others it takes a bit longer but that's ok. Like us, dogs have different personalities. Having met many rescue dogs whose past life was a question mark or had experienced trauma (just being in a shelter is traumatic and can leave scars) I have no judgement. My hope is, with time and love, your dog will trust me enough to allow me to give them the most amazing doggiesage! Because when you give healing you always get it in return and dogs are the most appreciative recipients! Please feel free to reach out with any questions and thanks so much for checking out my profile. Have a beautiful and blessed day, Lisa A~
Reviews
Lisa Avery is a very centered and focused individual, especially when it comes to the welfare and care of animals. She has a great love and compassion for her own dog, Douglas Fur, and to my knowledge has never turned away from a request to be a part of any animal organization asking for help. She also promotes and talks to other animal lovers who are able to help out when necessary for the call to arms in assisting and furthering the goals and aims of our little furry friends. Rover would do very well to accept Lisa as a partner in the care and concerns of of our best friends, the dog. Sincerely, Evelyn McNeill
Lisa is such an amazing spirit. Some people are just "pet people" and Lisa is one of them. The time she spent with London I felt like he was with family and know that Lisa made every decision in his best interest. I would not hesitate for a moment to have Lisa care for London again either at her house or mine. I admire the work that she does with rescue agencies and the humane society and feel like she advocates for pet safety and care for pets that do not have a voice. If you need someone to watch your angel pies and want the peace and tranquity of knowing that they are with "family;" look no further. Lisa is your girl! Just look at the pictures of her and Douglas Furr - you can see it it both their eyes.
Lisa is a kind and loving, gentle spirit who not only connects with people but has a special bond with dogs. Dogs love her! My dog was especially fond of Lisa and loved when she came to visit. Your dog will be in the very best of care with Lisa!
Lisa loves dogs! I mean, she really loves dogs. I know that she's given hundreds of hours to help hundreds of dogs in and around LA. She called me one day and asked if I could take care of one particular pup who's future was very uncertain. Buddy stayed for the weekend. Five years later, he's still here with us - the best buddy we could wish for. We're eternally grateful to Lisa for that - and I know Buddy is too, he'll never forget here. Lisa's care and attention saved Buddy's life. Lisa loves dogs - and dogs love Lisa!
About Lisa A.
Communication
Skills
Information Lisa A. would like to know about your pet
I am comfortable will all breeds of dogs from Pitties to Pomeranians but I do require a "meet & greet" prior to accepting any booking commitment. What I need to know from you is if anything makes your dog tense, upset, uncomfortable or aggressive (skateboards, other dogs, strangers, men in particular et). If yes, how do they respond? Has your dog had any training? Are they comfortable walking on a leash? What are your "house rules"? Is your dog an introvert or an extrovert??? My current dog is a total introvert so I understand if your dog is less open to stimulation. Not all dogs enjoy the dog park. If your dog is a social butterfly I will make sure any other pup they interact with is the same kind of butterfly. Also, if your dog is not fixed I will need to know why as it may inhibit my ability to work with you. I believe all dogs should be spayed or neutered. It helps them live a longer life with less anxiety. And we don't need anymore pups in the shelters! Thanks so much!
A typical day
Lots of walks if that's what they enjoy. If not, lots of play in the yard, in the home, treats, cuddles, et and of coarse lots of love and attention. Or if your dog is a couch potato, I'm happy to be a spud along with them!! Being that I've been a massage therapist and energetic healer with a background in holistic medicine for 20+ years your dog or dogs will get lots of bodywork if they are up for it. My favorite massage recipients are dogs as they are so appreciative of healing touch. Your dog will always get 30 minutes of my full and undivided attention and that translates in to 45 minutes or more each visit. I don't count greetings and goodbyes! And if you need regularly scheduled weekly/monthly visits a we can talk about a discount. Thanks so much!
Services
Lisa can watch in your home
About Lisa A.
Communication
Skills
Information Lisa A. would like to know about your pet
I am comfortable will all breeds of dogs from Pitties to Pomeranians but I do require a "meet & greet" prior to accepting any booking commitment. What I need to know from you is if anything makes your dog tense, upset, uncomfortable or aggressive (skateboards, other dogs, strangers, men in particular et). If yes, how do they respond? Has your dog had any training? Are they comfortable walking on a leash? What are your "house rules"? Is your dog an introvert or an extrovert??? My current dog is a total introvert so I understand if your dog is less open to stimulation. Not all dogs enjoy the dog park. If your dog is a social butterfly I will make sure any other pup they interact with is the same kind of butterfly. Also, if your dog is not fixed I will need to know why as it may inhibit my ability to work with you. I believe all dogs should be spayed or neutered. It helps them live a longer life with less anxiety. And we don't need anymore pups in the shelters! Thanks so much!
A typical day
Lots of walks if that's what they enjoy. If not, lots of play in the yard, in the home, treats, cuddles, et and of coarse lots of love and attention. Or if your dog is a couch potato, I'm happy to be a spud along with them!! Being that I've been a massage therapist and energetic healer with a background in holistic medicine for 20+ years your dog or dogs will get lots of bodywork if they are up for it. My favorite massage recipients are dogs as they are so appreciative of healing touch. Your dog will always get 30 minutes of my full and undivided attention and that translates in to 45 minutes or more each visit. I don't count greetings and goodbyes! And if you need regularly scheduled weekly/monthly visits a we can talk about a discount. Thanks so much!
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Pets
Lisa A.
Pico-Robertson, CA