5.0

My mom opened a pet boarding, grooming and daycare facility which she has grown every year, including her family in it since 2001, to make Canine Country one of Charlottesville's most well-known and loved facilities. I was born fourteen years after Canine Country opened and was surrounded daily by pets that were left in our care. My mom's long standing connections to veterinarians and animal shelters have been a significant part of my desire to be in the animal industry in my own way. I am currently a student at Virginia Tech, majoring in Animal Science working toward Veterinary school. For years, I have been collecting donations and working on small projects to bring awareness to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. I began my fostering journey in seventh grade with newborn kittens. During 2020 and 2021 I fostered approximately 10 different sets of puppies. On the other hand, my connections to the CASPCA and my passion for helping animals led me to planning, building, and presenting my pet-themed LOVEworks which encourages visitors to spread the love throughout Virginia and to animals in need at the CASPCA. Besides pet sitting in my community my first job at a veterinarians office stands out in my memories because it had been a a goal of mine.I am currently working as an undergraduate researcher in animal nutrition as well as working reception at the VT small animal hospital if you see me around:)