Currently working at Guide Dogs for the Blind, I fulfill the duties and tasks of a Canine Welfare Training Technician; in other words, I am a kennel tech that tends to the needs and care of the dogs on campus. Like many pets, I am responsible for their physical and mental health by providing stimulating enrichment (walks, kongs, puzzle feeders, etc.), uphold a high sanitary environment, and conduct appropriate diets along with the correct medication. Working with Golden and Labrador Retrievers, I have the privilege to assist instructors with their obedience training and other sessions that they ask us to accompany. Recently graduated from The Teaching Zoo of Moorpark College, I’ve gained the experience to handle, train, and work safely with a wide range of exotic and domestic species: reptiles, carnivores, herbivores, and birds. My duties included, but were not limited to, cleaning to a USDA standard, responsibility of appropriate medication and administration, operant conditional training with positive reinforcement, and daily husbandry needs (walking, feeding, etc.). Aside from zoo animals, I was also a vet assistant of three years. The hospital and our staff specialized in fear free techniques whilst reading and grasping body language, gaining better knowledge of small pet behavior/demeanor (dogs and cats). With pets of my own, I was able to apply my skill sets to train not only behaviors that benefit their house manners (sit, lay down, wait) but also experienced the care and company of what a pet needs.