Thursday October 16, 2008

"The more people I meet the more I like my dog."
- Unknown

EMPLOYEES

JAIME PASCHAL & "Shelby"

Since I was 5 years old, I always knew I was going to work with animals. It wasn't until I was in college that I realized that it couldn't be just any job; it had to be one where I worked for them, not just with them. I graduated with both a B.S. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Conservation Biology.

I spent the last 5 years working as a veterinary technician with experience in both emergency clinics and day practices. In 2003, I traveled to Panama to participate in a method study on the reintroduction of primates on the islands in the Panama Canal. My ultimate goal still remains to obtain my PhD in Animal Behavior and reintroduce endangered species back into their natural habitat.

I started this business for many reasons. Primarily, of course, is my passion for animals. But it also has to do with the animals themselves; they don't have a voice and I can see it from their perspective. I know the look my dog gave me when I had to close the door to his kennel and his nervous cries as I walked away - and this, when he only had to stay a few hours while I worked just a few feet away! I watched older pets with vision or hearing problems struggle to grasp the reasoning for being abandoned and their depression, stress and loss of appetite from the odd smells, loud noises, and strange people. I felt guilty that young, active dogs were caged for so many hours a day even with the best care at the top hospitals. There just isn't enough time at a boarding facility to allow them ample exercise and affection. Animals thrive off of routine and from that they gather comfort and trust. I started this business because I want to give the animals an alternative to cages, strangers, and abnormal routines. This is more than just a business to me. Before the accountants, and business license, and lawyers, and documents, I was always an animal lover ready to offer my time and devotion to enriching the lives of animals.