I have never been much of a writer - but here I go, sharing some of the ramblings that consume my thoughts. Most of them are about our faithful pets and their behaviours but sometimes just about love, life and everything in between.
I started on this pet care journey in 2009 - I never had the opportunity to study after school, and working for an Advertising agency in Johannesburg in my late 20s, I looked into learning something to nurture my creative side in my field - like you know "multimedia". Long story short, three little (2-week-old) ginger kittens crossed my path. Fostering and finding homes for these guys was more rewarding than anything I had ever done - shortly after that, I ended up doing a short course on animal behaviour and was fascinated by the subject.
The funny thing about animal behaviour and training... the more you learn, the less you know.
And I am humbled by this every day.
I never thought I could be a dog trainer - all the forceful methods, lead corrections, choke collars, intimidation etc.
I found the Center of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) based in the UK and jumped at completing their Diploma in the Practical Aspects of Animal Behaviour and Training. I learned there is a new way to look at behaviour - one that doesn't rely on intimidation and pain. A science-based method that considers our companion animals' emotional needs and nurtures a relationship between pet and owner.
Finally, it all made sense.
I dedicated this to my furry kids (future, past and present) and my fantastic husband, Dr D, who always listens with patience as I ramble on about my passion. Thank you for believing in me, even if I don't always believe in myself.
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