Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Instructor Profile: Krista DeCarle of Royal Pooch Pet Services, Calgary Alberta

Krista DeCarle has been offering the Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid program in Calgary, AB for the past 12 months. Here is her story: "I have a loving husband who has accepted my crazy love of animals and joined in by my side. Our 5 year old daughter and 19 month old son are in the mix of all these animals and learning how important animals are. I have always been passionate not only about animals but the welfare of them, including volunteering at a feline rescue for over 3 years. There I worked with domestics to ferals, giving the abused a second chance at trusting and being loved. I also worked at a veterinarian's for 3+ years which I found so interesting especially when I was able to watch the surgeries. Over the years I was always the person friends/family would ask to care for their pets. When I was on maternity leave with my son I decided to turn my passion into a business that could not only benefit my family but also benefit those families out there looking for quality pet care! I opened Royal Pooch Pet Services and it is one of the best decisions I ever made. Seeing clients feeling at ease and returning time after time because their pets are happy is why I do it. Then when I had the chance to be able to teach Pet First Aid I was thrilled. It was an honour to be able to teach others what to do in an emergency situation, how to care for their pet day to day and to even teach professional pet care workers how to make their work place a safe environment. I am excited to see what the future holds and excited to be able to touch even more pets and their owners." Pictured here with rescue dog "Georgie", Krista recently volunteered at a spay/neuter clinic at a reserve near her home community. Between her job, teaching, and her family we are always amazed when she is able to add extra activities like this to her schedule. Krista is a dynamic and kind Instructor who is full of energy and passion for what she does. Krista actively teaches public classes in Calgary, and is also open to offering private courses to rescue groups and other private businesses. Krista has 2 upcoming public courses for you to choose from in North Calgary: June 2, 2012 (full day) or June 16/17, 2012 (2 half days). You can reach Krista and Royal Pooch Pet Services at: www.royalpooch.ca or 403-701-9609.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

A Letter to My Best Friend

Dear Buddy,

There you were at the shelter. You were curled up in the back of the dog kennel, peering up at me suspiciously behind those long “bangs” of yours. I asked the shelter attendant what had happened to you to make you so afraid. She said she didn’t know but you’d been there for five weeks since they found you and didn’t like anyone. That was enough for me. I asked her to take you out and when she did you firmly dug all four of your feet into the ground. We had to carry all 40 lbs of you away from the building and when I put you down you pulled with all your might to get back inside.

We went back in and I said “I’ll take him!”. The woman looked at me in surprise and went to get the paperwork. When she returned she cautioned me that you would be a “difficult” dog. I didn’t care, I couldn’t leave you there. Soon, we were on our way home and en route you threw up all over yourself and my car. When we got home you promptly moved into my bathroom, where you lived for about a week before you were brave enough to come out and explore our 2 bedroom apartment.

You didn’t like me. You sized me up every time I came close to you. Every walk I continued to carry you away from the house and then put you down so you could pull me all the way home. One night, about a week after we came home you slipped out of your collar. It was before cell phones and I was yelling at 10:30 pm “Buddy!!! Buddy!!!”. Crying, I went home. I knew there was no way I’d ever see you again. I got there, and there you were sitting by the front door. That was when I knew you trusted me.

It’s been a long road since then. I graduated from university, got married, and spending time with you inspired me to start my business. Then my brother became very ill and passed away. You were there for it all. Later, we bought a condo and then a house, adding 2 cats, a bunny, and 2 children to your life. You took it all in stride and never complained. In fact, over time you grew to love it all…and us. Your stubborn and regal personality are still there, but combined with it is the immense amount of love and loyalty that you only offer to us – the people that you trust.

Today, you are 14 and going strong. You are my best friend and you have been there for me for every important moment of my life. You have taught me about patience, strength, loyalty, and most of all unconditional love. I’m telling you this now before you are gone so that you will always know how much you have changed my life and remember it forever.

I love you forever my friend.
Lisa