Your involvement with animals

Orla K

Reading another post which the poster mentioned some of their area with which they are involved with animals got me thinking about other posters (and my own) involvement with animals. We can't all be just pet owners here there must be some professionals here too.

Myself, I own a cat often mind two other dogs, and try to bring one for walks when I can. I starting volenteering in an animal shelter for two hours a week(so far I've just been playing with kittens:o but they are very nervous/scared of people) I also want to go back to college with the aim of studing biology/zoology and then onto vet medicine(hopefully)


So how are you involved with animals, loving pet owner, vet, groomer, own/work in a pet shop or are you about to get a pet?

Acoshla

I have one cat and one dog, would love more but can't afford to be feeding more at the moment. I have always loved cats, didn't like dogs as much until I lived in Canada for a year. While I was there I volunteered with the Humane Society as a volunteer kitten feeder, feeding orphaned and abandoned kittens, I did the 11pm to 4am shift once a week, most pleasurable few hours you can get!

I also worked as a Vet's Assistant when I was there, and that's where i got used to dogs. Having to prep them for surgery, clip nails, do puppy checks etc got me well used to them. I had to clear up after surgery, deal with dying and injured animals all the time, but I loved looking after them and knowing their owners appreciated it. I loved that job, even considered studying to do it here, but it would never be the same job. Here there's so much farm animal work too, everyday there was just a string of gorgeous city sized pets, it was so busy, you would never get that here. My favourite dogs ever were an Argentinian Dogo named Che who weighed more than me but thought he was a tiny puppy, and an American Sled Dog, complete with harness, that I got to cuddle while he had shots

I would love to one day run a sanctuary for cats, I have to stop myself taking in every cat or kitten I see needing a home! But the two animals I have now are gorgeous, so just gonna enjoy them for now

morganafay

Firstly I am a pet owner, 3 dogs (Cavaliers), 5 cats, 3 guinea pigs and 2 rabbits.

I want to start breeding purebred rabbits and guinea pigs (please nobody give out to me for that) just as a hobby, and because there don't seem to be too many of them around and ones in pet shops are often sick/pregnant/not tame, in my experience.

I'm also studying small animal care/veterinary nursing (a vet nursing course that isn't accredited yet, but hopefully will be by the time I finish!)

I also hope to volunteer at a shelter in the summer, to get a bit of experience and help animals.

Though I'm not sure if that will be my career in the end. I'd like to work in a pet shop or maybe be a groomer, run my own kennels/cattery (eventually) and maybe breed Cavaliers and some type of pedigree cats (Ragdolls or Persians maybe, since I have a lovely half persian that I found in a carpark when he was a baby). I know alot of people are opposed to breeding, but I think Cavaliers are such lovely dogs, and there are not too many pedigree cats around really, so personally I see nothing wrong with being a responsible breeder.

And my dream for the future that'll probably never happen! is to rescue a few animals like pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys, chickens, etc, and have a kind of pet farm that children can visit and I can teach them about the animals. I'd also love to run a rescue for Cavaliers, and one for feral cats . . . I'd really love that.

And I plan on getting alot more pets, a few different breeds of rabbits, some chinchillas would be nice, would love another puppy

adser53

morganafay wrote: »

And my dream for the future that'll probably never happen! is to rescue a few animals like pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys, chickens, etc, and have a kind of pet farm that children can visit and I can teach them about the animals. I'd also love to run a rescue for Cavaliers, and one for feral cats . . . I'd really love that.

SNAP! I'd love to have that but more for me than the children lol

Thinking more realistically though, if I ever get a house in the country with a bit of land I'd love to open an Akita rescue as, AFAIK, there isn't one in Ireland.

As for now, I'm just an avid dog lover I've 4 dogs (2 akitas & 2 cavaliers) and would have more if time, space and finances permitted it! I've only ever worked for 2 weeks in a dog pound about 8 years ago when I was in 4th year of secondary school and I'll never forget it. I think from seeing what happens in a pound is the main reason why I'd love to have an Akita rescue. I'd also love to breed akitas (responsibly before anyone says anything) but this also isn't on the cards for the forseeable future!

**Edit**
I think my sig pic kinda gave the whole "4 dogs" thing away lol

honerbright

Currently have a cat and 2 dwarf hamsters here in Ireland.

Back in New Zealand I used to volunteer at the SPCA, walking and socialising dogs, changing out the cages in the vets recovery room, feeding the bunnys etc.

I also used to volunteer at a place called the RDA (Riding for the Disabled), which I don't think you have here. I used to go a few times a week and groom the horses, feed them and also lead the visitors around on them In a perfect world where I had money and land, ideally that is something I would love to start up here.

Sigma Force

Just an pet owner at the mo.
Opened our home to rescue guinea pigs (and other smallies) for a while.
Took in and rehomed a lot esp. guinea pigs. Very difficult to find really good homes for them.

Had to stop eventually was costing a lot esp. as we're a one wage household. Plus the time which I needed eventually to dedicate to our young one who was having problems so it's all been put on hold but perhaps one day will start up again.

Things are very tight now financially so no plans on getting anymore pets, we're down to 3 dogs and a cockatiel they keep us busy. All are rescues except our youngest pooch.

Haven't the brains for vet or vet nurse work, try to do our bit now and then for various animal charities the odd donation here and there.

Other than that we plod along with our furry and feathery clan.

I want to start breeding purebred rabbits and guinea pigs (please nobody give out to me for that) just as a hobby, and because there don't seem to be too many of them around and ones in pet shops are often sick/pregnant/not tame, in my experience.

Very true, would be nice if pet shops stopped selling them except for mabey a handful of shops that really knew what they were doing..some do.
Sadly so many don't some don't even know where the critters have come from.
Just like with dogs there's a lot of backyard breeding going on with rabbits and guineas. Also a lot of accidental litters, I bet this year will be a pretty bad one too.
There are some responsible guinea breeders in Ireland, the UK seems to be more popular when it comes to showing and variety etc.

anniehoo

Veterinary Laboratory Technician as my fulltime job,involves research and diagnostics mainly in small companion animals.

Degree in Agricultural and Environmental Science.

Part time petsitter which ive been doing for 6 years although have cut down recently.

Volunteer as a homechecker for the DSPCA.

Worked in boarding kennels for 6 years when i was younger.

Pet owner...had a dog for 14 yrs now own a gorgeous ginger tom cat.

Sin é

The Sweeper

Own six rescued cats. Spent a while being very involved with a local no-kill cat shelter, and fostered kittens and adult cats, including resocialisation of previously abused moggies. Still a sucker for a rescue, but don't foster these days due to change in hours of work (some days we're both out for 8+ hours, which isn't a good situation for timid rescue kittens).

Still, took in last rescue kitten not six weeks ago - siamese cross from a back yard breeder who allowed her calling female to roam, and get pregnant, then let her have the kittens and handed them in to the pound. OH was off for three weeks changing jobs, and we had a good chance to socialise her with our own cats, so now they're her big, extended, babysitting family. She loves them.

As for the careless bitch who "accidentally" bred her, some people are just scum.

andreac

Im a pet owner at the moment, own one rottie, hopefully getting a second in the next few months.

Im big into animals and i currently work on a stud farm in Kildare. Ive studied Equine Studies in College and completed a HND in Equine Studies.

Ive always had dogs and Cooper, (rottie) is my first dog of my own. Hes 3 and half. Ive had a horse too for a few years, an ex racehorse.

Clare Bear

I have just one dog here in Dublin, a minature JRT called Alfie. At home in Cork my parents have 5 dogs, 5 cats, 2 horses....the list goes on.

Up until a few weeks ago I was a Veterinary Nurse but starting on the second week of April I'm going to be a Lecturer in Animal Welfare and Science so big changes for me. I've also worked in the Zoo and done lots of volunteer work so working with animals has always been something I've done.

PaulB91

Pet owner - I have 5 dogs, 2 rabbits and 8 gold fish, I do try to help with a local animal welfare group after recent experiences with an "official" organisation and so far helped foster and rehome 2 dogs.

wanted to get involved with SARDA but at the moment with the five dogs i have enough to handle

YOURFACE!

I have 2 dogs at the moment and I foster for Dogs in Distress, which has changed my life completely. It has made me realise that I'm on this earth to help animals. Its all about being brave enough to take the next step.

In the past I've taken two horses off the meat lorry, reschooled them and sent them onto good homes.

kazza90210

I am currently working as a vet nurse here in Australia, back in dublin I worked as a vet nurse, also did home checks for a couple of charities and fostered dogs for dogs in distress.

Really miss the fostering over here but my apartment and working hours arent suited to it at the moment, hopefully in the near future i can go back to it. Nice to see how many people help rescues on here.....keep up the good work everyone!

CreedonsDogDayc

I work with dogs, and ive spent quite a bit of time studying them too!!! I have a husky, a jrt cross and a lab / pug / lion:D?! cross! Ive been minding friends and families dogs since i was knee high to a grasshopper!!

Started off with a degree in zoology (not dog related, but animal related so i think it counts )

Since then ive studied animal grooming, I have diplomas in canine studies and and canine psychology, and certificates in canine first aid and Dog daycare. Im also currently studying to become a qualified dog trainer with happier hounds, and planning on enrolling in a FETAC registered dog training course!!

Ive been working full time as a dog walker for the past three years, and Im opening a Doggie Daycare centre in Cork in the next week or two, just waiting to get the keys from the solicitor to announce an opening date (www.creedonsdoggiedaycare.com)!!!

Very excited now! I always knew Id end up working with animals, but its sooo strange to finally have plans turning into reality:o!! I'll have daycare, grooming, training classes, a pet shop, and in-home boarding on offer, so busy busy busy!!!!!!:eek:

morganafay

CreedonsDogDayc wrote: »

Ive been working full time as a dog walker for the past three years, and Im opening a Doggie Daycare centre in Cork in the next week or two, just waiting to get the keys from the solicitor to announce an opening date (www.creedonsdoggiedaycare.com)!!!

Very excited now! I always knew Id end up working with animals, but its sooo strange to finally have plans turning into reality:o!! I'll have daycare, grooming, training classes, a pet shop, and in-home boarding on offer, so busy busy busy!!!!!!:eek:

That sounds amazing! I'd love to do something like that one day, well done!

cotton

Bit of an allsorts.
Have 4 dogs & 8 cats. All rescues apart from one dog.
Started off volunteering for the Blue Cross, did it for a good few years. Then got involved in welfare & fostered dogs & cats for several resues.
Started a massive TNR in Dun Laoghaire a couple of years back & ended up running it was a rescue, along with taking over another cat rescue in the middle of it. Now just concentrating on cats on the southside, run a cat discussion board, still help out a couple of dog resues when I can.
Am also a pet photographer.

CreedonsDogDayc

cotton wrote: »

Am also a pet photographer.

ah cool, are you getting much work out of it? Have you come across "shoot my dog"? what do you make of it?

Call me Socket

I'm owned by 4 dogs and 7 cats. Grew up with cats, dogs and horses (could ride before I could walk- (no smart comments please!!!:D)
Have been bringing home strays all my life. Homeward Bound is the name I put to the thing that snowballed and took over my life last year!
Moderator on Ireland's premier dog website. Carry out homechecks for other rescues and help with transport where I can.
Doing a Canine First Responder course next week- really looking forward to that. Hope at some stage to study dog psychology & training. And it goes without saying- if ever the lotto comes my way I'll be increasing Homeward Bound's activities tenfold!

cotton

CreedonsDogDayc wrote: »

ah cool, are you getting much work out of it? Have you come across "shoot my dog"? what do you make of it?

Personally, I wouldn't put dogs under studio lights (having worked with them for many years, I think the heat is too much for an animal) or any environment they're not comfortable with.
That's just me though, I prefer to work with their own routine, get down dirty & play with them too so it's fun.
I used to get an awful lot of work, was doing it every weekend & a lot of evenings for 2 years. Lots of repeat customers with new pets too which was always nice. The past year, it's dropped off a lot with the big R but am still busy on & off.

CreedonsDogDayc

im the same, we were offered a freebie in the past and i was very unimpressed, he had no rapport with our dog and even tried to pick her up when he arrived before he knew anything about her!!

cotton

You really, really need to love, understand & most importantly respect animals & their personalities to be able to do it so the pet comes first. I always come out covered in muck & slobber but the dog is always happy out along with their owners.:)

Orla K

cotton wrote: »

Bit of an allsorts.
Have 4 dogs & 8 cats. All rescues apart from one dog.
Started off volunteering for the Blue Cross, did it for a good few years. Then got involved in welfare & fostered dogs & cats for several resues.
Started a massive TNR in Dun Laoghaire a couple of years back & ended up running it was a rescue, along with taking over another cat rescue in the middle of it. Now just concentrating on cats on the southside, run a cat discussion board, still help out a couple of dog resues when I can.
Am also a pet photographer.

First question, what is TNR?

and what's this about a cat discussion board?

cotton

TNR is Trap, Neuter, Release of cats. (Although I homed most of them & only released back a few.)

There is a cat discussion board, I don't know if I'm allowed post it here though.

star-pants

Cotton you can post up a link to your discussion board here if you like
Specialist discussion sites can be very helpful to some, mentioning them is no problem, it'd only be if someone was constantly pushing a site that it becomes an issue.

cotton

Thanks star-pants!

It's http://top-cat.proboards.com

EGAR

I founded EGAR (East Galway Animal Rescue) 13 years ago and have run it ever since. EGAR is Ireland'd only Bull Breed Rescue.

PurplePrincess

I volunteer for a rescue shelter, fostering cats/kittens, doing vet runs, feeding/cleaning in their centre and a bit of admin. I originally started as I was new to the area and knew nobody and also our family cat had died after 18years and I really missed being around cats.

I have one cat, Missy, who was one of my fosterlings and just stole my heart so she stayed. She's a little dote who never minds when the fosterlings eat her food, wee on her bed or follow her around the place.

I mostly enjoy the work, I love watching the chaos of little kittens running around the place and I fostered a pregnant cat last year and found it amazing watching the kittens being born and their progress till they were rehomed but I find some of the cruelty/neglect cases hard to take.

I'd love to work in a vets but thats unlikely at the moment.

Inexile

Hi, I have four dogs and volunteer with Kerry Greyhound Connections (KGC). My volunteer work includes walking the hounds, doing greyhound awareness days, some book keeping and at the moment Im fostering one.
KGC are always looking for more volunteers so if anyone has the time and wants to get involved please pm me. I will also be posting another thread re fostering.

lrushe

Just a pet owner at the mo. Owner of:

1 Japanese Spitz
1 Tortoiseshell Cat
1 Chihuahua
1 Russian Tortoise
1 Rottweiler
2 Freshwater Aquarium
1 Marine Aquarium

Over my life I've owned everything from ferrets to phesants
In the future I would love, love to work with horses again and at the v.least own one of my own!

fay25

I'm a qualified riding instructor and have been a pretty serious showjumping competitor. Neither is the day job tho unfortunately

As a keeper, I have 6 (i think!) horses at the mo, dogs and a house full of reptiles...they're a big obsession

Molberts

I can vouch for Cotton's photography I mean pet-ography, she's amazing

Well first off I share my home/life/workplace with my three beautiful (im not biased I swear) rescue dogs. The biggest and bouldest of the three is Molly, an ex Limerick Animal Welfare rescue who now has her very own shop and website named after her! http://www.mollys.ie/

I originally started it as I didn't think it was fair there was such a huge selection of pet accessories available abroad and not here :cool: So we went online first then opened our shop a year or so later. It keeps me very busy but I love it as I get to meet dogs (and lovely people!) all day as well as finding fab new toys, food etc for Irish dogs to enjoy

Before the shop opened I used to volunteer for rescue a LOT as I worked nights, I used to foster, help with walking/mucking out etc oh and transport up and down the country sometimes 4/5 days a week! I was quite young/naive at the time and it really took over my whole life (and a couple of people took advantage to be honest) so I had to take a step back. I try to help instead by educating new/prospective new pet owners on how to choose suitable companions for their situations and how to avoid common pitfalls - hopefully this has stopped a few dogs ending up in rescue anyway

edit - Oh I should add in I'm currently saving up to do a training course with DTI, I find canine behavior truly fascinating so am really looking forward to learning