Introduction

My original purpose for starting this website was to show the different personalities of cat breeds - and then it expanded. While doing the research for this site the one thing I found was how hard it was to find information of all the personalities all in one place. I had to flip from page to page and to different websites. My purpose is to have an educational website that is beneficial in helping people find the perfect pet companion before purchasing or adopting.   Although I have had many animals throughout my life I was amazed at how many species of small animals there are, and how each subspecies may be different. For example, there are many different types of rabbits with their own unique characteristics. Even gerbils and hamsters have subspecies that are different from each other.

Recently I have expanded to website to include a Fitness section. There are so many canine activities that go beyond agility sports that so many people are involved in. To get a brief introduction to the sport, go to my page on Canine Sports Defined. If you are interested, continue on to find out a little more about the sports and whether you and your dog would be good matches for the activities.

About Me:
We live on the North Shore of Massachusetts.   I've worked as a PTA in the North Shore for more than 14 years and have taken continuing education courses on myofascial release/trigger points and acupressure. I love working with people, and have a passion for animals.

I am intrigued by the differences in behavior among different species. I am a former Bengal cat breeder, and although I do miss breeding, I have kept all my breeder cats in my family (and have displayed them in various pages of my website). I also live with my two legged family, several snakes, lizards and frogs. I have experience with other pets, such as dogs, rabbits, bearded dragons, dogs, mice, hamsters, birds and fish, among others.

Associate Degree:
Physical Therapy
Business Administration

Certification:
ACE Certified Personal Trainer (1999)

Diploma
Canine Fitness - CASI (Companion Animal Sciences Institute)
Classes include: Principles of Learning and Behavior -
                                    Canine Sports Psychology
                                    Canine Sports Fitness                                                                                                                         Kayla and Mailyn
                                    Canine and Feline Nutrition
                                    Special Topics in Fitness
                                    First Aid, Sports Injuries, and Therapies
                                    Behavior, Body Language and Theory
                                    Anatomy and Physiology
                                    Gait and Structure

Certificates:
Veterinary Assisting
Science for Animal Physical Therapists - APTA (American Physical Therapy Association)
Agility (Human)
Nutrition Strategies for Fitness and Performance (human)

Seminars:
Canine Massage - Bancroft School of Massage
Lug Nuts (Canine Weight Pulling)- Dogs of Course
Rehab for the Canine Athlete - University of Tennessee-(Deborah Gross Saunders)
From Head to Tail: Treatment for common canine conditions-University of Tennessee-(Deborah Gross Saunders)

Currently studying:
Acupressure Points and Manipulation Techniques - RMSAAM
Pet Massage/myofascial release

I have also volunteered at the Cape Ann Animal Aid shelter.

Member of:
The International Cat Association
The International Bengal Cat Society
New England Herpetological Society

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