"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~ Ben Williams
Dona and Shea
About me:
I have loved and had a special relationship with animals all my life from saving black ants at age 3 (so people wouldn't step on them, much to the dismay of Grandma who tried to tell me they would not stay in their safe little shoebox filled with dirt and sugar while in the house) to founding and operating a wildlife hospital and sanctuary, Wildcare Inc/Hudson Valley Raptor Center, for over twenty-five years, devoted to state of the art wildlife medicine, rehabilitation and release, education, sanctuary, breeding, advocacy and the environment.
Over the years I have provided loving care to wildlife, exotics, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, fish, turtles, ferrets, birds (all kinds from finches to macaws - hummingbirds to eagles) deer, fox, frogs and, well, you name it, I have probably cared for it.
Presently, I have three wonderful and irreplaceable dogs; Bailey, thirteen year old Standard Poodle, Moose, five year old Chocolate Labradoodle and Starfish, two year old Black Labradoodle.
I am also a photojournalist and writer, mother of three (Angie, Damien and Jill) and energetic devoted grandma of six (Kylie, Noah, Sophia, Cassandra, Carlie and Tommy).
Years ago, when I lived and worked in New York City as a professional photographer, I would bring my dogs to a kennel when I had to be away. It was a good place in the Connecticut country-side with lots of safe room to run, play and get plenty of TLC at reasonable rates.
But, when I moved out of the area I couldn't find another like it. A place I could trust, feel my pets were safe, well cared for and, most of all, happy.
And so I would call upon friends and neighbors, who had their own busy lives, to come and stay with my pets.
When I moved to San Diego and had to take a trip back East, my son offered to come by twice a day, before and after work, to visit, feed, water, play with, take my dogs for walks and to the dog park for fun and exercise. I worried and felt guilty about my son's time away from his family and leaving my pets alone overnight. Still, I knew my son would take good care of them so I gave it a try. Not only did my dogs 'survive', they thrived in their own home with the love and care of someone they and I knew and trusted. And the best parts? Moose learned to fetch and the inspiration for Pet Auntie was born.
As an animal expert and loving owner, I take the joys and responsibilities of pet care to heart and treat each and every animal as if they are my own. My philosophy is family, pets, friends and home first.
When I am not out taking care of pets, I am out photographing them. Please visit my website at: mypuparazzi.com to see some of my work.
