I have had cats all of my adult life, and can’t imagine life without them. They might make every trip up the stairs a death trap; and cover every piece of clothing with a layer of fur but they also make every day better by simply being who they are, little magic creatures! Magic creatures that deserve to be spoiled and doted on.Yes, I am completely crazy for cats but my love of animals doesn’t end with the fabulous feline, I have love for all small animals (except spiders and snakes… oh no no no)!!!In 2017 I was lucky enough to rescue my very first DOG!

Sure… my husband had a dog when we met, and he also rescued Bodhi in 2017, but THIS was MY first dog. She’s a tri-pawed Husky named Reska and funny enough seems to be a cat in a dog’s body!!

Reska has exposed me to a whole new animal world, a very different world than that of the cat kingdom. Dogs need different care, presence and learn in a way that we never ask from cats (although cats can learn equally well). Having dogs at home has allowed me to grow as a person and encouraged me to learn how to give them the best life possible.

My personal passion for animals and the goal of them living safe, happy & enriched lives is what makes me the caretaker I am today!

Growing up I always loved animals. As a toddler, we had a German shepherd and an English sheepdog and I was in heaven, but for most of my childhood dogs were absent from my life.My mom was more of a cat person, so we always had cats around, and I loved them, but deep down I was a dog person. Therefore, as a young adult I adopted my first dog. Logan was a mix between a black lab and golden retriever. As a new dog owner I literally knew nothing about how to raise a dog and I made many mistakes along the way, but with time and help from other dog owners and a couple books from Stanley Coren, Logan and I ended up being a great duo. Through the process, I learned a lot about myself and Logan learned to be a great dog. Sadly, and as all dogs do, Logan left me in 2013. It took a few years, but in 2017 I would meet the dog who changed my life and ultimately my profession.

It was time to get my second dog and I found him. Bodhi is a Lab/Hound Mix that is loving and full of energy. So much so that he quickly became too much for me to handle. So, after an obedience class I learned a little more about dogs and found a new scientific way of training dogs, but that was just the beginning of my learning. In the spring of 2018, I met Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, dog trainer, behavior consultant & the owner of Dogue Shop. She teaches The Animal Behavior Apprenticeship, levels 1 and 2, through her school Dogue Academy in Montreal. So, after careful consideration I decided to follow my passion for dogs and embark on the journey of becoming a Dog trainer and Behavior Consultant through the Animal Behavior Apprenticeship.

As a dog trainer and behavior consultant, it is not always an easy job, but it’s extremely rewarding when you positively impact peoples and dogs’ lives.

Education
– Walks and Wags Pet first Aid Certified – Furry Friends First Aid 2018
– Animal Behavior Apprenticeship Levels 1 & 2 – Dogue Shop 2018-2019
– Dog Emotion and Cognition – Duke University via Coursera 2019
– Animal Behavior and Welfare – University of Edinburgh via Coursera 2020
– The Truth about Cats and Dogs – University of Edinburgh via Coursera 2020

I have a special place in my heart for animals. I grew up in a home that always had furry companions. They are our family. Hence, I understand how stressful it can be to leave them at home while you’re away… that’s why I treat each fur-baby as my own.I am a 3rd year Psychology undergraduate student at McGill University. When I’m not in class or doing homework, I’m either playing with cats or walking a dog!

Being a part of ‘West Island Cats and Dogs’ is simply amazing. I am grateful to spend my time with animals (and a wonderful team!)

“Animals are a window to your soul and a doorway to your spiritual destiny. If you let them into your life and allow them to teach you, you will be better for it – Kim Shotola”

Since I was very young, my life has been consumed by animals. At the age of 5; when I finally understood that there was no possibility of me growing up to be a bird or fish, I decided that I wanted to become a veterinarian.We never had cats when I was younger because my father was allergic, but I was able to develop my passion with dogs, birds, chinchillas, and a lizard. However, my love cats developed outside of the house.

Specifically, this love developed when I volunteered at the SPCA and an animal hospital. While volunteering, I got to do amazing things that I never imagined I’d be able to do, such as caring for very young kittens in multiple ways and assisting in a minor surgery.

Finally, a cat came into the family picture in May of 2018, and we fell in love with her. It’s very important to me that while we’re away, my dog, cat, and bird get cared for as they should and so it’s very easy for me to translate into my own work! I can promise you that I will do my very best to keep your cat(s) as happy as possible while you’re away and make sure it seems like nothing has changed since you left!

I’ve always loved animals for as long as I can remember. During my childhood my family had pets ranging from a golden retriever dog, some goldfish, a rabbit and 2 hamsters! While I would be at other people’s houses, I would always want to hang out and see their pets. At this point in time I would say I loved all types of animals equally, I did not necessarily have a fixation on any particular one.

My transition into crazy cat lady (but still all around animal lover!) began when I was a teenager when my mom got an apartment. We took in my cousin’s senior cat as she was moving abroad to teach and we didn’t have any pets at that moment. To my delight, this cat decided to claim me as her person: she always chose to lie on me on the couch, she slept in my bed and always asked me to be picked up. Was it because I had similar features as my cousin? Either way, being chosen as a cat’s person is an unbeatable feeling! This is what determined my adoration for cats and desire to meet and care for as many as I can in my life.

I’ve been and animal and nature lover ever since I can remember. Pets have enriched my family life, bringing so much joy and laughter.

We have 2 senior dogs at home now, however my most special bond was with our cat Samson, who passed away in 2015.

Retiring from the corporate world during the pandemic, I’m now enjoying being part of a wonderful team of like minded animal lovers with West Island Cats and Dogs!! Our pets are so precious!

Animals have always been my passion. I was lucky enough to grow up in a small farm surrounded by animals.From tiny little chicks and ducklings to rabbits, dogs, goats, piglets and most of all cats!My mom made an improvised cat shelter where she gave home and care to every stray kitti who came at her door. She kept them safe and healthy. She gave them love and affection so I guess this runs in my blood too.

Now I’m a proud cat mom of 3 beautiful girls: Mira, Bella and their little sister Polly and I enjoy sharing my love for cats with others. Being part of this team is very important for me because I’m able to give that most needed peace of mind to all our clients and assure them that their precious babies are in good hands.