How it all began
I was always that kid. You know, the one who brought home stray kittens and fallen baby birds. I was writing research papers on animal welfare topics by the sixth grade and was a vegetarian by 16 (and still am). My family quickly realized that this was not a phase and always supported and nurtured my convictions with patience. At graduation, I knew I wanted to work with animals, but did not want to be a veterinarian. So I majored in Biology for lack of a better idea. My senior year of undergrad I began walking dogs at the Adirondack Humane Society. I was hooked. I was hired after graduation and became Assistant Manager within a year. That little shelter opened a new world to me and allowed me the chance to learn every aspect of animal sheltering. I was supported, encouraged, and comforted and I was lucky to find my passion at such an early age. I quickly realized I was meant to work with companion animals and I discovered a field called "animal behavior." Craving more knowledge, I soon found and was accepted into a graduate program at Brown University that was perfect for me.
But there was this dog. We formed a close bond and he was always attached to my hip. He had been at the shelter for months and no one wanted him because of his "issues." So he came with me to Rhode Island.
Shadow was five and had been severely abused. He had this look in his eyes that would break your heart; like he had experienced things no animal should have to go through. He didn’t play, he didn’t enjoy human touch, and he constantly paced. He flinched at the slightest noise and cowered at the slightest movement. His spirit had been shattered a long time ago.
I sought help but at the time I was enrolled in a graduate program, had just moved to a new state, was a country girl now in a city, and could not afford the fees. After a year of deliberation and talking to veterinarians and behavior hotlines, I decided it was best to end his suffering. This picture is the only picture of the two of us (he hated to be held) and it was taken the day before I took Shadow for his final ride. My veterinarian and good friend made the process as easy as it could be and I thank him for that. As Shadow took his last breath, the only thing I could say was: “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.”
If I knew then what I know now...
I often am asked why I do this. How can I work with shelter animals or with aggressive dogs? I say simply, because I can and someone has to. Also, because maybe I can help you. I formed Best Behavior, LLC so that perhaps I can give options other than parting with a beloved pet, or offer affordable services to those who can’t afford to pay, or give simple free advice that many never knew, and maybe even reassure someone as they say goodbye to their best friend that they tried everything and this is not a mistake. I know the information and I will do what I can to give it to anyone who asks.
A little about me...
During and after graduating from Brown University, I worked with dogs in two local animal shelters: Providence Animal Control and Providence Animal Rescue League. Thank you to both for opening your doors to me and the hundreds of students I trained in their facilities.
Soon, I found myself working for the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as their first Animal Behaviorist. I worked there for three years and learned a great deal and was given incredible opportunities. I soon was working as a Special Agent and helping with cruelty investigations, conducting state vicious dog hearings, and playing an active role in animal legislation. I was lucky enough to find an incredible mentor there who taught me so much and always let me try new things. The RISPCA opened many doors for me and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Currently, I work for the American Humane Association as a Humane Educator and what an honor it has been. I work on creating new humane education programs and materials and am lucky enough to travel all over the country to teach others. I work 30 hours per week for AHA and run Best Behavior, LLC during the rest of the time. Because I travel so much for AHA and because Best Behavior, LLC is not my sole means of income, I take clients on a limited basis. Preference is given to aggression cases over basic training cases, but I am happy to help anyone who asks.
I currently live in Cumberland Rhode Island with my boyfriend and our three shelter cats and one shelter pitbull. I am strongly opposed to anthropomorphizing pets - or treating them like human when in fact they are not. This often results in problem behaviors. Why am I telling you this? Because I have to account for this ridiculous Holloween picture of my male-chicken-cat (Tori) and female-rooster-dog (Maison). The black one (Vangogh) wouldn't be caught dead in a chicken suit. And Scrubbies has only recently taken a liking to me and the rest of brood since we moved in, so I don't have a picture of her yet. And, just so you are aware: she urinated all over the house, so I had to deal with cleaning urine and medicating a cat who bites me. So, I know what many of my clients are going through!! Not only am I the owner, I'm also a member!
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When it comes to having a central nervous system,
and the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.
~Ingrid Newkirk
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