I’ve worked in pet stores caring for many different species following specific feeding and cleaning protocols, while also maintaining knowledge on products pertinent to their care.

I then ventured on my own and opened my grooming salon where all pets, not just dogs, were welcomed. In a trade that is unregulated, I prevailed as a lifelong student personally committed to ever expanding my skills, incorporating state of the art equipment and using only the best quality products. I worked diligently to provide pets with a positive, gentle and personal grooming experience with both extensive knowledge and experience.

Throughout my career, I have worked with many dogs with special needs, but perhaps the most complex case of them all has been my own – my heart and soul dog – Sheepdog Riggs. The true inspiration at times for honing my skills, and restructuring my business in order to honour his legacy as Soul Dog Synergy.

In 2017, faced with an arduous eight-month journey to uncover a diagnosis for my cherished companion, Riggs, an Old English Sheepdog, I navigated the complexities of his health challenges—a Hepatopathy with a secondary copper toxicity disease: micronodular hyperplasia, dissecting fibrosis and cirrhosis. This profoundly personal experience propelled me toward a commitment to furthering my education.

Confronted with a myriad of responses ranging from uncertainty to disheartening indifference, I persevered in advocating for Riggs, grappling with the emotional toll of navigating an intricate medical landscape for my beloved “heart dog.” The challenges encountered during this journey became a catalyst for my pursuit of knowledge and expertise in the realm of veterinary health.

Motivated by the resilience and love I shared with Riggs, I have honed my skills to contribute meaningfully to the field of veterinary science. My dedication extends beyond personal experiences, and I am driven to empower others facing similar challenges with compassionate and informed care. Through continuous education and a commitment to enhancing the well-being of animals, I aspire to make a lasting impact in the lives of both pets and their devoted caregivers.

Driven by the profound responsibility I felt for Riggs, I embarked on a journey of self-education about his complex medical condition. Confronting the lack of awareness and support surrounding Riggs’ rare health issues, coupled with the absence of guidance at the time of his diagnosis, I realized that gaining knowledge was not only imperative for informed decision-making in his care but also for connecting with the right professionals who could offer assistance.

Faced with the rarity of Riggs’ condition and the challenges encountered in seeking help, the decision to return to school became inevitable, despite the inherent uncertainties. This educational pursuit proved instrumental in enhancing my understanding of our concerns and ultimately guided us through Riggs’ unique health journey. As Riggs peacefully passed away just shy of 14 years from unrelated causes, I felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I had exhausted every avenue to ensure his well-being.

There are two primary objectives in treating copper storage disease in dogs: the removal of excess copper from the body and the prevention of future overconsumption. A crucial aspect of achieving these goals involves implementing a meticulously controlled diet. This dietary intervention is designed to limit the dog’s copper intake, facilitating the reduction of accumulated copper levels and supporting the overall management of the condition, thereby helping to reduce the accumulation of excess copper in the liver.

In my quest for knowledge and understanding of Riggs’ health challenges, I recognized the urgency of obtaining education on this intricate subject. While my initial foray into education may not have been from the most reputable sources (expanded upon below), the pursuit of learning remained paramount. At the time, the information gleaned proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of Riggs’ condition and making informed decisions about his care.

Despite the initial challenges and perhaps less-than-ideal circumstances surrounding my educational journey, the knowledge gained during that period has been a stepping stone for continuous learning. It served as a foundation, allowing me to build a more comprehensive understanding of copper storage disease and related canine health issues over time.

As I progressed in my educational endeavors, I sought reputable sources and furthered my understanding through formal channels. The ongoing commitment to learning has equipped me with a more robust knowledge base, ensuring that I stay well-informed and capable of making informed decisions in the best interest of my dog’s health. This ongoing educational journey has not only benefited me personally but has also enhanced my ability to contribute positively to the well-being of dogs facing similar health challenges.

Our animal companions, more than mere companionship, assume the role of silent teachers in our lives. Their well-being reflects our own, creating a reciprocal bond where their concerns echo ours, and ours theirs. As caretakers, our responses hold the power to shape their health. The human-animal bond is a delicate and profound connection, urging us to approach it with sensitivity and understanding.