A passion for compassion...and animals!

 

For as long as I can remember my passion has been animals. I was fortunate to have a loving and supportive family that nurtured this passion and allowed me to explore my interests. I began bringing home strays at a very early age and even remember bringing baby chicks into my bedroom to "raise," unbeknownst to my parents (at least for a couple of days).

 

I finally convinced my parents that I was ready for the responsibility of a horse at age 10, followed by my first dog, Rocky, at age 12. I spent the next few years learning about dog training, studying breed characteristics, and competing in 4-H with my beautiful horse, Retta.

 

By the time I was 17, I had begun working at a local veterinary clinic as a kennel technician, and after graduating high school, went off to study Horse Management at MSU.

 

While continuing to work in the veterinary field, I also began a zookeeping job at our local zoo. Over the next several years I learned so much and was able to hone my animal husbandry skills. Part of my zookeeping experience included wildlife rehabilitation which further nurtured my love for helping sick and injured animals. There was such a sense of satisfaction in being a part of the animal's recovery, and an amazing sense of peace knowing that if they died, they had been well cared for, loved, and not alone. During this same time, I was working evenings as an emergency veterinary technician, giving me more opportunities to learn and practice my nursing skills.

 

Dogs and dog behavior have always fascinated me, so I began taking an obedience class with my friend and Certified Dog Trainer, Pam Johnson, owner of Canine Coach Professional Dog Training. I spent the next eight years assisting Pam, and gaining experiences that gave me the knowledge and confidence to pursue my path to animal hospice. It was during this time, that I also became certified in animal massage.

 

I am now at a place in my life where I realize that I still love all animals, but my true passion and personal fulfillment lies in helping those that are struggling with advanced age, are chronically ill, or are facing a terminal diagnosis.

 

I am fully committed to assisting and caring for these pets, and the people who love them so much.

 

~Janelle Jewell

Owner / Provider