About Me
Prior to starting up ‘Best Paw Forward with Winnie’ and thereafter ‘Moggies and Muttlies’ my background was office based until in early 2001, when a great opportunity arose.
I was offered the position of Branch Manager within a veterinary surgery. I gained a great deal of knowledge through the day-to-day running of the surgery some of which has continued in helping me to this very day. A real life-experience was that of dealing with people and their pets when the sad time came to say good-bye. The most enjoyable time was assisting with puppy classes held at the surgery on a weekly basis – the individual characters of the puppies was a joy to behold or not as the case may be.
My love of animals has recently led me to qualify for a diploma in Companion Animal Bereavement Counselling through the Animal Care College.
Below is a résume of the academic training and experience gained throughout:
June 2020 Took part as a Guest Speaker in Sarah-Jane Le Blanc’s (Pet Whisperer) “Preparing For Life, Preparing For Transition – And Beyond” programme of videos
September 2018 Attended a One Day Animal Communication Workshop in London with Pea Horsley of Animal Thoughts
2009 to 2012 Distance Learning with the Animal Care College – Diploma in Companion Animal Bereavement Counselling – Qualified with ‘Credit’
Attended First Aid for Animals at The Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire (May 2008, 2005 and 2002)
In 2005 worked with ‘Tilly’ our Black Labrador at The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme (puppy) via a local dog training club
Completed a 2 Day Canine Communication Foundation Course with Jan Fennell Amichien Dog Listeners Ltd in Lincolnshire (December 2003)
Attended a 2 day instructors workshop with our rescue dog ‘Cass’ at Odin Canine Services in Buckinghamshire (October 2003)
In August 2003 ‘Cass’ joined me on a one week residential instructor’s course with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT)
During 2001 I attended puppy/dog training classes with Jacqui O’Brien in the grounds of her home in Hertfordshire to be taught instructional methods at beginner level and, once again our dog ‘Cass’ joined me.
January to June 2001 ~ Employed in a veterinary surgery in Hertfordshire (assisted with puppy classes)
Summer 2000 ~ Worked in kennels at Colin Tenant’s canine and feline behaviour centre in Hertfordshire
Late 1990’s ~ Dog Walking at RSPCA Ridgeway/Hertfordshire
Late 1990’s ~ Completed beginner’s distance learning course on canine and feline behaviour with a Mr Cliff Dunnicliffe (Nottingham)
1989 to 1993/94 ~ Attended classes with ‘Charlie’ my Rottweiler eventually participating in local club -v- local club competition.