Growing up with dogs, cats, horses and whatever other reptilian creature I could sneak into the house, it seemed only a natural fit that I would pursue my life long dream of working with animals.

I had always wanted to be a vet; it was one of the first words I could speak. I began volunteering at vet clinics in 1996 and obtained a position as a vet assistant. I moved to PEI for a few years continuing to pursue my interests in the animal world and working at a vet clinic. While there, my beloved Rottweiler Heidi had to undergo cruciate surgery – twice on the same knee. I was devastated and wanted so badly to help with her recovery but felt lost.

Heidi was the inspiration for Pawsitively Pooched. I wanted to create a facility that would help clients through the emotional and physical turmoil that they had to endure, clients and their dogs alike.

Moving back to Calgary, August 15th, 2005, the doors to Pawsitively Pooched opened! Heidi got back on her feet and was a great spokesdog for Pawsitively Pooched. Her progress was outstanding.

I feel very privileged to be able to offer this service in Calgary, and to be able to help clients and their dogs when it seems hopeless. Welcome to our family! We are dedicated to spoiling your pet as much as you do!

• B.A from U. PEI majoring in Organic Chem
• Reiki Master Certified
• Canine Water Therpist
• Yoga Therapist

Traci is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist, Canine Water Therapist, and has her Kinesiology Degree.

Member of CKC and Rottweiler Club of Canada, Traci has devoted her life to her Rottweiler’s and to her clients that come for Water Therapy and Massage Therapy. Traci is an incredible asset to Pawsitively Pooched and has an incredible gift with the dogs that have come into her life! Call now to book a water session with Traci!

 

 

 

 

IPG Certified Dog Groomer

I began working with dogs about eight years ago at a daycare where I walked and played the dogs. After I got my first dog and started training classes, I asked the trainer if I could volunteer as a training assistant. I learned a great deal about how to handle dogs and train them. This has helped me a lot in my day-to-day grooming as it enables me to better read and handle the dogs and to assess their temperament. One year after working in training and daycare, I was asked if I would like to be a bather and brusher in the grooming room. It only took a few days of being in the grooming room for me to realize that this was what I wanted to do as a career. I asked the groomers if they would teach me how to groom and I spent the next year as their apprentice, learning the various techniques required in order to groom different breeds. In 2006, I took my certification exam with I.P.G. and began working at Pawsitively Pooched in November 2007, and I cannot imagine working anywhere else. All the staff, dogs and customers are great, and it makes for such a calm, positive place to work.

Alysia started with Pawsitively Pooched in December 2008.

She has always had a passion for animals; dogs in particular. Owning Pit Bulls all her life, she has a great understanding of the many complicated and misunderstood breeds. She continues to educate herself and strives to help others with the everyday complexities of canine behavior. Her compassion and patience is a great asset to Pawsitively Pooched.

 

For the past eight years I've worked with animals - specifically dogs. Although I've always been passionate about animals, working within the animal field came by chance or 'fate' (for those of us who believe in fate) and I've never looked back.
 
I started off as a kennel assistant at an animal boarding facility in Montreal. Even though i didn't speak a word of French, I built a strong relationship with both owner and dog just by being patient and caring. This gave the owners (and pets) the faith to know the pets woud be well taken care of.
 
Moving to Calgary almost five years ago, I walked into Pawsitively Pooched and spoke with Carrie about working for Pawsitively Pooched. Before I knew it I was hired on and remained with Pawsitively Pooched for almost 3 years. The past year I went to college and worked at an animal hospital as a supervisor. I found this experience empowering and completely different.

I believe I've grown even more in this past year and have a lot more to offer PP. I am extremely excited to be a part of this group again.
 
Outside of doggie life, I enjoy reading, the outdoors, road trips. As I'm not really a winter loving person I decided to get out there and try snow boarding which I love!!!! now I can enjoy Canada year round.

I grew up with dogs. I would walk my dog and many of the dogs in the small town I grew up in. I moved to Calgary when I was 17, and got a job at a boarding kennel where I took care of the dogs and cats.

I loved those animals so much that I even took home a 15 year old terrier mix after her owners moved and never came back.

I stopped working to raise my two children. In 1999 I started working at a local pet daycare and store. I walked and played with the dogs and helped train some of the dogs that had behavioural problems.

One day, Mariko needed help in the grooming room, and I enjoyed it so much I asked her if she would teach me how to be a grooming assistant. I jumped at the opportunity to work at Pawsitively Pooched. I love everything at Pawsitively Pooched from the atmosphere and staff to the customers and their dogs.

I moved from the East Coast to Calgary in 1997 for bigger and better things!

At that time I had no idea where my adventure would lead! I have always had a passion for animals and after owning my dog Charley, became more involved in working with animals--first as a volunteer at the vet clinic I frequented, then working part-time, then a full switch from people to pets! I started over and went to school to become an Animal Health Technologist, acquired a few more pets and now have a brood of five critters, three cats and two dogs! While I am passionate about the health and well being of animals, after Quincy, my shepherd began to have troubles, I wanted to find a way the medical side could be entwined with the emotional side of pet rehabilitation. That is when I discovered therapeutic swimming, and the benefits it provides emotionally and physically, and yet another path I wanted to follow!