My name is Lauren Ruska, and I am a dedicated pet care provider and the manager of a no kill animal shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have over 18 years of experience working in the pet care industry, with hands on involvement in nearly every aspect of animal care for cats and dogs. My professional background includes customer service, canine group play, daily care, feeding, and administering medications, as well as enrichment services and the management of boarding, daycare, grooming, and training facilities. Beyond my professional work, caring for dogs, cats, and exotic pets has been a lifelong personal passion.
There are two things I truly love about working with animals. The first is knowing that I am making a positive difference in the lives of other living beings. Whether I am providing essential care to a pet or sharing valuable information and resources with pet owners, being able to positively impact another life is deeply rewarding. The second is the unpredictable nature of working with animals. No two days are ever the same, and while that can be challenging at times, it is also what makes this work so engaging and meaningful.
Over the years, I’ve gathered many stories, some funny and some heartbreaking, from situations I wasn’t fully prepared for when they arose. Each of those experiences has reinforced two important lessons: the importance of continually learning about animal behavior, anatomy, health, injuries, and illness, and the value of sharing that knowledge within the pet-loving community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a lifelong caregiver, or a first-time pet parent, we all benefit from learning from one another.
My goal in all of my classes is to share as much knowledge as possible so that when real-life situations arise, sometimes joyful, sometimes difficult, but always unpredictable, you feel confident, prepared, and capable of providing the best care possible.