My Name is Lauren Ruska I am a pet care provider and General Manager of a boarding, daycare, training, and grooming facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico and have been working in the pet industry for a little over 16 years. During that time, I’ve done a little bit of everything including customer service, canine group play, basic care, feeding, medicating for both feline and canine, and enrichment play and services. I also have a lifetime of experience on a personal level caring for canine, feline, and exotic pets. There are two things I absolutely love about working with animals. The first is knowing that I am making a positive difference in the lives of other living beings. Whether it’s providing basic care for a pet or giving an owner information or resources they did not previously have, knowing I can have a positive impact on another life is the most rewarding thing for me. The second is that working with animals is always a little unpredictable. When working with pets you will never have the same day twice, which most days can be an extremely good thing and some days not as much. Over the years I’ve collected a lot of stories, both funny and sad, of situations I was not adequately prepared for when they arrived. And all of those moments have taught me two important things. Firstly, the importance of continuing to learn about our pets behaviors, how their bodies work, their health, as well as injuries and illnesses that can occur. Second, the importance of all pet lovers, both owners and professionals, life long care givers and first time pet parents, sharing as much of that information with each other as possible. My goal is to share as much knowledge as I can with all of you taking this class so when those sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always unpredictable real life situations show up you are ready and prepared to handle them.