Tailblazers.ca : Toronto Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters News

An animal lover since birth, and a pet owner since the age of four, in 2002 I decided to leave the corporate world to pursue my passion: working with animals. My dog, Blazer, pointed me in the right direction.

Your pets are my business, and I take this responsibility very seriously. Although my best credentials are my patience and sense of humour, my business is also fully insured and licensed, and I hold a certificate in Pet First Aid (obtained in 2002 and refreshed in 2004 and 2005), and in 2004 completed the instructor’s course. I am a member of the All Canadian Pet Services Network (www.acpsn.com ), and Pet Sitters International (www.psi.com); non-profit associations dedicated to setting standards of professionalism in the pet care industry. Through an apprenticeship program, I have also helped to train many pet-care hopefuls to run successful, safe and professional dog walking/petsitting businesses.

My own canine companion (Blazer, a Collie-Husky mix originally from the Toronto Humane Society) has taught me beginner-level Agility (www.k9klubhouse.ca), and hopes to one day master the intermediate and advanced levels. An experienced dog walker, Blazer likes to help me reinforce basic obedience with all of our canine clients, returning tired, happy and well-behaved pups.

I have been a vegetarian for many years and am very interested in animal rights and environmentalism. In 2008 I hope to launch a new fundraising project to raise money for organizations that rescue and rehabilitate abused or abandoned aninamls.

I attended the University of King's College and the University of Toronto, where I still take night classes part-time. Blazer tells me that he did not complete formal schooling of any sort.

Read more about Yvette in excerpts from The National Post ("The Tao of Dog Walking") and The Liberty Gleaner ("Stress-Free Condominium Living").

An experienced pet sitter, Sarah is the newest addition to the pack, and has already become a favourite of many Tail Blazers clients! She's been a vegetarian for 7 years, and loves all furry, scaly and feathered creatures. Sarah is the proud owner of a bearded dragon named Greggy (after Gregory Peck!), has owned many cats, fish, and even a turtle.

Having volunteered as a kitten feeder at the Toronto Humane Society for 2 years, the transition to professional pet care was a natural one for Sarah. Currently also a university student, she is graduating from U of T in 2010 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts. Sarah majored in environmental policy, and is also completing a geography major.

Sarah is responsible, devoted, and committed to caring for animals of all kinds. She has many glowing references from happy pet owners, and would love to look after your pets while you're at work or away!

In the Fall of 2009 Jane finally realized her dream of working with animals full time. A former health care worker in Sault Ste. Marie, Jane is fully insured and bonded and is available for all of your pet's needs. Jane is affiliated with Tail Blazers Toronto and has apprenticed under owner/operator Yvette de Verteuil. A true animal lover, Jane has spent all of her life with furry companions and now is going to dedicate her time to your pets.

For more information on services, availability and pricing, call Jane at 705.971.2171 or email fauxyjane@hotmail.com.