Several breeds of animals call my place HOME. Domestic, exotics and wildlife all live here.

I am owned by a Blue & Gold Macaw, 2 Congo African Grey's, a Sun Conure, several budgies, finches, and cockatiels. I am a member of Central Wisconsin Caged & Wild Bird Club (CWCBC).

Other animals that call us home are several potbellied pigs, bunnies, kitties and a mini doxi named Peanut. My most unusual fur friends would be my domestic skunks and my 3 legged raccoon Andre.

I have been a home care volunteer thru Wildlife In Need Center. I hold a Class B permit which allows me to keep non-releasable wildlife, and domestic skunks. Besides holding a Class B permit for wildlife, I am also a State Licensed Wildlife Rehabber and Certified as a Humane Officer.

I attend yearly symposiums at various Universities. Participate in wet labs and round tables with veterinarians and other rescue/rehab people. Recently I took a "Red Cross First Aid for Animals" class.

I belong to the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC), and also the American Humane Association (AHA). I am also a long time member of WI Dog Rescue and have networked with them for several years. I have worked as a dog trainer/dog handler for several years and I also do private dog training with families. Being able to read into, and pick up on the dogs body language it presents is very important. Besides the dogs, I have experience caring for kittens/cats, puppies/dogs, bunnies, ferrets, parrots, budgies, conures, finches, potbellied pigs, goats, turkey & chickens, horses, small furry caged critters etc....

I am a member of the Professional United Pet Sitters (PUPS) Association, and also a member of Professional Pet Sitters Association of Wisconsin (PPAW).

I have run my own small private animal rescue for 15+ years and have gained a lot of knowledge thru this. My shelter has won many awards thru the years. One special one to us was when we won United States Sanctuary Owner of the year award back in 2003. Also in 2003 my vet, Dr. Randy Schuett, won United States Veterinarian of the Year Reward. The University of Wisconsin also won the University of the Year Reward in 2003. Together we all saved the life of a little potbellied pig that had to under go emergency surgery.

You can view my Open House pictures from 2003 online.

I have worked with many humane societies as breed rescue along with taking in their over flow of rabbits, small furry caged critters, and farm animals from pigs to goats.

Dr. John Carr BVS., DPM, PH.D., MRCVS helped me establish proper bio-security protocol for my animal shelter and set standards for all people working in the rescue, rehab or fostering areas. With this I gained a strong understanding of animal husbandry, quarentine and isolation to prevent any cross contamination of disease, parasites etc...  Practicing bio-security protocal daily, I have trained others the importance of proper quarentine and isolation, cross contamination, and animal husbandry. Along with proper disinfecting of cages, crates, bowls, toys, etc...

I am able to give sub-q fluids, oral rehydration, proper dosing and administering of medication, worming, vaccination, syringe feedings, bottle feedings, etc.  All of this is logged in the medication log.  Also logged are any bandages that have been changed, wounds cleaned etc.

I have several reference materials that I am able to refer to including; Minimum Standards and Requirements, Hand-Rearing Wild and Domestic Mammals, Practical Wildlife Care, Medical Dictionary and Health Manual, Veterinary Drug Handbook, First Aid for Wildlife, Healers of the Wild, Veterinary Medicine Magazine, Diseases of Swine, Merk Manual, and Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician.

This past spring I sat in on a filming of Animal Planet's "Backyard Habitat". They were building a outdoor skunk habitat. I also helped in a children's book called "Keeping Odd Pets". They needed information on potbellied pigs, along with photo's.

I am currently taking Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) classes.

Helenville Pet Sitting Service