09/01/2024
Growing up in the country, I have always loved animals. One of my first pets was a cat named Betty, a gift from my grandpa to take care of the mice that might try to infiltrate our house. Turns out Betty was pregnant, and soon having multiple cats around at all times became the norm. Besides our sheepdog and some fish, the neighbour's chickens, cows and horses also became creatures I considered part of our family. On occasion, I'd "help" with cows during calving season, and one newborn calf mistook me for its mother after she ran away into the pasture.
Over the years, I had pet mice, hamsters, a guinea pig, anole, snake, hedgehog, newts, millipedes, rabbits, many tanks of freshwater fish, several dogs and birds. While I love all animals (except spiders), birds hold a particularly special place in my heart.
While going to college, I worked in the birds and small animal department of a pet store. I learned a lot about animal care, and gained experience with chinchillas and ferrets.
With a maiden name of Marshall, meaning somebody who cares for horses, and a married name of Schaefer, German for shepherd, looking after animals is my destiny! 😄
