Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Spaun.
Heather, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Two years ago, I headed to an underserved community on a volunteer trip. I arrived with the intention to aid the local people by distributing food, water, and other various supplies, but all that changed when I saw a tiny puppy hobbling her way towards me. She was obviously in desperate need of help. Once she was within reach, I swooped her up into my arms. I was amazed how trusting she was of me. It was as if she immediately knew she was safe from harm and that I would protect and care for her. I rushed her to the shade and brought food and freshwater over.
As my fellow volunteers continued servicing the community’s people, I labored away picking fleas and ticks out of her fur one-by-one. She was so utterly drained she hardly moved an inch. When the day was over and it was time to head out, I wrapped her up in a towel and placed her in the van. I knew the volunteer coordinators would not appreciate my “souvenir,” but I also knew she would not be able to survive on her own. My conscience easily won this battle. She was mine.
We named her Aurora which means dawn, and this was her new beginning.
The next day, I took Aurora, nicknamed Auri, to the vet where she underwent various tests and had x-rays done to determine the source of her limp. After a few hours, we had the results: Giardia and five broken bones. Three of her breaks were partially healed so there was nothing we could do, but the other two breaks were splinted. This incongruent healing is highly indicative of physical abuse and severe neglect. She was only six months old.
Despite all this pain, Auri was the sweetest dog I have ever met and, as a pet sitter, I have met a lot of dogs. She loved to sleep in my lap and cuddle on the couch, and she would always wander into open doors, looking for more friends to meet. Even after being the victim of such violence, Auri continued to believe the best in everyone she met.
Two months of splint changes, antibiotics, and potty training later, it was time to go to her new home. I desperately wanted to keep Auri with me, but puppies are certainly not allowed in college dorms. I gladly gave her to my grandma and we decided she would be our dog. Auri could not be happier with her new furry friend, Daisy, and has more than doubled her original weight.
Thanks to Auri, I discovered my passion for animal welfare. I thought I wanted to work in medicine, but I didn’t know if I wanted to work with people or animals. My heartache for Aurora made it quite clear which path I was meant to follow.
Today, I volunteer in multiple veterinary clinics and have expanded my pet sitting clientele threefold. I have also discovered a passion for animal cognition research and will apply to graduate programs and veterinary schools next year. All this, my life plan, thanks to a sickly little puppy in desperate need of my help.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Heather’s Puppies and Pals story. Tell us more about the business.
My first year at UC San Diego, I started my pet care business, Heather’s Puppies and Pals. As a full-time student, a 9-to-5 just isn’t feasible for me, but pet sitting presented a unique opportunity that allowed me to meet all sorts of people and animals and to explore San Diego County all while funding my education! This business has pushed me to perfect my time-management and leadership skills while also enabling me to create lasting relationships with clients. Without this business, I would not be who I am or where I am today and for that, I am so grateful.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I am beyond excited to see how animal rights, research, and welfare expand in the next decade. So many fascinating discoveries are coming from left and right. One of my professors at UCSD is conducting a study on dolphin Theory of Mind. This research is, essentially, asking whether dolphins understand that other dolphins have their own perspectives and thought processes – a facet of cognition that humans don’t exhibit themselves until approximately four years old.
I am also a fan of Dr. Gregory Berns who is among the first to conduct fMRI studies on dogs and wrote the highly-rated novel How Dogs Love Us. With this research, it is becoming more and more evident just how intelligent animals are. I strongly believe this will have a significant impact on animal rights and various industries that may be affected. I am overjoyed to be a part of this revolution.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rover.com/sit/heathernpups
- Email: heather.s5@live.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_n_pups/?hl=tl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HEATHERNPUPS/
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