About

My background was office based until in early 2001, when a great opportunity arose. I was offered the position of Branch Manager within a veterinary surgery. I gained a great deal of knowledge through the day-to-day running of the surgery some of which has continued in helping me to this very day. A real life-experience was that of dealing with people and their pets when the sad time came to say good-bye. The most enjoyable time was assisting with puppy classes held at the surgery on a weekly basis - the individual characters of the puppies was a joy to behold or not as the case may be.

I am at present studying distance learning a diploma in companion animal bereavement counselling through the Animal Care College (www.animalcarecollege.co.uk).

Below is a résume of the academic training and experience gained throughout:

  • Attended First Aid for Animals at The Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire (May 2008, 2005 and 2002)
  • In 2005 worked with ‘Tilly’ our Black Labrador at The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme (puppy) via a local dog training club
  • Completed a 2 Day Canine Communication Foundation Course with Jan Fennell Amichien Dog Listeners Ltd in Lincolnshire (December 2003)
  • Attended a 2 day instructors workshop with our rescue dog ‘Cass’ at Odin Canine Services in Buckinghamshire (October 2003)
  • In August 2003 ‘Cass’ joined me on a one week residential instructor’s course with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT)
  • During 2001 I attended puppy/dog training classes with Jacqui O’Brien in the grounds of her home in Hertfordshire to be taught instructional methods at beginner level and, once again our dog ‘Cass’ joined me.
  • January to June 2001 ~ Employed in a veterinary surgery in Hertfordshire (assisted with puppy classes)
  • Summer 2000 ~ Worked in kennels at Colin Tenant’s canine and feline behaviour centre in Hertfordshire
  • Late 1990’s ~ Dog Walking at RSPCA Ridgeway/Hertfordshire
  • Late 1990’s ~ Completed beginner’s distance learning course on canine and feline behaviour with a Mr Cliff Dunnicliffe (Nottingham)
  • 1989 to 1993/94 ~ Attended classes with ‘Charlie’ my Rottweiler eventually participating in local club -v- local club competition.

The cat mats, dog rugs and "skinnies" came about in late 2004 early 2005 when I picked up my knitting needles once again (not having done so for many years) and, with my own pets and friends in mind decided to experiment with different yarns. Please go to the Gallery and have a look at some of my cat and dog clients who are now enjoying my designs.

Since joining the Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum (www.hvaf.org.uk) in 2010 I have gained much more confidence in my ‘design’ abilities and have decided to experiment further and I am studying:

"Connecting art to stitch" by Sandra Meech
"The art of knitting: Inspirational stitches, textures and surfaces" by Françoise Tellier-Loumagne
"Felted knits" by Beverly Galeskas.

Carol with Tilly