Meet Erin Kowalski

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Kowalski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Erin, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my true calling and passion after navigating life and caring for Bialy. She was my first paralyzed and incontinent foster dog that I had the privilege of caring for and loving with all my heart. I did a lot of trial and error of how to best care for her figuring out how to bladder express, what diapers to use, and what therapy and training she best responded to. It was my experience with her that led me down my current path: starting a nonprofit organization and pet care business that caters to pets with mobility conditions, specifically those that are paralyzed, incontinent and have complex medical conditions.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Wild Hearts Pet Care were inspired by my own experience seeking care for Bialy. I called around to dozens of pet care businesses and veterinary clinics and not a single place would board her. I knew I was not the only pet parent with a pet needing more specialized care as I was working as an animal rehabilitation therapist. While working at the rehab clinic I began caring for my patients when their owners went out of town. It grew organically from there!

We provide a continuum of care including pet sitting and veterinary rehabilitation, resources and education, insight and consultation, and encouragement needed to ensure that pets with impaired function can enjoy long, active and happy lives. Pets in our care are not able to attend other facilities because of their mobility or medical needs and include those that are paralyzed, paretic, post-surgical, incontinent and others that need a higher level of care. Our team is composed of veterinary technicians and animal rehabilitation therapists that have years of unique experience and additional credentials + certifications that make us highly qualified and exceptional caregivers and educators.

Having multiple paralyzed and incontinent pets I’ve experienced first-hand the overwhelming demands and needs currently not met by any business in the area. Over the last decade I have furthered my own knowledge base seeking education, training, and certification in multiple disciplines including small mammal massage therapy, veterinary rehabilitation, and pet loss and grief counseling. I’ve also created, developed, and implemented educational classes and workshops for pet owners.

Because we cater to a unique niche of pets, we’ve already become a leader in the industry. There is no one providing a comprehensive list of services targeting this specialized and growing population of pets. The combination of my personal experience, professional achievements, network and demand allow this business to flourish.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Having uncompromising passion, an enthusiasm for knowledge, and desire to empower others have been the driving force of my journey. I think if you can find something that motivates you and has the potential to help even one person it is worth pursuing. Learning as much as you can about that topic to develop a product, service, or skill that benefits another individual can be life-changing.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
It’s my goal to partner with like-minded veterinarians, pet care professionals and animal lovers. I know there are others with similar passions that have different skills and experiences that complement the work and services we provide. I’d love to find individuals interested in improving pet mobility in various areas from veterinary care + research to product development and device manufacturing. Connecting through our website or social media platforms are welcomed.

Contact Info:

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