A little bit about me and my dogs…

For 35 years, I've devoted myself to caring for animals in need, and I've cherished every moment of it.  I have always loved animals and nature.  When I grew up in Germany, I was not allowed to have a dog.  When I moved to the US in 1989, I volunteered at an animal shelter, followed by working as a veterinary assistant.  This experience eventually guided me to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.  Since 1998, I have been employed at North Carolina State University as a Small Animal Cardiology Clinical Technician.  I am proficient in canine and feline echocardiography, electrocardiography, assisting with non-invasive heart catheterizations and teaching the 4th year vet students all about cardiology.  In 2008, I became board certified with the Academy of Internal Veterinary Medicine organization as Veterinary Technician Specialist in Cardiology.  I am trained in canine and feline CPR.

I adopted my first dog, a golden retriever mix, in 1989, right after moving to the US.  I became interested in dog sports, especially agility, which I became addicted to.  My second dog Forrest, a collie mix, took me to my first agility Nationals, and we earned four Championship titles together.  A cute and extremely intelligent Jack Russell terrier pup then joined our family.  He is the coolest little dog.  Check out this video about him: https://youtu.be/HGqC2yoMdR8 .  Besides agility, he loved anything "rat", lure coursing, Rally-O, Frisbee, dock diving, and in his senior years, he stays fit hiking, swimming and exercising in his "gym". 

Rosi, an Old Time Scotch collie, became part of our family in 2019.  She is a certified therapy dog and enjoys herding livestock. Both Stewie and Rosi are also truffle dogs! 

Some of my other hobbies include pottery, fused glass, painting, gardening, cooking, swimming, hiking and traveling.

My passion for dog behavior, strengthening the human-canine bond and prioritizing the importance of keeping our dogs healthy and strong, made me pursue certifications as Canine Massage Therapist with Equissage® in 2021, and as Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach® with instructor Bobbie Lyons in 2023. 

My goal is not only to enhance the physical well-being of my own dogs, but also to serve others, enabling their dogs to perform optimally and lead happier and longer lives.   - Petra Vasilik -