Pentland Petsitting is run by Joanne Drysdale (nee Vasey). I grew up in Balerno and currently live in Kirknewton with my husband Niall, our 4 dogs and 3 terrapins.
I have plenty of experience working with as well as owning all kinds of animals. My own pets currently include my cocker spaniels Lily and Krumble and my lurchers Arwen and Lyra plus three terrapins. I only rehome rescue animals and have had a huge variety of small pets over the past few years mainly from the SSPCA's Lothian Animal Welfare Centre in Balerno where I volunteered from 1997-2000.
In 2001 I took a year out after high school to travel abroad and work with animals in Australia. I spent a month at a safari park and also a wildlife rehab centre.
I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Care from Aberdeen University from 2002-2005.
In 2006 I completed a dog grooming course at Oatridge Agricultural College
I hold an animal first aid certificate from Animal Aiders (2009)
At the moment I am an area co-ordinator with Springer Rescue for Scotland and also volunteer with various other rescues including LurcherLink where I adopted my two lurchers. I regularly foster rescue dogs and often get asked to take dogs with behavioural issues and see if these issues can be overcome. Quite a few of my fosters have been at risk of euthanasia due to aggression or other issues but all have gone on to be rehabilated and found loving new homes.
I have recently started another degree in canine behaviour & training and aim to be a professional behaviour counsellor (APBC registered) upon completion.
Work experience: I have volunteered with the SSPCA (Balerno), Edinburgh Zoo, Monarto Zoo (Australia), Gorgie City Farm, various wildlife rescue centres (UK and Australia) as well as stables and farms. I have hand-reared small animals including kittens and kangaroos and I have helped to rehabilitate feral cats into loving domestic pets. I have also helped to train mistreated German Shepherds some of which are now police dogs!