Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rosenfeldt.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At four years old, I found a robin’s egg. I knew momma birds sat on their eggs so that is just what I did. Although that was a terrible idea, I never gave up. I nurtured every animal I came across. Frogs, turtles, insects it didn’t matter. This continued through college where I kept a prohibited fish tank in my do my room. As a newly appointed adult, I began my professional career at a veterinary clinic, working my way up the ranks from receptionist and kennel attendant to bather, groomer, and eventually senior technician in emergency care. I began dabbling in wildlife rehabilitation- raising baby birds and squirrels. In 2003 an osprey was brought to a clinic I was working in. This osprey was “Ozzie”” one of the resident pair at the Daytona Cubs Stadium. He had been hit by a baseball intentionally. It was a national news story. Ozzie’s injuries were severe. He eventually succumbed to them. Unbeknownst to us, .The care of wild life required a special permit. We were given a warning and it was then that I began as a permitted volunteer at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Central Florida. Here I further learned about husbandry and healing. I have been their permitted volunteer for over 20 years. In 2005 I established a mobile grooming service. With loyal customers, I dedicated 20 + years to them. All the while making observations about their health. I developed close relationship with the owners and began learning about how their veterinary visits would go. There was something lacking. It is my nature to problem solve. I would begin learning what else may help them. For years each pets condition prompted me to seek further information. I was intrigued with integrative and holistic methodology. I studied each condition and it led me to open my mind to the benefits of nutrition, naturopathy and communication. Still another opportunity presented itself. In 2022 I began another volunteer experience at the Central Florida Animal Reserve. Where I began to learn about the compassion, conservation and commitment those who care for big cats possess. With all this experience one thing was clear. I would share the benefits of proper care and commit to helping pets achieve optimal health and thrive in their youth through their senior years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The only thing that held me back was me. I am a bit of an introvert, as many who are passionate about animals are. We can communicate with animals just fine but we forget many of them have people attached that care for them. Because of my insecurity, I felt that if I can educate myself on each topic I would have a steady stream of content to lay out to a person without having to construct an uncomfortable small talk conversation. Because of this my communication is much improved although, sometimes I struggle to articulate ideas.
We’ve been impressed with Jennifer’s Dramatic Paws, LLC , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
This year I am launching a Pet Health Coaching initiative. As I transition from my mobile grooming business, I offer my current clients steps to improve their pets- in sickness and in
health. Some heed the advice with success and sometimes I give unsolicited advice that is not implemented. I am excited to work with clients that are actively seeking the advice for their pets. Someone that feels the care they have been getting is not comprehensive enough. I am here for the caregiver that sees their cat struggling to acclimate to a new home. Someone with a pet bird that is plucking their feathers out. A dog that has chronically itchy skin despite being prescribed medication from the vet. Other options are available. I have spent the last 15 years not only researching but just staying abreast of the new methods, strategies and products developed to aid in preventative care, recovery and restorative maintenance of many species of pets.
There are not many pet health coaches out there yet, but they are starting to emerge. It is proving to be a helpful service to fill a gap between home care and veterinary care. As veterinary care has become corporatized, it is becoming increasingly expensive and less personal. A Pet Health Coach, will guide caregivers to make healthful decisions to keep their pet out of the veterinary office for illness related visits .
As a pioneer Pet Health Coach, my 30 years of experience in multiple facets of animal care are a great asset to my clients. Each pet is unique and requires customized plans. My services are a guided exploration on nutrition, communication and environment.
In nutrition education and meal planning, diet is the most influential foundation of health. It is the easiest to manipulate. Food delivers raw materials to the body that it can use to: ensure optimal immune function, facilitate detoxification pathways, aid in repairing tissues and balance hormones. I can explain why the current food is an obstacle, not an advantage to health. Then I will give a plan to incorporate fresh food to nourish the body in an incredibly beneficial way.
Another, often overlooked strategy is communication. What your pet tries to communicate to you may be a missing link in their wellness. It is crucial to acknowledge pets’ natural behavior. Dogs dig, rabbits chew, birds fly, cats jump.
When they cannot do these things it impedes natural pathways of mental and physical discharges of energy. It is our job to structure enrichment that satisfies their needs while appeasing ours. If we can understand what it is they are asking for, we can offer games, toys, sensory activities that fill the space. The preferred method of enrichment is training. There is an enlightened feeling that is observed when an animal and a human connect on plane of mutual understanding.
A pet’s environment is a critical assessment to reduce challenges to health. Hidden toxins, impending accidents and frustrating spaces will surely put a strain on the pets body. I help identify the objects common knowledge neglects to recognize or is collectively espoused to be of no consequence. Then we work to either eliminate the offenders or mitigate the effects.
Anyone who cares for a pet has the best intentions. But, all that glitters is not gold. We can be misled by marketing and the status quo.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
It may be obvious but, I am a bit consumed with animals, I find our area to be an incredibly pet friendly region. Because of the great weather certain animals are more commonly found as pets, like birds and reptiles. Our pets are welcomed to many restaurants, beaches and parks. There are a wide array of locations to see and learn about wild animals and captive species. There are many interest groups for dogs like agility, dock diving, nose work.
The areas that frustrate me are the traffic and frantic way of living. Our area is fast paced and it affects our need for relaxation and focus on stress reduction.
I would also like to see more integrative and holistic veterinarians in the area, especially in Volusia county.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jennifersdramaticpaws.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_jdpaws?igsh=MXZ0dWtuMG5mY2Voaw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifersdramaticpaws
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-rosenfeldt-44a81b111
- Twitter: https://x.com/DramaticPawsNSB
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jennifersdramaticpaws?si=JvCxHrnNi8XhxcC1
