Hi I’m Serena! I was raised in the South Bay and graduated from the University of Southern California in 2020. My history with pets truly began when I met my best friend Lucky at the age of five and it was then that my life changed forever. For 18 years I learned from Lucky about all things dog but also about life and love – we formed a connection that was stronger than any I have ever known. In 2020, my best friend passed away and in is honor, I use his own paw as my logo.
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As I grew up, I continued to love pets as I loved my own but it wasn’t until 2016 during my high school senior project that I realized I could turn my passion for animals into a lifelong career. I was given the amazing opportunity to volunteer with South Bay Mobile Vet alongside Dr. Deborah Robertson, a family friend and veterinarian with over 30 years of experience, many of those years include taking care of my own dogs. I continued to work with her on and off as a Veterinarian Assistant for many years. Dr. Robertson has taught me everything I know about the medical side of the pet world and I couldn’t be more grateful for her taking me under her wing.
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Throughout the years, I have also volunteered my time with Animal Hospital of South Bay, Wags & Walks, South LA Animal Shelter, and The Amanda Foundation. I was also a member of USC Providing Animals With Shelter (PAWS) and volunteered with them throughout my college career.
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In the summer of 2018, I participated in an internship with The Puppy Academy where I learned about dog psychology and puppy training. I also became a certified Instructor of Pet CPR and First Aid. During that same summer I also decided to become an independent contractor for the companies Wag! and Rover, completing over 200+ walks, sittings, and visits. That summer, I dedicated all my time to pets and I had the best time of my life.
Since 2018, I have completed thousands of bookings including Dog Training, Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Visits, & More. Through this work, I have obtained extensive experience with cats and dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Since graduating from college, I have dedicated myself to building my business, continuing my dog training education, and pursuing my dream full time. I am proud to say that Sandy Paws South Bay is an official, insured LLC! In 2022, I also achieved my AKC CGC Evaluator Certification and ABCDT Dog Trainer Certification. As a Certified Dog Trainer, I specialize in in training that is Positive Reinforcement Based R+, Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA), and Relationship and Science based. My training is fully customizable and addresses the needs and desires of each dog and dog owner.
Pets are my passion and this work is so much more than a job for me. I know that I am going to be doing this for the rest of my life. Come join me and my team on our journey to “know all the paws” in the South Bay!