Maria Pellegrino

Bio

I started volunteering with Toronto Humane Society about 25 years ago. All I want to do is help the voiceless, bring awareness & education. I obtained my dog training certification with Animal Behaviour College and had a mentor who volunteered and was on the board with Cochrane Humane Society. I volunteered with the Burlington Humane Society with the dogs in care.

I then was offered to join the board of directors overseeing the volunteer and dog care portfolio. I implemented many new initiatives for all the volunteers and the dog curriculum. I served two terms and then stepped down. I went down to the US to volunteer with Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. I visited twice to volunteer with the dogs. I also went down to Colorado and volunteered with National Dog Mill rescue. Both organizations were truly amazing.

I worked at PetSmart for 4 years as a pet trainer and completed all of their courses. I was nominated and won twice as #1 pet trainer (Platinum & Gold) with Community Votes Burlington. I did leave PetSmart in the fall of 2023 as my previous store leader would allow me to conduct private sessions with dogs that had some behaviour issues. However, when a new store leader arrived, he would not allow me to do so. I now do private sessions and it is all word of mouth. A portion of the funds I receive I donate to rescues.

I volunteer with many rescues in a variety of capacities. I am a true believer education is important, especially with the breed of dog I have. Belle, was an owner surrender in February 2020. One of my pet parents did classes with me with her dog. Her daughter had a friend who wanted to surrender their dog, which I funneled her through one of the rescues I volunteer with. This poor girl was 7 months old and did not have a good life. She stayed with me for two weeks for assessment and she needed to be tethered to me or she would have attacked my husband. I kept her for another two weeks to work with her. She was afraid of everything.  It took me 8 months to teach her how to do one step as she was so afraid being thrown down a set of stairs. I will finish off that Belle is now part of St. John Ambulance Pet Therapy Program. 

Educate and Advocate. 

What do you believe you can bring to the board and the organization?

I am hoping I can help with education and advocate for the voiceless.

I am a true believer in training to strengthen the bond between the pet parent and their dog. With proper training brings structure and helps with obedience. I have studied and I am continuing my education in pet nutrition. Proper diet, vitamins, supplements, physical and mental enrichment is very important.

Why would you like to serve on the CAPDT Board?

I would like to help bring awareness to the organization and as well to bring myself to the next stages. I am hoping I can add value.