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TD Korol
"Let's get her a beagle" are the words that began my love, fascination and now professional involvement with dogs. The first step in that journey was as a vet tech years before “vet tech” was a recognized career. My goal of a career in veterinary medicine unfortunately was tabled by a learning disability.
I went on to a BFA and MFA in design and design theory, creating award-winning graphics for national and international companies. My most well-known design is the Target logo.
After 22 years of serving clients in the advertising design world, I returned to my original love, challenged convention, moved to northern Vermont, designed and opened See Spot Run Boarding Kennel. As a community play kennel, it was the first of its kind in the state, garnering mention in the New York Times.
I became a contributing writer to the American Boarding Kennel Association trade journal.
During the first years of See Spot Run, I noticed that many of my visiting dogs, over time, were developing peculiar ailments—lupus, myelin sheath disorder, other immune deficiencies and various cancers. They became obese, developed chronic ear and skin problems, debilitating arthritis and some died well before their time.
Questioning industry standards and traditional veterinary convention led me to study alternative methods of care. I earned certification in canine massage (IAAMB, TTouch), acupressure, Reiki and canine homeopathy (NCH). I studied with Marty Goldstein, DVM (author of The Nature of Animal Healing), Randy Kidd, DVM, (author of Dr. Kidd's Herbal Care for Dogs) and Regina Detoro, DVM, learning herbalism, nutrition, the use of hydrosols, essential oils and nutraceuticals as they apply to dogs. In addition, I added certification in canine behavior via the Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic.
My philosophy of kenneling became radically different, dedicated to giving the visiting pet not only a real vacation but starting them on a healthier life. Dogs routinely were sent home in better shape than when they arrived. My practice in alternative and complementary canine care expanded to include the athletes of the sled dog/mushing community and local animal welfare groups.
Now in the Lowcountry I anticipate bringing a New View to canine care – one that combines all I have learned about nutrition, behavior, alternative health methods and the hands-on healing modalities.
My goal – good health, good behavior and common sense for all my dog friends.