ABOUT US

Laura Wells, CVT, CCRP Pawz for Wellness owner Laura Wells started her professional work with dogs in 1985, after completing an internship at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Colorado and graduating from Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She is a certified veterinary technician and has been active in the veterinary community ever since. After the encouragement from local veterinarians and a board certified veterinary orthopedist Laura attended The University of Tennessee program for Canine Rehabilitation. Laura is also an owner and highly regarded breeder and handler of champion Rottweilers. Visit www.Wellslands.com to learn more Her professional affiliations include: Trap Falls Kennel Club (TFKC) – current President and current show chair; Member of American Rottweiler Club; Member of Colonial Rottweiler Club - past show chair; Member of Medallion Rottweiler Club. Her work and devotion to dogs is apparent with the care and consideration she shows to them in rehab, exercise and wellness. Laura’s extensive work with dogs and their owners enables greater understanding of what kind of programs and care your dog needs on a daily basis. A lifelong resident of Shelton, Laura is also a licensed real estate agent.

 

Linda Burns C.V.T., C.C.R.P. Linda comes to Pawz for Wellness after a long career in the human field. As a career change she transitioned into the field of Canine Rehabilitation. Linda first graduated from Northwestern Connecticut Community College with an Associates in Veterinary Technology, becomimg certified in 2011. Linda didn't want to pursue a traditional career in a Veterinary hospital so she continued on and earned her Bachelor's of Animal Science at University of Connecticut in 2013. While at Uconn Linda learned of the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner program at the University of Tennessee, finally finding the avenue she wanted to do. She went through the program and received her certification in 2016. Her major interest is in hospice care but enjoys seeing the improvements in all aspects of rehabilitation. In her spare time she is involved in rehabilitating wildlife, and likes to read and do embroidery. She lives in Watertown with her husband and one of her two daughters, she shares her home with her two dogs Dante and Bambi, her two cats Midge and Dakota and a 3 legged Bearded Dragon named Jackie.   Caidin Smith, BS Caidin graduated from the University of Delaware in 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science, with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. Caidin also competed as a Division 1 student-athlete. Caidin was thinking of pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Delaware and work in the sports medicine field, however, his love of animals eventually led him to obtain a job working at Brook Farm Veterinary Hospital in Patterson, New York as an assistant. Caidin then began working at VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral Center in Shelton, CT. While assisting in the care of a stray dog named Staffie who needed rehabilitation for his shattered pelvis and hind legs, Caidin learned that he could combine his love of animals with his passion for sports medicine and work in the canine rehabilitation field. Caidin found a great fit at Pawz for Wellness where he can use his knowledge of human science and medicine as well as hands on experience working in veterinary hospitals to help care for our canine clients, while learning the art of canine rehabilitation from Laura. Caidin is currently enrolled in a veterinary technician associate’s degree program and upon graduation will sit for the certification exam and plans to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Caidin also has an associate’s degree in medical assisting and was a Certified and Registered Medical Assistant. Caidin has a 7 year old male Labradoodle named Thomas.

Jill Bruno-Sarno BS, CVT, CCRP Jill is a recent addition to the Pawz For Wellness team. She comes to us with a lot of experience and will be bringing her skills in low level laser therapy to our center. Jill began her journey in veterinary medicine more then 10 years ago working for a private practice veterinarian while earning her bachelors degree in biology from Sacred Heart University. After earning her degree, Jill applied to veterinary school and was accepted to Ross University. Jill attended Ross from 2001-2002 but came home for personal reasons. She knew she wanted to continue on in the field of veterinary science but wasn't sure where she would fit. Soon after arriving home, Jill accepted a job at a large veterinary referral and emergency center in Norwalk, CT. It was during her employment as a surgical technician that Jill saw the need for post-operative and preventative rehabilitation. At the urging of the 2 board certified surgeons she worked for, Jill attended the University of Tennessee's program for canine rehabilitation. For the four years, Jill worked at the referral center, she was able to learn a great deal about the orthopedic and soft tissue injuries that commonly affect many of the patients we treat. She worked hand in hand with veterinary surgeons, neurologists and radiologist, to name a few, learning about abnormalities and how to correct them. In 2003, Jill obtained her certification as a nationally recognized veterinary technician and in June 2007, she obtained her certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner. In 2005 Jill left the referral center to work at a canine rehabilitation center in CT. She stayed there until 2006 when the center moved locations and Jill had to change jobs. Currently, Jill works part time at 2 other referral and emergency centers and loves the satisfaction she gets from helping animals and their owners. In addition to all of her veterinary experience, Jill has also been involved in breeding and showing dogs, agility work, and various forms of dog training. She also has a love for horses and has been riding showing, training and teaching for the past 15 years. Her hobbies include yoga, hiking with her dogs, riding and training her horse, and anything outdoors.

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101 Old Mill Road · Shelton, CT 06484 · PHONE: (203) 225-6999 · FAX: (203) 225-0629