The Village Walker

     Jimmy Deaton

     I have lived in Alexandria, Va. for 12 years now after moving my family here from Capital Hill in 1995. Originally living in Del Ray, we bought our house in Warwick Village in December 2000.

     I was the Sr. Pet Trainer for PetsMart from 1998-2002. I recieved PetsMart's Associate of the Quarter two times in my 4 year period as well as 7 awards for providing oustanding customer service. Has a trainer I had the honor of helping train the canine companions to some of  Washington D.C.'s most distinguished residents ranging from White House personnal from two seperate presidents to Members of the House and Senate committee's. My own personal dog Dakota, was used by CNN in September 2001 for a week long special that aired nationwide on traveling with your pets. I also assisted in taking care of the search and rescue canines at the Pentagon after 9/11.

     In September 2002 I joined The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria as a animal care technician. During the period that I worked there I recieved numerous Letters of Recognition for outstanding performance in my duties of animal care.  

     In 2005 my co-workers and myself recieved honorable mention for the 2004 Animal Care Technician Team award given out by the Metropolitian Washington Council of Goverments Animal Services Committee. We were one of a handful of nominees recognized by the Council for providing outstanding animal care in this region.

      In 2006 I joined the Olde Towne Pet Resort has their Animal Care Specialist/Vet Technician where I supervised the evening crew and administered medications through various methods including oral, topical, injections and giving fluids. I also rendered emergency first aid as needed.

     In my 9 years being involved in the field of animal care I have been a member of the following organizations at one time or another:

     > Currently certified in pet first aid by the American Red Cross.

     > Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.    

     > Evaulator for the American Kennel Clubs Canine Good Citizen program.

     > Tester/Observor for Therapy Dogs, Inc.

     > Member of the North American Hunting Retriever Association.

     I have attended seminars on health related issues concerning cats and dogs in shelter settings and also attended a seminar on assessing canine behavior in a shelter settings by one of the leaders in the field, Sue Sternberg, while employed by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

     My current pets are two cats that I fostered then adopted at seperate times while working at A.W.L.A. Merry is my DSH female who is white with van markings. Little Bit is our DSH female tuxedo. Chris my male DSH was recently put down after fighting a battle of chronic UTI. Dakota my coonhound/pointer mix that I had for over 11 years since he was 6 weeks old is waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge due to complications from cancer and arthritus.

     My hobbies include working in the yard, reading, and riding my fixed gear/track bikes.