Hello and welcome to my blog! I am Madeleine Cash, owner of Wagz from A to Z LLC. I am starting this blog so that there is a safe place for people to learn more information about their dogs and in turn, themselves. This is a judgment free zone, I am just here to help. I will be going over some training tips and tricks, FAQs, and more to help support you in your dog journey. If you have a question you would like me to answer, I would be happy to help! Please email wagzfromatoz@gmail.com and I will answer it as soon as possible.
A little about me.
I have been in the pet industry for about 8 years. I have dabbled in it all! I have worked in animal clinics, dog daycares and socialization, pet stores, pet and dog training with multiple companies, and through my dog walking company. I started my business officially in October of 2024, and am so happy to have started on this journey. Through all of my experiences, I have found that I have a passion for animals, dogs specifically.
It all started when my siblings and I finally convinced my parents to let us get a dog. His name was Reese, he was a cocker spaniel/border collie mix. He was the cutest little thing, black and brown with his little brown markings above his eyes making it look like he had eyebrows. Super fluffy and soft and of course, playful. I loved him from the second I saw him, and he ended up getting to be the one we took home with us and included into our family. I started taking him on walks the second we got home with him. I helped teach him a few tricks, a little bit of training, and most of all, loved him.
Fast forward to a hospital experience I had back when I was a teenager. One of the only things I remember about being in the hospital was the therapy dog that came to say hi to me during my stay. I remember how much it relieved the heaviness I had been feeling, just seeing the dog walking into my room. I remember how her head felt on my lap, and the gentle kisses she gave me, making me feel like it was going to be okay. And that’s when I truly realized how important animals can be in recovery and support. While I was at boarding school, there were a few dogs that stayed at the barn. Every single time I went down there, I felt a huge sense of relief and peace around the dogs, cats and horses. I was so lucky to be able to have their support during a tough time in my life.
Fast forward again, to when I was living on my own. I had a pretty rough go at “adulting” from the get go, but things started to turn around when I realized that I needed a dog. My dog, Ace, quickly became my rock and my reason. He has been an amazing companion and family member, and every day I feel blessed to have him in my life. He was a very hyper, sensitive, smart little guy, and I had my work cut out for me. As he continued to grow up, he became difficult to keep up with, due to lack of support and knowledge, and I felt like I was trying everything to get him to behave and keep him out of trouble. Man, if I knew what I know now, it would have been a much better experience. But we live and we learn and we teach so no one else has to go through what I went through with him!
I got him at only 6 weeks old, which is much too young. But, I was worried about him being used for evil since he was labeled as a pittie puppy in a known dog fighting area. So I got him anyway. The first night I brought him home, I decided he would be crate trained. Obviously, he wasn't potty trained, and I at least knew what would happen if he wasn’t in a crate while I was sleeping. Well, he cried, loud barking cries for about 2 hours. It was getting really late, and I was worried about my neighbors, and my roommate was starting to get upset. So guess what I did? You guessed it! I took him out and slept with him. And at first, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Until he pooped in my bed. And it only got worse from there. But because I gave in when he started to cry, I ended up with a dog that hated the crate, my glasses being chewed up, clothes being destroyed, chargers no longer being usable, and the list goes on.
Luckily though, I started working at a dog daycare where I learned all about how to handle dog behavior and how to train him properly, I even have him trained off leash! He went to daycare almost every day, and he loved it. I absolutely loved that job. I found a way to follow my passion, and it helped me grow a stronger, healthier relationship with my best boy. I stayed there for about 4 years, and learned so much about dog behavior, the dog language, how to have a healthy dog, and how to train dogs. I was so lucky to be able to learn from some of the best people.
Then I moved to Pennsylvania, and I continued my journey. I worked as a fence and obedience trainer, teaching dogs how to stay in their yards and have the freedom to explore their land while staying safe, and worked on obedience with people to help create more well rounded dogs and better bonds with their family. I worked in the vet field, where I realized how much respect I have for people that can help injured animals, but that wasn’t really where I wanted to be. I worked in a pet store and helped people as a trainer and a sales associate, which I really enjoyed when I was in the dog and cat section, not so much when I was with the fish and reptiles though. I also worked as a manager for a dog daycare, which was a great learning experience, but I really didn’t get to have enough time with the dogs, which is the whole reason I am in this field. And now, I am working with dogs myself, helping to train and socialize them through pack walks and individual sessions. I have really enjoyed getting to know them while we explore our little area of the world, along with helping people with their dogs at home and for walks. A strong bond and understanding between people and dogs is so important to having a healthy, happy life for all parties involved.
I am so excited to be able to be on this journey now, and look forward to seeing how it helps better the quality of life for these families. As this continues to grow, I will be working on the next step to this journey, which is a rescue rehabilitation center for people and animals. The company Wagz from A to Z will help support the rehab rescue, Healing Hope from A to Z. I am so blessed to have this vision, and am excited to see how it continues to grow and develop with time, and the difference it will make in animal and people lives.
As you can tell, I am very passionate about all of this! But if you made it this far, thank you for reading this about me and joining the journey. I hope I am able to help you, and in turn you are able to help others with the knowledge you receive!
Until next time!
Madeleine Cash
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