This month, we thought we’d feature the women who have joined us to make Paws For Thought what it is today – the assistants. Some of you will have met Maddy, the girl with the straight face and the dry sense of humour who has worked with us this year; she’s taking her Level 3 BTec in Animal Care and has a serious ambition to become a vet. Many more of you will know Evie, dedicated to the whole range of cats left in our care whether they’re lively, snoozy, chatty or shy. Evie is taking her Level 2 BTec in Animal Care and is still working out what she wants to do after her exams are over (but it should be with animals – she loves the cats!)
Customers with longer memories of Paws For Thought will remember Eren. Eren came to us some years ago as part of her university studies. When she left… well, the rest of this blog is in Eren’s own eloquent words. All we’ll say is that we are very proud of her and wish her success and happiness in her career.
Eren with a Eurasian Eagle Owl – the largest European owl species.
“My journey in the world of animal care began at Writtle University College, where I pursued a two-year Level 3 Advanced Extended Diploma in Animal Management. This course laid the foundation of my animal care knowledge, focusing on critical areas such as husbandry and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, giving me a strong understanding of legislation and ethical practices in animal management.
While studying, I also worked at Paws for Thought Cattery, a truly life-changing experience. Working alongside Rob and Denise, two amazing friends whom I deeply appreciate, I not only gained practical skills but found a second home. In fact, I loved it so much at Paws for Thought that I eventually moved in!
There, I learned to administer medications including thyroid tablets and insulin injections for diabetic cats, as well as how to assess and handle different feline behaviours with confidence. Rob and Denise taught me so much about cat behaviour, safe handling, and the daily realities of working in animal care. I also got involved in tasks like checking inoculation records, completing invoices, and meeting and greeting customers. All essential parts of running a professional and welcoming cattery.
I finished my college diploma with two merits and a distinction, which opened the door to the next phase of my journey: a BSc in Zoology with Animal Management at Bangor University.
Over the past three years, I’ve delved into a wide variety of scientific and practical modules. In evolution and genetics, I studied DNA structure and phylogenetic trees, gaining a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Vertebrate biology gave me insight into life from chordates and fish to mammals, and in animal husbandry, I even completed a faecal egg count from sheep at Henfaes Farm, a hands-on experience that really brought theory to life.
Henfaes University Farm – with Steve Backshall, honorary lecturer
One of the most fascinating modules I completed was Animal Behaviour, where we explored complex questions like whether animals can feel pain, how they express emotions, and how we define animal cognition. This module deepened my understanding of how animals experience the world, reinforcing the importance of welfare-focused practices in both captivity and the wild.
One of the highlights of my university experience was a summer placement at The Owls Trust, where I not only learned to handle owls but also gave public talks about them. This was also where I gathered data for my 6,000 word dissertation, which explored how manipulation of enrichment affected owls in zoo enclosures, a project that fuelled my interest in animal behaviour and welfare.
In addition to practical work, I also became proficient in statistical analysis and R Studio, which I used to visualize data and test for statistical significance across various projects. This blend of academic and practical knowledge has prepared me for the real-world challenges of animal care and research.
As I graduate in July this year, I’m excited to take the next step in my journey. I’ll be traveling to New Zealand, Australia, and Africa, volunteering on wildlife conservation projects and working with diverse species. My ultimate goal is to secure a role in the conservation sector, where I can apply everything I’ve learned to protect and support animals in need.
From my early days in the cattery to my university studies and now onward to international conservation, it’s been an incredible journey, and I’m only just getting started.”
Eren at work at The Owls Trust
