InfoStream Staff
Writer
InfoStream (IS): How did you come to
be involved in the pet industry?
Valina Pope (VP): I had plans for university at a very young
age. I wanted to do something in medicine, or genetics, and research involving
both. However, after
working so hard in school and saving money, I was in a head-on collision on a
major highway. One of my many injuries was head trauma, which has resulted in
long-term memory issues. To this day, I can not remember the years since the
accident, but the years before are crystal clear! I could not attend university
due to my injuries.
I was employed by Colette Francis (Pooch
Palace Kennels) as kennel help after the accident. She taught me what it meant
to be an ethical breeder, regardless of what you breed. She opened my eyes!
So, when I applied the knowledge I have kept
from before the accident to my current life, somehow, I ended up breeding
Labrador Retrievers! I chose “labs” because of the potential to create genetically superior pets
that can better serve as healthier, longer-lived pets and assistance dogs. We
have already seen some of the results of our unique approach to breeding.
IS: What is driving
your passion in the pet industry?
VP: I feel that if we can truly work
together, we can build a positive pet experience, as well as eliminating the
suffering of animals - both homeless and poorly homed.
IS: What is the most
satisfying part of your job?
VP: Personally, the moment for me, is seeing
the positive difference I have made in families across North America.
IS: What is the most
challenging part of your job?
VP: Well, the more people I meet, the more I
like my dogs! The most difficult (although rewarding) part of my job is the
struggle to educate people. It feels like some people will not, or can not, be
taught or want to learn! It can be frustrating. At the same time, when
successful, this can be one of the most rewarding experiences!
IS: Do you have any
programs/ initiatives that you are especially passionate about?
VP: We are working to improve the quality of
pet we offer, the education we can provide, and the ways in which we deliver
these. I hope to use collaboration between different branches/organizations
involved in the pet experience to accomplish this.
IS: What would you like
to see happen in your sector over the next few years?
VP: Further collaboration of vested parties
to benefit the pets and companion animals in our reach.
IS: What was your
experience at the Summit?
VP: My experience was very good. It taught
me lessons I can apply both professionally, as well as personally. I couldn’t
have hoped for more!
IS: How might attending the Summit have helped you in your
mission?
VP: Attending the Summit enabled me to meet
many new people in the industry and will help me along the path that I hope to
tread for many years to come. I will be applying the many lessons I learned at
the Summit to all aspects of my career and projects over the coming years.
IS: What kind of an
impact do you expect this to have on the Companion Animal Industry?
VP: Ideally, of course, we all hope to begin
a wave. Like ripples in a pond, we aspire to change the world around us. Some
of our efforts will be, of course, quieted by larger waves. But that can not
dissuade us from making a splash when something really matters!
Valina Pope is the owner of Starstruck Labradors and was awarded the Rolf C. Hagen Scholarship for her contribution to Retail and Commercial Services.
Valina has adopted one of the more unique models for breeding and raising dogs on a larger scale. Starstruck Labradors involves more than 30 breeding Labrador Retrievers, each living in a home environment with their families. Given that one of the largest concerns with commercial breeding facilities is the welfare of the adult female dogs, this model is of great interest.
To encourage the highest quality of care, Valina has developed a strong contract and holds her adoptive families accountable. The adoptive families agree to breeding their pet and Valina is responsible for finding homes for the puppies. Only once has she needed to remove one of her dogs from a home that was not living up to her required standards.
