The Love Behind Love on a Leash: Jennifer McMullan

Jennifer McMullan maintains that she’s had an intense and abiding love of animals since almost before she can remember. A pet owner all her life, Jennifer began handling dogs in the show-ring at just four years of age. Competing in Junior Showmanship at dog shows, she won the BC zone champion finals at just 13 and was thrilled when, as a result, she and her Irish Setter, Courtney, were flown to Toronto to compete against the top juniors in the country. “I have traveled all over Canada and the United States,” says Jennifer, “showing, working and training my client’s dogs. Handling, dog nutrition, training and being with dogs is my passion.”

Though some might think that the distance between pampered show dogs and beloved pets was too big to breach, Jennifer doesn’t think so. In high school, Jennifer says, she volunteered at her local SPCA where she learned that her love of dogs transferred very easily to the canines in the deepest need.

“At the SPCA,” Jennifer says, “I would assist in walking, socializing, and feeding the dogs that were brought into the kennels. In many cases the dogs would come in as rescues, or owner surrendered and were in a sad state or badly abused.” Jennifer would help with grooming and bathing the dogs knowing that they would be more comfortable and feel better.

Her passion for pets extends to helping raise funds for dogs in need and she has worked with several doggy fundraisers on the Lower Mainland. “For me,” Jennifer says, “nothing is better than being able to spend time with my furry friends!”