Kate O'Reilly
 My name is Kate O'Reilly and I am the owner of Animals First. Animals have always taken center stage in my life, both in work and pleasure.
In 1979, not long after finishing High school I began working full time at the Anti-Cruelty Society, a large and busy animal shelter in downtown Chicago. I knew then that working with animals was what I wanted to do forever. I learned much there that shaped the rest of my life. Although shelter work can be rewarding, I eventually left because it became emotionally draining to me.
Several years later, a partner and I opened a horse drawn carriage service in Seattle. I gained experience in the care and training of horses, as well as in the responsibilities of business ownership. I was involved in that business for 10 years. During those years I became interested in the sport of competition dog obedience training. In order to compete at AKC trials, you must have a purebred dog, so I chose to get an Airedale, having never known one personally. I fell in love with the breed and I still have Airedales and am still involved in that hobby. I also have a tabby cat named Fay who believes she is at least part dog.
After leaving the carriage business I worked in accounts recievable for 2 different companies over 6 years. I moved to Bremerton in April 2003 and felt sad every day when I had to leave my dogs alone during the long hours with the ferry commute. When I decided that I needed to hire a dog walker I found that Bremerton was sorely lacking for pet sitting services. I really wasn’t happy working in the office environment and I felt that my skills and knowledge would serve me well in this line of work, and so I opened Animals First in June of 2004. I love pet sitting and hope to be doing this for years to come!
Charlotte Coffey
 Charlotte Coffey has been caring for our clients’ cats and dogs since 2010. I have known her for over 30 yrs. She is our resident cat whisperer. Many shy felines warm up to her quickly.
She has always been an animal lover and grew up with dogs, cats and rabbits. She has a dog and cat of her own,
Sedona - a Rottweiler-Beagle cross, and Tinky, domestic short hair cat. Both are rescues and are the loves of her
life.
Before moving to Bremerton, Charlotte spent 15 years working as a sign language interpreter with Special Ed kids in the Public Schools of California and Illinois. She is enjoying her new line of work, the exercise she gets walking dogs and the quieter times of keeping kitties company.
Amber Fullerton
 Amber Fullerton moved to Bremerton with her husband Terry , who is in the navy and is stationed here. They are originally from Utah. I first met her as a client and was immediately impressed with the great care and love she gives to their 2 mixed breed dogs as well as her birds, a cockatiel and a green cheeked conure. Her pets glow with happiness. Her passion for animals is obvious.
Amber not only has experience with dogs and birds, she has also kept toads and salamanders in the past, and has knowledge and understanding of reptiles. She joined Animals First in Feb 2010. She has recently returned to work after taking a year off to care for her baby daughter. I feel very fortunate to have Amber with us and I hope she stays for a long time.
Christina Hamilton
 Our newest addition, Christina has been walking dogs with us since Sept 2011. She grew up in Kitsap County and is an artist and avid dog lover.
"I have always felt closer to animals and knew they were going to be a part of my life forever, since receiving my first mastiff puppy at age 5. Now I have a Lab mix named Dime. I love that I get to interact with different breeds every day. I enjoy the outdoors, as that is where I gather most of the inspiration behind my paintings. Walking dogs lets me get fresh air and fresh ideas. I truly enjoy learning the mannerisms of each different dog and imagining their human personality. It is hard to have a bad day when you surround yourself with such kind souls."
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