River Eure
Asheville,NC
Summary
Over ten years of professional experience working with animals of various taxa. Collegiate level understanding of the principles of operant conditioning and behavior change. Strong drive to increase adoptability of shelter animals, decrease lengths of stay, and ensure the animals leaving shelters are safe for the community.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavior Assistant
Asheville Humane Society
10.2022 - 07.2023
- Helped design behavior modification programs for shelter dogs to decrease their length of stay and increase adoptability.
- Monitored the shelter population for kennel deterioration, increases in stress and/or abhorrent behaviors, and other relevant behavior changes.
- Collaborated with team members to develop and troubleshoot dog behavior issues in the shelter population through clear notes and communication.
- Evaluated dogs' progress throughout their shelter stay by keeping accurate notes of all interactions with dogs.
- Assisted with the creation of intervention plans for shy/fearful, high arousal, and potentially aggressive dogs.
- Evaluated the dogs coming into the shelter and made disposition recommendations.
- Participated in and lead shelter dog playgroups.
- Paired staff members with dogs for additional daily enrichment and behavior observation.
- Counseled shelter visitors about training and enrichment needs for adoptable dogs.
Relocation Coordinator, Community Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator
Asheville Humane Society
08.2018 - 10.2022
- Organize interstate transport of dogs and cats
- Establish relationships with other rescues on the local, state, and national level
- Expedite the placement of purebred dogs, cats/dogs with specific medical needs, and farm animals
- Coordinate intake of animals from multiple shelters with the intent of interstate relocation
- Coordinate volunteer events and assist volunteers at these events with duties including walking/handling dogs and setting up carriers
- Keeping and preparing adequate medical and behavior records for each animal selected for interstate transport
- Assist with medical handling of all animals slated for transport
- Assist the Behavior Department with performing evaluations of dogs, including handling dogs and observing/reporting behavior
- Assist with mitigation between Buncombe County Animal Control or Asheville Animal Services and pet owners
- Provide owners with alternatives to surrender of their pet
- Organize and lead community vaccination clinics
- Answer and respond to calls and emails from members of the community needing assistance, law enforcement officers, and officials from partner organizations
- Counsel and educate pet owners on common problems leading to the surrender of animals.
Humane Law Enforcement Officer - Lead
Louisiana SPCA
03.2015 - 07.2018
- Capture, handle, and process stray and owned animals
- Locate sick/injured animals and transport them to a veterinarian
- Investigate complaints of animal cruelty and/or neglect
- Learn and be able to effectively communicate the purpose and benefits of local and state laws
- Train new team members in proper interaction with clients and pets
- Implement bite quarantine procedures for animals suspected of biting a human
- Issue citations for any observed violations
- Keep records and write reports for all cases
- Testify in municipal, civil, and criminal court
- Respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day when on-call
- Restrain animals for veterinary procedures
- Obtain and keep CAET credentials
- Assist owners with meeting requirements to reclaim animals brought into shelter as strays or by law enforcement
- Work cooperatively with all other shelter departments to ensure all animals in the shelter receive proper care.
Swing Keeper II, Operant Conditioning Keeper Representative
Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species
05.2012 - 03.2015
- Performed daily husbandry for birds, large hoofstock including eland and bongo, and small and large exotic cats including clouded leopards and lions
- Designed and implemented training plans for animals with stereotypic behaviors
- Designed and implemented enrichment for all animals at the facility
- Monitored health and behavior of exotic and domestic species
- Assisted veterinary staff with animal handling during medical procedures
- Prepared and administered daily medications and dietary supplements
- Prepared diets for birds, cats, and hoofstock
- Trained and worked with interns, volunteers, and temporary staff.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychology, Applied Behavior Concentration
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC01.2009
Skills
- Muzzle wrapping
- Extensive history with reading and interpreting canine body language
- Thorough understanding of dog-dog introductions and dog-human introductions
- Towel wrapping for small dogs and cats
- Using safety equipment such as snappy snares, catch poles, and humane traps
- Medical handling of dogs and cats
- Clicker training
- Enrichment program development
- Behavior change protocol development
- Blood draws from dogs and cats
- Understanding of computer programs used in shelter population management
- Experience with presenting at professional conference events
- Experience creating and following flexible work schedules for self and team members
- Able to quickly establish lasting professional relationships
- Able to establish strong rapport with clients
- Strong understanding of de-escalation techniques in stressful situations with clients
- Able to prevent negative animal/client interactions by assessing the situation fully
- Able to locate, comprehend, and use scholarly articles relevant to a professional issue
- Able to work well and complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment
- Vast understanding of how an animal’s environment can affect behavior
- Experience with leading and training team members
References
- Emily Gelb, Director, Access to Veterinary Care Network, ASPCA, emily.gelb@aspca.org, 828-490-7104
- Natasha Kush, Director, Shelter Dog Transport Alliance, natashakush@hotmail.com, 828-215-1367
- Miranda Tipton, Medical Manager, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Mhb.tipton@gmail.com, 828-505-3440
- Justin Blue, Former Humane Law Enforcement Supervisor, LA-SPCA, jwblue29@gmail.com, 402-980-0930
Certification
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - test date September 2024
- Certified Rabies Vaccinator - Buncombe County, 2020-present
- Certified Rabies Vaccinator - Madison County, 2023-present
- Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician - NC, 2019-present
Timeline
Behavior Assistant
Asheville Humane Society
10.2022 - 07.2023
Relocation Coordinator, Community Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator
Asheville Humane Society
08.2018 - 10.2022
Humane Law Enforcement Officer - Lead
Louisiana SPCA
03.2015 - 07.2018
Swing Keeper II, Operant Conditioning Keeper Representative
Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species
05.2012 - 03.2015
Master of Arts - Psychology, Applied Behavior Concentration
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of North Carolina Wilmington
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