Adopted: February 2007
Number of pets: 4 cats: Bosley, Josette, Quentin and Freddy Porch
Shawn Downs came to work at PVH in February of 2007 as a member of the client relations team. It was his first job in the veterinary field, and he quickly came to enjoy his time spent behind the reception desk. Although he considered the possibility of becoming a nurse, he eventually decided that he is very content in his position as the “lobby guy”.
“I love greeting the pets when they come in,” he says. “Giving them a treat, a belly rub, helping them to feel less scared.” Even though he still maintains a second job at Giant in East York, Shawn admits that there is no doubt as to which job he prefers: “This job (at PVH) has my heart.”
Shawn’s love of animals comes as a direct result of adopting his first cat in 2001, a four-month old stray kitten which he named Bosley. His fur-covered family has since grown to a total of four with the additions of Quentin, Josette and Freddy Porch (this one named for the spot where he initially took up residence!).
Besides being “the biggest Cher fan in the universe”, Shawn reports that his favorite (and most unusual) hobby is his involvement in the Dark Shadows Fan Club. The organization is dedicated to the classic supernatural TV series from the 1960’s and holds annual conventions featuring the original cast members.
“It’s a howling good time,” he says. “We’re like a huge, weird family!”