Born in Parkville MD, Taylor Svoboda is a lifelong fan of animals. In fact, one of her earliest memories is using the family dog as a kiddie couch when she curled up to watch “Rugrats”. Since then, her love for animals (especially dogs) has only grown more passionate.
“Animals have been my life ever since I’ve had a life,” Taylor says proudly.
After graduating from Dallastown High School, Taylor immediately enrolled in the veterinary technician program at YTI Career Institute. She joined the animal care staff at PVH in October 2014, and was very grateful to find so many teammates willing to help with her studies. She especially thanks the senior nurses who have always taken the time to guide her.
“This job is probably the best opportunity that could have been given to me,” she says. “It’s a great place to be.”
The inspiration to pursue a career in veterinary health care actually came at a painful price for Taylor. At the age of 10, while the family was on vacation, her beloved dog Baby became very ill. They came home to find out that the vet had diagnosed Lyme disease, cancer, and possible poison ingestion. She could not stand up on her own, and the family made the sad decision to euthanize Baby.
“I just always felt that some of that could have been avoided in some way,” she remembers. “She was such a good pet and friend.”
For Taylor, Baby was the first of many pit bulls to steal her heart. She takes particular interest in the breed and is saddened by the negative reputation they have endured. Referring to her favorite show, Animal Planet’s “Pit Bulls and Parolees”, Taylor hopes to one day open her own pit bull shelter.
“I’m interested in anything that has to do with making their lives better,” she vows. “I want to become the best veterinary technician I can possibly be.”