The care and love given to so many beloved pets will be highlighted during this event, and business owners of unique pet products and services will provide personal stories and anecdotes as to why they have gone above and beyond for their four-legged friends. Join licensed physiotherapist, canine rehab therapist, speaker, educator, social media influencer and dog parent Sarah MacKeigan (’99); Cindy James (’87), President of Crafty Beasts Brewing Company and creator of Canada’s first beer for dogs; and Olivia Shive (’21), animal enthusiast and sales representative at Elanco Animal Health in Alberta for what is sure to be a lively, entertaining and informative discussion. Executive Director, Alumni Affairs Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06) will moderate the event.

Register HERE.

Presenter bios:

Sarah MacKeigan (’99)

Sarah MacKeigan (’99) is a licensed physiotherapist, canine rehab therapist, speaker, educator, social media influencer and, most of all, an inspired dog parent. She is passionate about empowering the dog parent and has successfully executed a non-traditional approach to canine rehabilitation, founding Upward Dog Rehab and Wellness in 2019, educating thousands of dog parents online with a social media platform serving over 16,000 followers.

After living with a dog with degenerative myelopathy (DM) for almost five years, she has a very personal experience in “living with a dog with a disability.” There came with the rise of COVID-19 in 2020 social isolation, “pandemic puppies” and the changing delivery of vet care as vets were unable to allow owners into their clinics. Sarah saw a trend online of dog parents/owners turning to social media for help with their dogs’ injuries. In response, she created the online community “Living with Dogs with Disabilities” and in 18 months it has grown to over 3,000 members. The group gives hope to dog parents, hosting over 60 professional livestreams and interviews focusing on canine rehab.

Sarah treats dogs locally and educates globally to empower dog parent active participants in enhancing their dog’s mobility and quality of life despite injury and disease. Her motto says it all: “It’s not over. It’s just different.”

To learn more or connect, please visit: http://upwarddogrehab.com

Cindy James (’87)

Cindy James (’87) is the President of Crafty Beasts Brewing Company. She is the creator of Canada’s first beer for dogs. Yup, you read it right – a craft beer made for dogs. FETCH Canine Pale Ale uses upcycled Canadian fruit, vegetables and a few secret ingredients to create a brew that is slurping good and nutritionally balanced. And no, it doesn’t have alcohol in it! FETCH can be found in 90 pet stores, dog daycares and dog-friendly taprooms across Canada.

Olivia Shive (’21)

Olivia Shive (’21) is originally from the East Coast of Canada, currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta. She is a recent Acadia University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Growing up on a horse farm with two generations of veterinarians before her, Olivia has always appreciated animal health and aspired to work in the field. She loves dance and golf. She has had the privilege of volunteering and working in various animal hospitals during her student years and recently joined Elanco Animal Health, working as a sales representative.