Hi, I’m Jenna Westbrook. Welcome to Paw Rae, a calm corner of the internet for pet parents who want advice that feels clear, compassionate, and doable.
I’m someone who has absolutely stood in the pet food aisle reading labels like it’s a final exam. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting opinions, panicked after a late-night search, or quietly worried that you are “doing it wrong,” you are in the right place.
How I got here
I grew up fostering animals through my local humane society, which meant my childhood included bottle babies, shy dogs who needed patient confidence-building, and the kind of joyful chaos that teaches you early: behavior is communication, and every animal has a story.
That experience eventually led me into years working in veterinary clinics in a support role, helping care teams with day-to-day patient care and client education. Clinic life taught me a lot, like how to notice subtle signs of discomfort, how preventive care can change a pet’s quality of life, and how small adjustments at home can make a big difference for chronic issues.
But it also taught me something else: the internet can make kind, attentive pet parents feel terrible. I saw people walk in carrying a heavy mix of guilt and confusion after reading ten different “must-do” lists that did not match their dog, their cat, their budget, or their reality.
That’s why I shifted into writing full-time. I wanted to build a resource that feels like a steady hand on your shoulder: practical, judgment-free, and grounded in what actually helps.
What Paw Rae is about
Paw Rae’s mission is simple: to help you care for your pets with confidence and compassion.
Here, you can expect practical guidance shaped by real clinic experience and everyday life with animals. I focus on solutions that are:
- Kind, to pets and to the people who love them
- Clear, so you can take action without decoding jargon
- Realistic, for normal schedules, normal budgets, and real-life energy levels
- Safety-first, because good intentions still need guardrails
You’ll see topics like positive reinforcement training, preventive health habits, enrichment that fits into normal life, and nutrition basics that help you read labels without spiraling. I write most often for dogs, cats, and small pets like guinea pigs. If something is outside that lane, I’ll tell you.
What I do not cover: I do not provide dosing instructions, diagnosis-by-comment, or species-specific care for animals outside my scope (like reptiles or birds). For those topics, I will point you toward qualified experts.
My background
My background blends hands-on clinic experience with a deep love for behavior and enrichment. That means you’ll often find me writing about the practical “why” behind pet care, not just the “what.”
- Positive reinforcement training, including puppy basics, polite leash walking, and building confidence without fear
- Preventive health, like dental care, parasite prevention, senior pet comfort, and when a change is worth a call to your veterinarian
- Nutrition basics, including food sensitivities, label-reading, and how to have elimination-diet conversations with your vet without spiraling
- Small animal enrichment, from guinea pig habitat upgrades to boredom-busting routines
I’ll always encourage you to partner with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment decisions. My goal is to help you understand your options, ask better questions, and feel steadier about the plan you choose.
Meet my crew
At home, I’m kept humble and entertained by a very honest panel of critics:
- Buster, my goofy Golden Retriever mix who takes “joyful participation” seriously
- Luna, my senior rescue tabby who has strong opinions about beds, sunlight, and the emotional purpose of cardboard boxes
- Two highly vocal guinea pigs, who believe that all rustling sounds are, by law, vegetables
I’m also the person who tests interactive toys, food puzzles, and enrichment ideas, then reports back on what’s actually worth your time. If your cat is ignoring their pricey new toy or your dog is suddenly acting “weird” at night, I’ve probably been there, and I’ll help you troubleshoot calmly.
How I write
I take your trust seriously. When a topic involves health or safety, I rely on reputable veterinary sources and established best practices. That often includes guidance from organizations like the AVMA and AAHA when applicable, as well as veterinary hospital resources and peer-reviewed research when I can access it. I also flag uncertainty when it exists. If something is based on lived experience and not research, I will say so plainly.
Updates: I review and refresh articles as recommendations change, especially for safety, nutrition, and preventive care.
Medical note: Paw Rae is for education and support, not diagnosis or treatment. If your pet seems unwell, in pain, or “not themselves,” contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.
Transparency: Some pages may include affiliate links or sponsored recommendations. If they do, I’ll disclose it clearly. I only recommend products and routines I would feel comfortable using with my own animals and discussing with a veterinarian.
What you’ll find
You will find encouragement, realistic routines, and step-by-step guidance that respects your pet’s comfort and your bandwidth.
You won’t find scare tactics, shaming, or advice that assumes every pet is the same. Pets are individuals. Families are individuals. Care should be tailored, not copy-pasted.
When it matters, I’ll talk about red flags and when to seek veterinary care. I’ll also say plainly when something depends on your pet’s age, breed, history, or environment, because those details truly matter.
Start here
If you’re new here, start with the question that’s on your mind right now, whether it’s training, nutrition, enrichment, or simply figuring out what’s normal. You deserve pet care information that leaves you feeling more capable, not more anxious.
If you want a simple path forward, here are a few reader-favorite guides to look for on Paw Rae:
- New puppy basics
- New cat essentials
- Senior pet comfort
- Guinea pig setup and enrichment
Thank you for letting me be part of your pet’s story. I’m honored you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you and your animals thrive, one small, loving choice at a time.
